Chongqing - Chongqing's plan for its Warner Village Theme Park, the fourth globally and the first in China, is now all over the news. The Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development confirmed this in a June document to expedite the city's major cultural and tourism projects.
According to Sina Finance, the 6,000-acre park, which will cost 30 billion yuan to build, will be located in Longsheng New Town, Liangjiang New Area. It will be inspired by successful models such as Shanghai Disneyland and Beijing Universal Studios.
This project will enhance Chongqing’s cultural and tourism appeal, bringing significant economic benefits. The theme park is set to attract millions of visitors yearly, boosting local tourism and spending on accommodations, dining, and entertainment, solidifying Chongqing’s position as an international tourism hub.
Events at Village Roadshow Theme Park featuring classical Hollywood characters. (Photo/Village Roadshow Theme Park)
Additionally, Chongqing Amusement Park is set to reopen after seven years of shutdown and four years of closure, as announced by Nan'an District on August 2.
The city’s 2.5 billion yuan urban renewal project will transform the Chongqing Amusement Park into a modern cultural, commercial, and tourism complex. With the first phase set to open by late 2025 and the entire park reopening by the end of 2026, the revamped park will enhance the city’s tourism infrastructure, provide diverse attractions, and become a new landmark that revives cherished memories.
For many years, the Chongqing Amusement Park was not only a city landmark but also a cherished repository of memories for generations of residents.
Lei Wang, Director of the Chongqing Nanan District's Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, said that after nearly 30 years, the Chongqing Amusement Park’s rides and equipment reached their end of life. Key equipment was shut down in 2017, and the park closed completely in 2020. Since then, staff have been assigned to maintain the site, but the old equipment has remained untouched.
"Chongqing Amusement Park was the city's first major amusement park with advanced facilities and top service standards in the Southwest," said Lei. It introduced roller coasters and Ferris wheels to the city, with some large-scale rides, like the 50-meter Ferris wheel, being imported due to local manufacturing limitations at that time.
Chongqing Amusement Park. (Photo/Jia Weimin)
The urban renewal of Chongqing Amusement Park marks the city's first cultural, commercial, and tourism complex since the establishment of China Tourism Group's Southwest Regional Headquarters in Chongqing. The revamped park is expected to attract around three million visitors annually, supporting Chongqing’s goal of becoming a world-renowned tourist destination.
(Huan Ran, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)