China stories

China is an East Asian nation known officially as the People’s Republic of China (PRC). With a population of more than 1.4 billion, it is the second most populated country in the world. Beijing is the national capital, while Shanghai is the most populous city and largest financial centre.

The attractions industry in China has grown rapidly over the last two decades and tourism has become an essential contributor to China’s domestic economy. Many global attraction businesses are operating in the country, including big hitters such as Universal, Disney and Merlin Entertainments.

Hong Kong Disneyland, which opened in September 2005, features Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, Toy Story Land and World of Frozen. Shanghai Disneyland opened to the public in June 2016. The park’s themed lands include Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination,  Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, and Toy Story Land. Universal Studios Beijing opened in September 2021 with seven themed zones including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Minion Land. Homegrown theme park brands include Chimelong, Happy Valley and Fantawild.

Merlin operates midway brands like Legoland Discovery Centres, Peppa Pig World of Play and Sea Life across China. It is also constructing three new Legoland parks in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Sichuan.

Top museums in China include the National Museum of China and the Palace Museum in Beijing, the Presidential Palace in Nanjing, and the China Art Museum and Shanghai Museum in Shanghai. Hong Kong offers M+, Hong Kong Palace Museum and more.