Just half a year after unveiling the plans for its first park in mainland China, Disney has announced that Shanghai Disneyland will open on June 16.
Disney CEO Bob Iger announced plans for the park in July 2015, although construction on the park started back in 2011. It is a collaboration with Shanghai Shendi Group and Iger insisted that the park will be “distinctively Chinese,” with a section that celebrates the Chinese Zodiac and other elements of Chinese culture.
According to Xinhua, the resort costs 34 billion yuan, or around $5.5 billion. The main park will feature six total “lands” and there are two themed hotels and a shopping district called Disneytown. Visitors can also go to Wishing Star Park.
“Shanghai Disney Resort celebrates China's rich heritage and is the result of years of partnership and innovation with contributions from our talented cast members and imagineers, as well as thousands of artists, designers, construction workers and suppliers from across China and around the world,” Philippe Gas, general manager of the resort, said today.
Disney also has a park in Hong Kong. The Oriental Land Company also operates two parks in Japan, under license from Disney.