Thousands of local tourists poured into China's first-ever Legoland as it opened its gates in Shanghai on Saturday, the latest theme park hoping to capitalise on a domestic tourism boom. Companies have taken note of the wider local tourism boom and stepped up their plans in China.

Built with more than 85 million Lego bricks, the Shanghai park is the 11th Legoland globally and the first in mainland China. It is operated by UK-based Merlin Entertainments in partnership with the local government of Jinshan district. The project broke ground in 2021, though planning began as early as 2019, prior to the pandemic.

Tourists and residents in Shanghai on Saturday braved sweltering heat for the official opening of China's first Legoland resort, featuring thousands of structures built with over 85 million Lego bricks.