The Eden Project has opened a new ecotourism destination in Qingdao, China inspired by its original site in Cornwall, UK.
Named Oriental Eden, the new attraction is inspired by nature and the local landscape. It aims to engage visitors “with the history and future, beauty and wonder, challenges and hope tied to water”, Eden said.
Oriental Eden overlooks Jiaozhou Bay and is surrounded by water. It is located on 200 acres of environmentally damaged barren land, originally used for salt production and then prawn breeding.
The new Eden is operated and owned by Chinese company Jinmao Holding, which worked with the Eden Project team for 10 years on the regenerative tourism project.
For China, Eden has created an interactive water experience featuring experiential worlds like the Storm Forest, a giant tropical biome combining living landscapes and an immersive experience.
The project also showcases the regeneration of the site, and explores the importance of water.
Interactive water experience at Oriental Eden
“It communicates the importance of water and the ongoing water challenge in a meaningful and fun way and is a positive and optimistic place for environmental and social change, extending the reach of Eden Project’s charitable mission to demonstrate and inspire positive action for the planet,” Eden said.
Earlier this month, Eden released new images of its upcoming site in Morecambe, Lancashire. The shell-inspired attraction is due to open in late 2028.
The Eden Project is a pioneer in the world of ecotourism. It opened its first biomes in a disused Cornish clay pit in 2001.
Now, new Eden sites are planned for South America and Central America, as well as Australia and New Zealand.
In the UK, projects are underway in Dorset, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
All new Eden destinations focus on the individual challenges that affect each location, such as water, food, biodiversity, or soil.
Images courtesy of Eden Project
