Shanghai’s theme park industry has experienced a remarkable surge in 2025, with several parks reporting strong visitor numbers and high occupancy rates. The city, already renowned for its bustling urban landscape and rich cultural heritage, is now becoming a significant player on the global tourism stage, thanks to its growing theme park offerings. This article explores the key developments shaping Shanghai’s theme park landscape in 2025, including the opening of major attractions, impressive attendance rates, and the city’s strategic position as a global tourism hub.

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Achieves Record Occupancy

In August 2025, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park’s two on-site hotels achieved an impressive 95.74% average occupancy rate, a clear sign of growing demand for accommodations linked to the park. The park’s Ultraman-themed hotel, developed in collaboration with an international IP, witnessed particularly high demand, with all 105 rooms in the hotel being fully booked. Weekend bookings at the hotel required reservations at least a week in advance, highlighting the hotel’s popularity among visitors. This demonstrates the strength of the park’s appeal and the increasing importance of themed accommodations in boosting tourism.

Shanghai Disneyland Maintains Top Position in Global Attendance Rankings

Shanghai Disneyland, which opened in 2016, continues to draw large crowds, making it the most visited theme park in China and the fifth-most visited globally in 2023. According to the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and AECOM’s 2023 Global Attractions Attendance Report, the park attracted 14 million visitors last year, a testament to its enduring popularity. Despite the emergence of new theme parks in Shanghai, Shanghai Disneyland remains a leading attraction, drawing both domestic and international visitors with its immersive experiences and unique cultural integration. This also signals a trend toward Shanghai becoming a hub for high-quality, internationally recognized theme park experiences.

Shanghai Legoland Sees a Surge in Visitors

Opened in July 2025, Shanghai Legoland has quickly gained popularity, particularly among families with young children. Over 70% of the park’s visitors are children aged two to twelve, making it a family-friendly destination that fills a niche in the market. The park has reported steady bookings for its eight creative workshops, which offer more than 1,000 Lego-building activities. These workshops have engaged over 12,000 children, providing a hands-on and interactive experience that attracts visitors looking for more than just passive entertainment. The park’s rise in popularity, especially in the latter half of the summer, demonstrates the growing demand for immersive, family-centric theme park attractions in Shanghai.

Shanghai’s Expanding Theme Park Industry: No Signs of Oversupply

Despite the proliferation of theme parks in Shanghai, industry analysts agree that the city’s theme park sector is far from oversupplied. The combination of world-class infrastructure, a large local population, and strategic location contributes to Shanghai’s ongoing success in the theme park industry. The city’s ability to offer a variety of attractions has turned it into a global tourism destination, attracting both international visitors and a significant number of domestic travelers from across China’s Yangtze River Delta.

Shanghai’s theme park cluster continues to grow, with new projects on the horizon and existing parks improving their offerings. As these parks continue to evolve, the city is set to maintain its position as a leading destination for tourists seeking new, diverse entertainment experiences.

Thematic Growth: Shanghai’s 2025 Theme Park Openings

Shanghai’s theme park market is not just about expansion; it’s also about innovation and thematic diversity. In 2025, several major theme park openings are expected to further elevate the city’s reputation as a premier global tourist destination.

LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort

The highly anticipated LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort opened on July 5, 2025, in Fengjing Town, Jinshan District. This 318,000-square-meter park features over 75 attractions spread across eight themed lands, with one of its key features being Miniland, a detailed Lego replica of Shanghai’s skyline. The park is targeting 3 to 5 million visitors annually, and its focus on immersive Lego-building experiences will attract families and children, adding to Shanghai’s diverse theme park offerings. LEGOLAND Shanghai is part of the ongoing effort to provide diverse experiences that cater to families, children, and Lego enthusiasts.

Shanghai L+SNOW (Yaoxue Ice & Snow World)

In September 2024, Shanghai saw the opening of L+SNOW, an indoor snow resort located at Dishui Lake, Lin’gang New Area. The resort offers ski slopes, an ice rink, and themed hotels, making it the first of its kind in the region. It attracts visitors seeking a winter experience in the middle of Shanghai’s bustling urban environment. This resort, which fits well with the growing trend of indoor, all-year-round attractions, adds another layer of thematic diversity to Shanghai’s theme park scene.

Shanghai’s Position as a Global Tourism Hub

Shanghai’s theme park industry is not only benefiting from domestic tourism but is also increasingly attracting international visitors. The city’s strategic location and strong transportation infrastructure make it easy for tourists from across the world to access its attractions. The park offerings cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. With Shanghai Disneyland and LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort bringing in millions of tourists each year, the city’s tourism industry continues to grow at an impressive pace.

Travelers’ Perspectives: Why Shanghai’s Theme Parks Are Worth Visiting

For travelers, Shanghai’s theme parks provide a unique blend of culture and modern entertainment. Whether it’s the immersive experiences at Shanghai Disneyland, the educational workshops at Legoland, or the thrilling snow-based activities at L+SNOW, visitors are guaranteed to find something that appeals to their interests. These parks are not just about thrill rides but also about offering culturally relevant, family-oriented experiences that highlight Shanghai’s evolving tourism offerings.

With the addition of more diverse and exciting attractions, Shanghai’s theme parks will continue to attract visitors looking for immersive, world-class entertainment. Whether you’re a local resident or a first-time visitor, Shanghai offers a wealth of options for those seeking high-quality, fun, and engaging experiences.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Shanghai’s Theme Parks

The theme park industry in Shanghai is thriving, with new developments and openings continuing to enhance the city’s position as a leading tourism destination. With the growing success of Shanghai Disneyland, the expansion of LEGOLAND Shanghai, and the introduction of L+SNOW, it’s clear that Shanghai’s tourism sector is well on its way to becoming a global powerhouse in the theme park industry. As more parks open and the city’s infrastructure continues to improve, Shanghai’s theme park sector will undoubtedly continue to flourish, bringing new opportunities for tourists and the local economy.