The Rise of “New Chinese–Style” Theme Parks: From Cultural Roots to a New Narrative in China’s Cultural Tourism

Chinese-style theme parks surged during the 2026 Lunar New Year, with several domestic parks outpacing international competitors in popularity and revenue.

Parks like Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden and Wansui Mountain Martial Arts City saw sharp earnings gains, while new venues such as iQIYI Land and Longyin Tiancheng drew strong attention.

The trend reflects a shift in China’s tourism market from sightseeing to immersive, culture-led experiences built around local history, myths, Hanfu, and intangible heritage.

It also points to a growing film- and IP-driven tourism model, opening new opportunities for domestic culture and entertainment businesses.