China's first Legoland theme park will open in summer 2025 in Shanghai, its developers announced on Nov. 6 during the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.

Children pose for photos at the Legoland Shanghai Resort booth during the seventh China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Merlin Entertainments]

The new Legoland Shanghai Resort, situated in Fengjing town of Shanghai's Jinshan district, will mark the brand's 11th location worldwide. The park will cater to families with children ages 2-12 and feature more than 75 interactive rides, shows and attractions spread across eight themed areas, complemented by a 250-room Lego-themed hotel.

The resort will showcase Shanghai's local character and traditional water town heritage, featuring a distinctive Monkie Kid zone inspired by the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West" and the Monkey King legend. It will be the first Legoland park to feature a themed area based on Chinese folklore, aiming to connect young visitors with their cultural roots through traditional Chinese architecture and iconic landscapes.

"China is a key growth market for us, and Legoland Shanghai Resort is an important step in our development strategy for this market," said John Jakobsen, chief operating officer of Legoland Resorts Group. "We look forward to it becoming a popular family-friendly destination in the Yangtze River Delta region after its grand opening next year."

John Ussher, senior divisional director of Legoland Developments, added the company is fully committed to presenting an immersive Lego-themed world to visitors in 2025, using the narrative style of a theme park to showcase the endless fun, creativity and imagination of Lego bricks.

Most of the ride equipment for Legoland Shanghai Resort has arrived in China and entered the installation phase, including the iconic roller coaster. The resort aims to begin ride testing by the end of the year. All buildings are progressing to the stage of exterior theming and interior decoration, while landscaping and paving in some areas continue.

The resort unveiled a concept video at CIIE previewing the visitor experience. The company also launched a membership program that offers exclusive benefits, including construction updates, early ticket access and limited-product offerings.

A roller coaster under construction at Legoland Shanghai Resort. [Photo courtesy of Merlin Entertainments]

Li Zelong, head of Jinshan district, said Legoland Shanghai Resort has been instrumental in the district's cultural and tourism transformation. He said the district will continue supporting the resort's development while promoting growth in surrounding services such as dining, lodging and transportation to enhance Jinshan's tourism appeal.

As a major tourism project under Shanghai's 14th Five-Year Plan, Legoland Shanghai Resort is jointly funded by Shanghai Jinshan Urban Construction Investment Group Co. Ltd., Kirkbi A/S, Merlin Entertainments and CMC Inc. The resort aims to advance Jinshan district's cultural and tourism sector, driving higher quality development as a regional landmark.

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