Three major themed attractions are highly anticipated: Shanghai Disneyland, Beijing Universal Studios, and Shanghai Dream Center.

▲ Shanghai Disneyland boasts the tallest Disney castle in the world. (Photo / From Shanghai Disneyland WeChat)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

In addition to Shanghai Disneyland's upcoming opening in spring 2016, Universal Studios has also announced plans to build the world’s largest Universal Studios park in Beijing, expected to open in 2019. The construction of multiple globally renowned large-scale theme parks, including Shanghai Disneyland, Beijing Universal Studios, and Shanghai Dream Center, is also making the new tourism landscape in mainland China highly anticipated.

▲ A Star Wars-themed area will be featured in Shanghai Disneyland. (Photo / From Shanghai Disneyland WeChat)

[Shanghai Disneyland]
Expected opening time: 2016
Features: The world’s tallest Disney castle, richer movie and American superhero elements.
Shanghai Disneyland, scheduled to open in spring 2016, is the sixth Disney park in the world and the first in mainland China. Covering approximately 3.9 million square meters, it is about 2–3 times the size of Hong Kong Disneyland.

Shanghai Disneyland has planned six major themed lands: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, Treasure Cove, and Fantasyland. It will also feature the world’s tallest and largest Disney castle. Many traditional rides will be adapted with new Disney elements, along with brand-new attractions such as TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Garden of the Twelve Friends, and Tomorrowland. The Star Wars Launch Bay and Marvel Universe will cater to different types of visitors.

After its opening, Shanghai Disneyland will set five new records among Disney parks, including the first castle to feature all Disney princesses, the first pirate-themed land, the first water ride “Soaring Over the Horizon,” the first ride “TRON Lightcycle Power Run,” and the only “Garden of the Twelve Friends.” Additionally, the stage performance of "The Lion King" will be staged in Mandarin for the first time at Shanghai Disneyland.

▲ Beijing Universal Studios will be the world’s largest Universal park and will feature a Harry Potter Wizarding World themed area. (Photo / Osaka Universal Studios, photo by You…)

[Beijing Universal Studios]
Expected opening time: 2019
Features: The world’s largest Universal Studios park
Officially signed in September by both Chinese and American parties, Beijing Universal Studios will be the sixth Universal Studios park globally and the third in Asia. With a total area of 4 square kilometers, it will be the largest in the world—twice the size of Osaka Universal Studios and five times that of Singapore Universal Studios.

Beijing Universal Studios is expected to feature themed attractions such as Harry Potter Wizarding World, Transformers, Despicable Me Minion Land, and Jurassic Park. It also plans to incorporate more Chinese elements to attract international visitors.

Beijing Universal Studios will include a theme park, shopping mall, and the world’s first Universal-branded resort hotel. Future expansions will include additional theme parks, water parks, and other resort hotels, with an expected annual visitor capacity of 10 million.

▲ Shanghai Dream Center, backed by US DreamWorks, will become the world’s third-largest urban cultural and entertainment hub, akin to Broadway. (Photo / From Shanghai Dream Center official website)

[Shanghai Dream Center]
Expected opening time: 2017
Features: The world’s third-largest urban cultural and artistic entertainment center
Compared to the entertainment-focused Shanghai Disneyland and Beijing Universal Studios, Shanghai Dream Center is more akin to Broadway or London’s West End, emphasizing cultural and entertainment experiences. Developed by DreamWorks Animation, which produced films like Kung Fu Panda and Shrek, along with Hong Kong and mainland Chinese partners, the center spans 152,300 square meters.

The site will feature 12 creative cultural buildings, including the headquarters and office towers of Oriental DreamWorks, as well as a concert hall, artist studios, and performance theaters. For movie premieres, a 500-seat IMAX cinema is also planned. As investors include the Lan Kwai Fong Group, the center will also host China’s largest Lan Kwai Fong entertainment district.