The government of a Shanghai township began relocating residents
yesterday to pave the way for the construction of a Disney theme
park, according to sources close to the project.
The relocation in Chuansha Town suggests that the eastern
metropolis is confident about getting the green light from the
central government for its theme park, which is widely expected to
open in 2010 the year Shanghai hosts the World Expo.
It would be second in China after Hong Kong Disneyland opened
its doors in September last year and the third in Asia Tokyo built
the first in the continent.
A 14.25-square-kilometre site has been earmarked for the
project, according to local media reports, making it possible to
build a park nearly four times the size of Hong Kong Disneyland;
and the local government has worked out a blueprint for the park as
well as a transportation plan.
In the first official response from a top city official
following two years of speculation, Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng said in March that the city is
preparing to build the theme park.
A spokesman for the Shanghai municipal government said recently
that the city is awaiting the central government's approval for the
30 billion yuan (US$3.75 billion) project.
An earlier statement by Walt Disney said that if an agreement
were reached on a second park in China, it would not open before
2010.
The municipal government is considering building a metro line or
expressways linking the theme park to the downtown areas and the
Pudong International Airport, local media reported.
"For years, Shanghai has been keen to build theme parks and
attract major international sporting events," said Yu Hongfei, an
expert with China Europe International Business School.
"A Disneyland theme park will sharpen its edge in tourism and
economic development."
Two years ago, the city became part of the prestigious Formula
One racing circuit.
The World Carnival Shanghai Festival 2003 attracted over 2.1
million visitors and generated profits of more than 200 million
yuan (US$25 million) in less than one month.
"At the same time, years of rapid development in the Yangtze
River Delta region has helped build a huge pool of tourists who are
keen on more entertainment venues," Yu said.
Also, Hong Kong Disneyland failed to reach its goal of
attracting 5.6 million tourists as expected in its first year
partly because of its small size, according to market analysts.
A recent survey shows that tourists from mainland account for
only 26 per cent of the total, far less than expected.
(China Daily August 10, 2006)