China’s Theme Parks Face Slower Growth as Shanghai Legoland Opens
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As Shanghai’s long-awaited Legoland theme park prepares for its grand opening on July 5, the century-old Global Association for the Attractions Industry (IAAPA) offered a more measured outlook for China’s booming theme park industry.
On July 1, Jakob Wahl, the IAAPA President and CEO, said that China is currently home to 4,437 large-scale attractions and amusement parks. He projected that, supported by the entry of more international intellectual properties (IPs) and new park openings, the industry’s compound annual growth rate (CAGR) could reach 19% over the next three years.
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- China has 4,437 large-scale attractions, with theme park industry CAGR revised to 19% for the next three years, down from a previous 28.2% forecast.
- Shanghai Legoland, a $550 million park, opens July 5 amid tepid initial interest and technical glitches.
- Asia-Pacific theme park market is projected to reach $19 billion by end of 2025 with over 425 million visitors; operators are encouraged to diversify offerings and boost visitor spending.
- Legoland
- Shanghai's Legoland theme park is preparing for its grand opening on July 5th. It is a $550 million park located in Shanghai’s Jinshan District and began trial operations on June 20th. Legoland is one of the major destinations that arose from China's explosive theme park growth between 2010 and 2020.
- Universal Studios Beijing
- The article mentions Universal Studios Beijing's opening, noting the "ticket frenzy" it generated, contrasting with Legoland Shanghai's more subdued launch. It is cited as a major theme park that emerged during China's explosive industry growth between 2010 and 2020.
- Disneyland
- During China's theme park industry boom from 2010 to 2020, Disneyland emerged as a major destination. While the article mentions it alongside other prominent parks like Universal Studios and Legoland, it doesn't provide specific details about Disneyland itself.
- Harry Potter Studio Tour
- The Harry Potter Studio Tour, a 2.8 billion yuan project, is scheduled to open in Shanghai by 2027. This signifies the continued interest of international intellectual properties in the Chinese market. It is mentioned as an example of foreign brands flocking to the market.
- Peppa Pig outdoor theme park
- Asia's first Peppa Pig outdoor theme park is scheduled to open in Shanghai by 2027. It is cited as an example of continued foreign brand investment in China's theme park market despite a slowing growth rate.
- Between 2010 and 2020：
- China's theme park industry experienced explosive growth, leading to the establishment of major parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Legoland.
- 2023：
- IAAPA issued its Global Theme Park Outlook, forecasting CAGR for 2023–2027.
- June 20, 2025：
- Shanghai Legoland began trial operations.
- July 1, 2025：
- IAAPA President Jakob Wahl provided updated projections and data on China's theme park industry.
- By the end of 2025：
- IAAPA forecasts that the Asia-Pacific theme park market will reach $19 billion and more than 425 million visitors.
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