China: Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park to Open in September
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park (former working title: “Shanghai Polar Ocean World”, cf. EAP 1/18), which is currently under development in Shanghai, is set to open its doors for visitors on September 28th this year. This new, approx. 30 hectares large aquarium and theme park complex is the latest venue of the Chinese Dalian Haichang Group, one of mainland China’s largest marine theme park operators. Located around 30 minutes by car from Shanghai Disneyland, the new leisure destination will offer six pavillions and three theaters. Furthermore, future visitors can already look forward to a rollercoaster (from Intamin) and a spinning rapids ride from Canada-based manufacturer WhiteWater. Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park was designed by Legacy | GGE (formerly known as Goddard Group), which was also responsible for the creative development of Georgia Aquarium and which opened in 2005 is still the largest visitor attraction of its kind in the US (cf. EAP 2/06 and EAP news from April 4th, 2018).
Eric Carnagey, Managing Director of Global Business Development, Marketing & Media at Legacy | GGE, is looking forward to the upcoming opening of the park in Shanghai: “Over 330 million people live within a three-hour drive of the park. This, paired with Haichang’s exclusive attractions and competitive ticket pricing, has set them up for great success,” said Carnagey. In its first year of operation, the Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park park is expected to draw over three million visitors. (eap)
