Cloward H2O, an expert in aquatic design, led aquatic engineering for Legoland Shanghai Resort, which opened on 5 July. The new park features one of the most technically advanced and creatively integrated water systems in any Legoland park worldwide.
Developed by Merlin Entertainments with creative planning from FORREC, the resort demonstrates how storytelling, engineering, and operations can work together to deliver consistent, sustainable, and memorable guest experiences.
Throughout the park, the aquatic features were designed with three key priorities in mind: to immerse guests, ensure technical reliability, and promote long-term sustainability. Every element, from ride hydraulics to water quality management, was engineered to operate safely and efficiently for decades in Shanghai’s climate, while complementing the park’s creative themes.
See also: Legoland Shanghai: the creative vision behind the flagship new resort
Water-Town Boat Tour
The signature attraction, the Water-Town Boat Tour, takes visitors on a journey through a Lego-built replica of a traditional Chinese water town, before gradually transitioning to a miniature Lego skyline of modern Shanghai.
The Water-Town Boat Tour offers a family-friendly experience inspired by traditional Chinese architecture and waterways, blending Lego storytelling with cultural motifs for an immersive adventure. It accommodates many riders, ensuring guests of all ages can enjoy the journey together.
The Water-Town Boat Tour’s engineering emphasises precision and accessibility. Hydraulic systems keep water levels consistent, ensuring smooth reflections and dock access for all guests. The boats are propelled by quiet, hidden mechanisms that reduce vibration and noise. Hydraulic lifts on docking platforms meet accessibility standards and adapt to water level changes. The canal flow is regulated to prevent turbulence, allowing efficient drainage and continuous circulation.
FORREC developed the thematic flow from the old town to the skyline, while Merlin organised operations for high throughput and guest comfort, and Cloward H2O engineered the water dynamics, integrating propulsion and accessibility requirements into the creative layouts.
Lego Friends Water Race Challenge
This interactive ride allows guests to pilot jet-ski-like vehicles along a controlled aquatic track, engaging in friendly competition.
The purpose of the Lego Friends Water Race Challenge is to encourage active play and create an experience that guests will want to enjoy repeatedly, thanks to its short, high-energy cycles. The ride is specifically designed to attract and engage older children and teenagers, offering a dynamic and competitive activity that appeals to this age group.
The engineering behind the Lego Friends Build-a-Boat Play Zone was carefully considered to balance excitement and safety. Flow rates within the water channels were meticulously calculated to provide enough resistance for engaging play without excessive force. This allows guests to enjoy the challenge while remaining safe.
The splash zones were designed to keep water spray predictable, preventing oversaturation and maintaining dry walkways. The ride reset systems were engineered for rapid turnaround during peak hours, minimising downtime.
FORREC shaped the ride arena and track layout, Merlin defined the gameplay mechanics and operational cycle, and Cloward H2O calibrated water propulsion and splash effects for safety and consistency.
Lego Friends Build-a-Boat Play Zone
This interactive, hands-on area invites guests to build their own Lego watercraft and test them in flowing channels. The space is designed to encourage problem-solving, experimentation and creativity, allowing participants to get immediate feedback on their design choices. The experience is highly repeatable, motivating guests to refine their creations and try new approaches each time they visit.
The engineering of the attraction features steady, low-velocity water channels that keep boats in motion while reducing turbulence. The flow within these channels can be adjusted, allowing operators to modify the difficulty level for guests or reset the course as needed for maintenance. Plus, the modular design of the channels allows the attraction’s layout to be reconfigured seasonally or for special events, providing flexibility and variety for returning visitors.
FORREC designed the modular course layouts, Merlin developed operational logistics and guest engagement strategies, and Cloward H2O ensured consistent water flow and durability for high guest volumes.
Central Lagoon
This is the park’s scenic centrepiece, anchoring key sightlines and featuring Lego models set in the water. By night, it becomes a prime viewing spot for the park’s dazzling shows.
The engineering incorporates carefully designed circulation zones that prevent water stagnation, ensuring the water remains clear for both aesthetic appeal and guest safety. Integrated hydraulic systems connect the lagoon to the surrounding waterways, which helps reduce the energy required for pumping and contributes to overall operational efficiency.
FORREC conceptualised the lagoon as both a design anchor and a sustainability showcase. Merlin emphasised operational practicality and event flexibility, while Cloward H2O engineered the hydraulic and filtration systems, balancing environmental targets with local regulations.
Accessibility innovations
To ensure that guests using mobility devices can fully participate, attractions were designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind.
The team aimed to create a dignified boarding process that allows all guests to embark without feeling isolated or inconvenienced. Boat Tour platforms have hydraulic lifts for seamless wheelchair boarding. Water levels are carefully maintained, ensuring boats align with docks for easy access. Safety systems enable staff to assist guests without disrupting the ride.
Collaboration among project partners was key to achieving accessibility goals. FORREC adapted attraction layouts to meet accessibility codes while keeping the story-driven theme. Merlin created guest service protocols for inclusive operations, and Cloward H2O designed hydraulic solutions that ensure reliable function and visual appeal.
Additional highlights
Alongside its signature attractions, Legoland Shanghai offers a variety of water-based experiences integrated within themed areas of the park and the resort hotel. These features are carefully designed to support the park’s core values of immersive storytelling, operational reliability, and environmental sustainability, while adding new activities to entertain guests of all ages.
Within the Friends Area, young visitors can enjoy the Beach Party, a lively play structure complete with slides, tipping buckets, and splash elements. The Heartlake Waterplay zone invites children to cool off among playful jets, sprays, and shallow waters, providing a safe and engaging environment for families.
In Lego City, children can take on the roles of pilots at The Wharf & Coast Guard Academy, where they steer small boats and undertake gentle rescue challenges along relaxed currents. The City Fountain serves as a daytime refuge with cooling sprays and a nighttime spectacle with choreographed water displays.
The Monkie Kid section includes the Cloud Surfer Water Ride, where guests can soar above the track on suspended “cloud boards” as mists and sprays enhance the feeling of flying. For those craving adventure, the Flower Fruit Mountain Adventure offers a flume-style journey winding through waterfalls and misty caverns, combining excitement with thematic storytelling.
In the enchanting world of Lego Castle, visitors encounter the Castle Moat, a scenic waterway encircling the castle. Designed for both visual clarity and seasonal displays, the moat’s circulation system ensures clear reflections and a magical atmosphere year-round.
Guests at Legoland Hotel can enjoy a Splash Pad—an interactive play area with jets and sprayers for energetic kids. The hotel also offers a family pool with shallow entry and a spa pool with hydrotherapy jets.
Collaboration is key
The development of Legoland Shanghai’s aquatic systems involved a multi-stage process.
It started with FORREC’s master plan blending Chinese cultural motifs with Lego themes. Merlin Entertainments then developed operational strategies, ride capacities, and benchmarks for quality.
Cloward H2O handled hydraulics, filtration, and water effects to meet safety, efficiency, and sustainability standards. Local contractors and suppliers adapted designs for the regional climate, followed local construction standards, and complied with water regulations.
The result is a resort where every water feature, from a major attraction to a slight cooling mist, is designed for performance, durability, and guest experience. The systems are scalable, maintainable, and resilient, ensuring that Legoland Shanghai remains both playful and sustainable for years to come.
Cloward H2O also recently shared insights into how it ensures its projects are built to last.
