Located on the Dapeng Peninsula, Legoland Shenzhen Resort will cover around 580,000 square metres. It will be the Greater Bay Area’s first international IP-based theme park resort.
Legoland Shenzhen will be operated by Merlin Entertainments, with Hazens Holdings as its local partner. The project is expected to cost more than $1 billion, and the attraction is due to launch in 2024.
Nick Varney, chief executive of Merlin, said Legoland Shenzhen Resort will be a “must-see destination for millions of families looking to experience the magic of Lego in China”.
“We have already had great success with our immersive Legoland attractions around the world and look forward to working with our partners to make the Shenzhen resort a reality,” he added.
Merlin attended a launch ceremony with 20,000 Lego bricks alongside representatives from the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, Dapeng New District, the Lego Group and Hazens Holdings.
China opening world’s largest Legoland Resort
“Construction of the world’s largest Legoland Resort in Shenzhen marks a significant milestone for Merlin in China, reflecting the scale of opportunity in the country and our commitment to developing our business in China,” Varney said.
“This forms part of Merlin’s broader strategy, alongside developing exciting attractions in partnership with some of the world’s most popular brands.”
Merlin currently operates 13 Midway attractions in China, including Legoland Discovery Centres, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Centres, The Dungeons, Peppa Pig World of Play and Little BIG City.
Siegfried Boerst, general manager of Legoland Shenzhen, said the resort will have indoor and outdoor play areas, including an indoor Miniland that reflects “the beauty of Shenzhen and China through representative landmarks”.
“In echoing local characteristics, we have also developed a live show exclusively for Chinese families, and the resort will feature the world’s largest Legoland theatre with more than 1,000 seats,” he added.
Legoland Shenzhen due to launch in 2024
Legoland Shenzhen Resort will feature nine themed areas and more than 100 interactive rides, shows and attractions. It will also include the world’s largest Legoland Water Park and three Lego-themed hotels.
“While maintaining the authentic Legoland experience, there will be innovative designs, new themed areas, rides and immersive shows launched for the China market,” Boerst said.
“The Legoland Shenzhen Resort will integrate the history, culture and ecology of Shenzhen and China. The park will also be a smart park, celebrating technological innovation, imagination and creativity in Shenzhen.”
Legoland Shanghai Resort and Legoland Sichuan Resort are also being developed in China, as is the world’s first standalone Peppa Pig Resort, opening in 2024.
“The Lego brand has emotionally bonded with Chinese families during the past decades and contributed to create a positive impact on the development of the Chinese society,” said Jorgen Vig Knudstorp, LEGO Group executive chairman.
Images: Merlin
