China's booming service consumption has become another magnet for global investors, as they see the country's huge demand for family-oriented and immersive entertainment.
This summer, major theme parks in China developed with overseas capital, such as Legoland Shanghai Resort, Shanghai Disneyland, and Universal Beijing Resort, have seen a surge of tourists.
The newly opened Legoland Shanghai Resort is the largest of its kind globally, featuring eight themed zones. Its "Monkie Kid" area was launched exclusively in China, showing a growing trend among international IP holders to tailor offerings to local tastes.
Foreign capital is also behind the "Harry Potter Studio Tour" in Shanghai. With an investment of 2.8 billion yuan (about 385 million U.S. dollars), the project is set to open in 2027. It underscores the confidence of global investors in China's long-term consumer demand.
"Firstly, foreign investors are optimistic about China's policies on investment facilitation. Secondly, they are confident about investment in China due to the country's enormous number of tourists. And they are also pinning hopes on China's economic growth," said Lin Huanjie, director of the Institute for Theme Park Studies in China.
According to research, every yuan spent at a theme park generates 18.8 yuan in comprehensive consumption.
"World-class theme parks in China used hi-techs including VR, AR, and AI to create immersive experiences for the tourists, and their technologies and management are helping drive the transformation and upgrade of China's domestic theme parks," said Lin.
China's booming service consumption draws foreign investment
