Theme parks: import VS export

From the establishment of China's first theme park ——"The Grandeur China" in 1989 to the export of "Chinese Disney" to Africa today, China has advanced in theme park development in leaps and bounds. Experts from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences expressed at the recently held Tourism press conference that China will enter a new period of large-scale theme park development.

"Bringing in" and "going out"

Medieval castle; Snow White Princess accompanied by seven Dwarfs walking along a small avenue; Mickey Mouse smiling to you not far way... these are not cartoon pictures. A few years from now, this fairy-tale world would be moved to mainland China. Earlier this year, the Shanghai Disneyland project of 24.48 billion yuan was finally settled, which marked the start of the world's most famous Disney theme park entering mainland China. In the next few years, famous theme parks like Universal Studios and Paramount will also settle in China in succession.

Facing such "fast attack" by overseas theme parks, China also took some action. At present, after 20 years development, theme parks in China have gradually matured and began to be exported overseas. On May 18, Huaqiang Group signed an agreement with China-Africa Development Fund, the South African Industrial Development Corporation in Shenzhen. According to the agreement, Huaqiang Group will work with the South African Industrial Development Corporation, investing 250 million USD to construct Chinese culture theme parks covering an area of 770,000 square meters in Johannesburg, South Africa. This was the second time a Chinese theme park has been exported overseas. At present, China has become the second largest theme park exporter after the US.

National culture put on government stage

As foreign theme parks enter China one after another, the extensive and profound Chinese culture became the key competitive edge for Chinese culture theme parks rivaling foreigners.

China's first large-scale theme park in Shenzhen ——"Splendid China" gained sensational success through its national character. It presented China's famous mountains and rivers as well as cultural heritage through miniature models, hosting over three million visitors in the first year of establishment.

In addition, the "Bird's Nest", tea culture, ghost culture, or even Tang Xianzu's drama, have all became themes for Chinese local theme parks currently under construction. Among the Chinese theme parks which Huaqiang Group exported to Africa, a large number of cultural and scientific themes employing a Chinese cultural background like "Terra Cotta Warriors" and "Return of Wukong" will be shown. "China has thousands of years of fine tradition and culture, what we need to do is to make full use of our advantages and existing infrastructure, forming a new technology-based industry and development mode with the core of culture," said Liang Guangwei, president of Huaqiang culture Technology Group.

The sustainable development of theme parks

Contemporary Chinese theme park development is not in a good situation. Data shows that there were less than 200 million visitors that went to theme parks in China each year and only about 10% of parks gained profit. This was because domestic theme parks generally lack strong support from the industry chain and can not form a large-scale effect. Besides, derivative products and other profitable channels of theme parks are still in the initial stages of development. "Theme parks are a culture and economy synthesis. In addition to culture, related industries like finance, commerce and architecture can all get in-depth development." Shen Wangshu, deputy director of the Development Research Center in Beijing Academy of Social Science stressed.

At present, Chinese theme parks are walking up to a large-scale development road ahead. Huaqiang Group which has constructed some well-known theme parks like "Special Joy to the World," has always focused on independent innovation. Their cultural products cover the theme park, digital animation, special film and a variety of derivatives. In addition, Huaqiang Group has applied for more than 50 Chinese and foreign patents and built more than 60 "4D cinema screens" in 40 countries in Europe and the US, successfully forming an industry chain integrating creation, research, production and sale.

"It is suggested to complete the basic scale of theme parks, and then keep pace with the needs of consumers and development of science through continuous theme park expansion. Only in this way, can theme parks achieve sustainable development." said Shen Wangshu.