World’s largest Legoland opens to tourists in Shanghai

**World’s Largest Legoland Opens to Tourists in Shanghai**

Shanghai has officially become home to the world’s largest Legoland resort. The much-anticipated Legoland Shanghai Resort opened its gates to the public on July 5, 2025, marking a major milestone in China’s family entertainment industry. Located in Fengjing, Jinshan District, the park spans an impressive 318,000 square meters, making it the largest Legoland in the world.

Merlin Entertainments, the LEGO Group, and the government of Shanghai are working together on the park. It represents a \$550 million investment aimed at creating a premier family-friendly destination that blends iconic Lego creativity with Chinese cultural elements.

At the center of the park is a 26-meter-tall Lego figure named Dada, welcoming visitors to a vibrant world built almost entirely from Lego bricks. Over 75 interactive rides, shows, and attractions can be found in the park, which is divided into eight distinct themed lands. Popular Lego franchises like Ninjago, Lego Friends, Lego City, and Monkie Kid are found in some of these lands. Miniland, a jaw-dropping display of miniature cities and landmarks constructed from over 85 million Lego bricks, is one of the standout areas. Chinese cultural landmarks like the Temple of Heaven, the Bund, and a meticulously detailed model of Shanghai’s Lujiazui skyline are featured. The Lujiazui model alone required over 20 million bricks and 168,000 hours to complete.

A particularly unique feature is the Monkey King zone, inspired by the legendary Chinese tale “Journey to the West.” This area showcases a live show and is the first Legoland zone themed around the beloved Monkey King, blending classic storytelling with Lego’s whimsical charm.

A 250-room Lego-themed hotel that serves as a complement to the theme park lets families extend their stay in a fully immersive Lego environment. The hotel is designed with playful decor and interactive experiences tailored for children and parents alike.

By the middle of 2025, the project had entered its final testing phases and had begun construction late in 2021. The park underwent extensive trial operations prior to the official opening, including training for hundreds of employees and fine-tuning over two dozen core rides and shows. Accessibility has been a key part of the development, with the park located near Jinshan North railway station, ensuring quick travel from central Shanghai and nearby cities. The facility also includes smart parking for over 1,700 vehicles and convenient shuttle options for guests.

The opening comes at a time when China's theme park industry is experiencing difficulties, despite the grand scale and excitement. Consumer spending remains subdued, and competition among parks is growing. However, Merlin Entertainments maintains its optimism. The potential audience is enormous, with 55 million people living within two hours of one another. This balance between ambition and affordability is reflected in ticket prices. Entry starts at ¥319 (about \$44) during off-peak periods and can reach up to ¥599 (about \$84) on peak days. While some critics question the pricing in light of China’s economic slowdown, foreign-IP parks like Legoland often maintain stronger draw than domestic competitors.

The majority of early visitor feedback has been favorable. Local families invited during the soft launch described the park as joyful, immersive, and surprisingly high-quality. Children were particularly impressed by the hands-on activities and larger-than-life Lego characters.

Analysts note that while many local theme parks are struggling, global brands with strong recognition—especially those offering interactive, experience-driven attractions—continue to thrive. Legoland Shanghai’s localized themes, high construction quality, and extensive family-focused programming could help it stand out in a crowded market.

Shanghai already hosts major international theme parks such as Disneyland, and with Universal Studios Beijing also drawing massive crowds, Legoland’s arrival adds another heavyweight to China’s amusement landscape.

Looking ahead, Merlin has plans for further expansion in China, including upcoming Legoland parks in Shenzhen and Chengdu. The company’s strategy emphasizes tailoring attractions to local tastes while retaining the core appeal of Lego’s creative universe.

In its opening week, Legoland Shanghai has already drawn thousands of visitors, signaling a strong start for the park. Whether it becomes a long-term success will depend on continued innovation, market adaptation, and the enduring magic of Lego.