As China's consumer market blossoms, global theme park leaders are seizing the opportunity to expand their presence within the country. The increasing demand for immersive entertainment and family-friendly leisure activities, particularly during the summer vacation, is driving this growth in the entertainment industry.

The LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort, which opened on July 5, has quickly gained traction, hosting an impressive 1,700 performances in its first month, including over 950 meet-and-greets with beloved characters. These engaging experiences, coupled with more than 600 atmospheric performances, have captivated both young visitors and their families.

The resort has also introduced eight creative workshops, which have seen tremendous popularity. In just a month, nearly 1,000 building sessions have taken place, engaging over 12,000 children and allowing them to discover their creativity under the guidance of skilled builders.

Families with preschool and elementary school students represent the bulk of LEGOLAND Shanghai's visitors, with parent-child groups of children aged 2 to 12 comprising more than 70 percent of the attendance. This trend is expected to continue growing, as noted by Jeanette Chen, the resort's general manager.

Meanwhile, Universal Beijing Resort has exciting offerings for visitors, including a special series of events in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, scheduled from August 4 to September 1 to celebrate 'Harry Potter Back to Hogwarts'.

Shanghai Disney Resort, now marking its ninth anniversary, is also expanding its attractions. The resort has announced significant upgrades to its Tomorrowland and Adventure Isle areas, aimed at enhancing the overall experience for guests.

Analysts attribute the spike in entertainment investment to China's extensive consumer market and an unwavering commitment to openness. First-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen are becoming the prime locations for theme park developments due to their robust economies and supportive tourism policies.

The continuing expansion of services consumption in China is generating considerable market opportunities for foreign-funded theme parks, especially in areas that emphasize emotional engagement and digital experiences. The Chinese government’s incentives, such as cultural tourism support and relaxed foreign investment protocols, are creating a conducive environment for international investment.

Foreign companies remain optimistic about the favorable policies for foreign investment in China, driven by the country's immense tourism market and economic growth prospects. This sentiment was echoed by Lin Huanjie, director of the Institute for Theme Park Studies in Shanghai.

China is proactively working to liberalize its services sector. Recently approved by the State Council, a new plan aims to broaden comprehensive pilot programs, highlighting 155 essential reform measures to enhance market access and encourage innovation-driven development.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, 30,014 foreign-invested enterprises were established in mainland China during the first half of this year, reflecting an 11.7 percent year-on-year increase.