Shanghai, July 5, 2025 – The world's largest Legoland theme park officially opened its doors to the public on Friday in Shanghai’s Jinshan District, marking a major milestone for global family entertainment and tourism in China.
Developed by Merlin Entertainments in collaboration with The LEGO Group and local authorities, Legoland Shanghai Resort spans over 318,000 square meters, making it the largest Legoland facility to date. The park combines traditional LEGO-themed experiences with culturally tailored features to appeal to both local and international visitors.
Legoland Shanghai is the first of its kind in mainland China and the twelfth Legoland park globally. Its opening follows years of planning and construction, with the aim of expanding LEGO’s footprint across Asia.
“Shanghai is a key market for LEGO, and this park is a testament to our long-term commitment to Chinese families,” said a Merlin Entertainments spokesperson during the inauguration ceremony.
At the heart of the park is Miniland Shanghai, an expansive display featuring miniature LEGO recreations of major Chinese landmarks. Among them are detailed replicas of The Bund, Lujiazui’s skyline, and the Great Wall of China.
According to the park, over 20 million LEGO bricks and approximately 168,000 hours of construction were dedicated to bringing Miniland to life. The exhibit includes animated features and interactive elements that bring the models to life, making it a highlight for both children and adults.
The park is divided into eight themed zones, offering over 75 rides, shows, and interactive attractions. These zones are inspired by popular LEGO franchises such as Ninjago, LEGO City, LEGO Friends, and Monkie Kid—the latter of which draws inspiration from Chinese mythology.
Major attractions include the LEGO Mega Coaster, the interactive Ninjago ride, and Duplo-themed water play zones designed for younger children. Hands-on creative stations allow visitors to build and race their own LEGO creations, adding a tactile, educational element to the experience.
Ticket prices for Legoland Shanghai range from ¥319 (approximately $44) for off-peak days to ¥599 (around $84) during peak periods such as holidays and weekends.
Despite its location in the suburban Jinshan District, the park is accessible via the Shanghai Metro Line 22 and the Jinshan North Railway Station, making it a viable day trip option for both local residents and tourists.
Legoland Shanghai incorporates several features tailored specifically for the Chinese market. The Monkie Kid Adventure Zone, for instance, offers an experience rooted in the legendary tale of the Monkey King, reimagined through LEGO storytelling. This approach aligns with LEGO's growing localization strategy and its efforts to connect more meaningfully with Chinese consumers.
The opening of Legoland Shanghai is expected to drive tourism and economic growth in the Jinshan District. Local businesses and hospitality providers have reported increased activity leading up to the park’s debut. According to local officials, the resort is projected to attract millions of visitors annually, potentially boosting Shanghai’s already strong tourism profile.
The park also marks a significant expansion of Merlin Entertainments’ operations in China. Additional Legoland resorts are currently under construction in Sichuan and Shenzhen, expected to open in the coming years.
With rising demand for family-friendly destinations in China, Legoland Shanghai enters a competitive entertainment landscape that includes Shanghai Disneyland and a planned Peppa Pig-themed park in 2027. However, its distinctive LEGO branding, educational focus, and culturally integrated content position it uniquely within the market.
“We’re not just building rides; we’re building experiences that spark creativity and learning,” said the park’s general manager during the press conference.
As Legoland Shanghai opens its gates to the public, it offers not only immersive entertainment but also a cultural and economic bridge between global brands and Chinese audiences. With its impressive scale, extensive ride offerings, and localized storytelling, the park is poised to become one of Asia’s premier family attractions.