Legoland Shanghai Resort on track for summer opening

Representatives of Legoland Shanghai Resort told China.org.cn on April 28 that preparations for a summer opening are progressing, including ongoing rehearsals for its "Lego Monkie Kid" live show, the first production of its kind.

The entrance to the Lego Hotel and Ollie the dragon Lego model at Legoland Shanghai Resort. [Photo courtesy of Legoland Shanghai Resort]

The resort, located in Fengjing town, Jinshan district, Shanghai, is designed for families with children ages 2 to 12. It will feature more than 75 interactive rides, shows and attractions, as well as thousands of Lego models built from more than 85 million bricks. The park comprises eight themed lands aimed at inspiring creativity in both children and adults.

Legoland said that construction had entered its final phase, with workers completing final optimizations on site. Twenty-four core rides are currently being tested ahead of the opening.

Rehearsals are underway for the world's first "Lego Monkie Kid" live show, which will debut when the resort opens. The new show uses multi-projection effects and large props, brought to life by 13 professional puppeteers. Its highlight is a 3.7-meter-tall Demon Bull King puppet, controlled by three puppeteers working together to create lifelike movements.

The Lego Monkie Kid Live Show Theater at Legoland Shanghai Resort. [Photo courtesy of Legoland Shanghai Resort]

Construction of the resort's Miniland, a signature attraction popular at Legoland parks around the world, is progressing smoothly, with more than 90% of model installations completed. The area features recreations of iconic global landmarks built from over 36 million Lego bricks, enhanced with dynamic lighting, sound effects and interactive elements. Miniland at Legoland Shanghai Resort represents four years of work by Lego designers and master builders, who refined each detail through design, modeling and assembly to create the immersive miniature world.

Legoland Shanghai Resort will also offer a range of shows and entertainment, including 22 daily character meet-and-greet sessions, 11 themed performances and special events throughout the day, as well as a 4D cinema screening Lego films.

The Legoland Hotel, a key part of the project, has been completed and officially handed over for operation. The hotel's facade is designed to resemble a Lego-built world.

Preparations for the park's operation are underway, the resort said. Nearly 100 emergency drills are being conducted to test response plans and improve crisis coordination before trial operations begin. Recruitment is almost complete, with about 1,000 staff members set to join the Legoland Shanghai team. Staff training is in full swing, covering ride operations, dance routines and guest service etiquette to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when the park opens.

Sales for the limited 1st-to-Play Annual Pass, which includes preview tickets, and the 1st-to-Stay Hotel Staycation Package, which also features theme park preview tickets, start on May 7. Resort members can register for early access beginning May 6. The annual pass provides exclusive preview access, trial operation privileges and year-round perks such as shopping discounts, dining deals and a commemorative card. The Staycation package includes preview tickets, breakfast, themed rooms and a character meet-and-greet, offering guests an immersive vacation experience.

The High Tower area of Miniland at Legoland Shanghai Resort. [Photo courtesy of Legoland Shanghai Resort]

The new Legoland Shanghai Resort will be the brand's 11th location worldwide. As a major tourism project under Shanghai's 14th Five-Year Plan, the resort is jointly funded by Shanghai Jinshan Urban Construction Investment Group Co., Kirkbi A/S, Merlin Entertainments and CMC Inc. The resort aims to boost the cultural and tourism sector in Jinshan district and support high-quality regional development as a new local landmark.