The wait is over! Large crowds flocked to Legoland Shanghai Resort on July 5 as China's first and the world's largest Legoland theme park officially opened to the public. The grand opening welcomed children and families into a colorful world of creativity and adventure.

Crowds flock to the gate of Legoland Shanghai Resort as it opens in Jinshan district, Shanghai, July 5, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Legoland Shanghai Resort]

Nestled in Fengjing town, Jinshan district, the long-awaited resort aims to deliver the ultimate Lego adventure, designed for children ages 2 to 12 and their families.

"Our purpose at Merlin Entertainments is to bring people together to create memorable experiences for families around the world," Merlin Entertainments CEO Fiona Eastwood said at the opening ceremony.

"Today, we are taking that to the next level with the opening of Legoland Shanghai Resort, our first Legoland resort in China and in the second biggest theme park market in the world," she said. "This milestone represents a major step toward our ambition to be the global leader in branded entertainment destinations."

Eastwood said the Merlin team drew on nearly 20 years of experience in China to create Legoland Shanghai, blending the brand's global appeal with authentic Chinese cultural elements.

The resort is "both globally familiar and uniquely local," she said. "It's a place where kids can be their true selves and where parents can discover the magic of playing."

The new theme park and hotel cover 318,000 square meters and feature eight themed lands with 75 interactive rides, shows and attractions, along with thousands of Lego models built from more than 85 million bricks.

From thrilling adventures to hands-on activities, every part of the resort is designed to create lasting memories. About 10,000 workers and 300 teams from 15 countries contributed their creativity and expertise to bring the project to life.

Leaders, executives and partners attend the grand opening ceremony of Legoland Shanghai Resort in Jinshan district, Shanghai, July 5, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Legoland Shanghai Resort]

Highlights at the new park include the world premiere of the Lego Monkie Kid live show and a boat tour through a Lego-built Chinese water town. The Creative World area features Dada, a 26-meter-tall figure that is the largest Lego model ever built, as well as Miniland, which showcases detailed recreations of Chinese landmarks. Guests can also stay at the Legoland Hotel, which offers a range of activities to extend the park experience.

"Legoland Shanghai will be an integral part of the Lego ecosystem in China and a great addition to our retail network and brand events, enhancing the immersive and interactive Lego play experiences for our customers," Lego Group President and CEO Niels B. Christiansen said. "I look forward to Legoland Shanghai becoming a new cultural landmark for family interaction and bringing unique joy to all Lego fans in China and beyond."

Christiansen said the Legoland project also strengthens Shanghai's economic vitality and supports China's national strategy to boost domestic demand and promote high-quality growth in the tourism and cultural industries.

The opening also coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Denmark, highlighting the strong partnership between the two countries.

Zhuang Jian, chairman of Shanghai New Jinshan Investment Share Holding Group Co. Ltd., said Legoland Shanghai brings advanced international theme park management and rich cultural elements to the region. He said the park will inject new vitality into the tourism market in Jinshan and Shanghai and attract more visitors from both China and abroad.

Visitors flood the theme park on opening day at Legoland Shanghai Resort in Jinshan district, Shanghai, July 5, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Legoland Shanghai Resort]

The grand opening featured music, dancing and appearances by popular Legoland characters Mike and Amy. Performers in colorful costumes joined representatives from the Shanghai municipal and Jinshan district governments, including Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng, as well as investors and development partners.

The resort will host special events from July 5 to 13 to celebrate the opening, offering guests festive decorations, immersive experiences and exclusive offers — including daily shows, character meet-and-greets, limited-time minifigure swaps, special merchandise, discounts and Lego-themed treats.

The 36th Shanghai Tourism Festival Vacation Summer also kicked off on the same day, featuring more than 300 cultural events spread across six themed weeks. The launch highlights Shanghai's innovative approach to integrating cultural tourism by combining international brands with local festivals.

The resort aims to become a premier summer destination with its Lego-themed adventures, while working with nearby coastal areas, ancient towns and rural attractions to boost the region's overall appeal.