China: First Chinese “The Smurfs“-Themed Park Announced for Shanghai

During a press conference held yesterday in Pudong/Shanghai, Chinese Shimao Property Holdings Ltd. real estate developing group and Belgium’s International Merchandising Promotions and Services (IMPS) company, holder of the rights of the “The Smurfs” franchise, announced their plans to open China’s first “The Smurfs”-themed park in Shanghai in autumn this year.

The new visitor attraction will be part of Shimao’s “Dream City” leisure complex located adjacent to the recently opened InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland quarry hotel, which is located on the outskirts of the 24-million metropolis and largely constructed underground. The theme park will comprise an indoor and outdoor area of around 10,000 square meters each, divided into four theme areas featuring more than 20 attractions, including the “Smurfs Berry Coaster”, the “Augmented Reality Gargamel Experience” and a climbing course. Special light installations and state-of-the-art projection technology will allow to mimic different times of the day and weather conditions. KCC Entertainment Design from Belgium has been commissioned with the design planning of the park.

In addition to the “The Smurfs” park project, the Shimao group currently plans the construction of a “Hello Kitty” theme park on the Chinese island of Hainan (read more about the latest developments on China’s booming tourist destination in EAP 1/19) – until to date, there is only one “Hello Kitty” park in China (Anji Kitty Park), located close to Hangzhou. (eap)