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The opening of the multi-billion-dollar Disneyland theme park in Hong Kong has fuelled widespread speculation about whether the United States entertainment conglomerate will build a similar wonderland in Shanghai.
A mass-circulation Chinese-language daily newspaper in Shanghai projected that an agreement to build a park would be reached within the next five years. There has been no shortage of pundits predicting Shanghai would have a bigger and better Disneyland than Hong Kong.
People should be asking whether Shanghai needs a US-style theme park to attract tourists. An even more pertinent question is whether such a theme park could promote Shanghai's status as the cultural and entertainment centre of China.
The obvious answer to both of these questions is "no."
To be sure, it would not hurt to have Disneyland in Shanghai. It would certainly help draw in many more tourists from other cities and regions. But there are more economically viable ways to achieve this goal.
It must be recognized that there is no lack of tourist attractions in and around Shanghai. In fact, the Shanghai municipal government has tried hard to develop and promote numerous scenic and historic townships.
Some of these townships, famous for their winding waterways and arched bridges of stone or wood, have already become favourite tourist spots easily accessible by bus or train from Shanghai.
Within the city itself, the Bund, with well-preserved historic buildings, remains a prime attraction for tourists not only from around the nation but also from abroad. The old city centered on the historic mansion of Yuyuan is another top location.
Many more attractions have been added in recent years, notably Xintiandi in the downtown district.
The possible development of a section of the banks along Suzhou Creek into a new entertainment district looks promising.
If Shanghai really wants to add a new theme park, it should consider building one that exemplifies the rich and colourful folklore of China. Disney has profited from the skillful adaptation of the legend of Mulan.
There are plenty of such stories waiting to be used. Most of them are familiar to the average Chinese.
Indeed, experts in the entertainment industry have said time and again that an entire theme park could be built around the adventure of the Monkey King.
No other city in China is better equipped and qualified to build such a park than Shanghai, where creativity has flourished in an entrepreneurial environment. Many of the nation's top creative talents have already gravitated to Shanghai to work in the thriving entertainment and advertising industries.
Shanghai can draw on its own talent pool to create its own version of Disneyland. Call it Shanghaiworld, or whatever.
Perhaps one day in the not too distant future, we will see replicas of it not only in Hong Kong but also in California.
(China Daily September 20, 2005)
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