Park waves wand into a wizardly wonder

Its iconic Ferris wheel, the first gigantic Ferris wheel in China, stands 108 meters tall and boasts 63 cabins, became a dream destination for many residents since its opening in May 2002.

On Jan 25, the park's last operational day before closing for renovations, thousands of residents flocked to the park to relive cherished memories, with long queues forming for the Ferris wheel, which remained the park's most popular attraction.

"I remember my first visit to Jinjiang Action Park as a primary school student about 40 years ago," recalls Shanghai resident Wang Ming. "I was too excited to sleep the night before. There wasn't even a subway then. The park represented pure joy for an entire generation of children."

Huang Li has lived near the park for over 20 years and shares her memories: "The Ferris wheel in Jinjiang Action Park has been like a beacon guiding me home. Whenever I'm walking from anywhere in the city, seeing its distant glow always means I am almost home."

While most of the original attractions will be removed, the park's hotel and Ferris wheel will be preserved and renovated, with plans for a new 118-meter wheel designed independently with a Harry Potter theme pending approval.

The development extends beyond entertainment, incorporating infrastructure improvements that include underground parking facilities, landscaped public spaces, and themed dining and accommodation options.

"This project will help boost regional development," Lin says. "Beyond immediate tourism benefits, significant positive impact is anticipated in the transportation, hospitality, retail, and dining sectors."

Lin anticipates a great number of visitors given Harry Potter's strong domestic and international appeal, which will enhance the city's inbound tourism market. "This will likely attract additional international cultural attractions to Shanghai, reinforcing the city's position as a global entertainment destination."

This development will add to Shanghai's impressive portfolio of attractions, including the Shanghai Disney Resort, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, Shanghai Happy Valley, the upcoming Legoland Shanghai Resort, and the Peppa Pig theme park, notes Lin.

"The location and unique offerings, as opposed to traditional rides, are expected to complement rather than compete with existing entertainment venues," he says.