Theme parks logged 130 million visitors in 2023

A competitiveness report based on 86 large and extra-large theme parks across the country shows that they received 130 million visitors in 2023, generating a total operating revenue of 30.4 billion yuan ($4.2 billion).

Compared to the previous year, the number of visitors increased by 71.84 percent, and operating revenue grew by 97.86 percent, says the report that was conducted by several organs, including the Institute for Theme Park Studies in China.

It demonstrates a strong growth trend and highlights the vibrant vitality of the industry, says the report that was unveiled in Beijing on Nov 16.

Multiple theme parks run by the State-owned player Overseas Chinese Town Group, including its Happy Valley in Beijing and Shanghai, were named among the best 10 theme parks by the report.

According to the report, as of October 2024, there are a total of 385 theme parks in China. About 60 percent of them have achieved operational profitability, and the industry as a whole is experiencing strong growth.

Among them, Chinese local theme park brands, represented by Happy Valley, have maintained a leading position in brand influence and profitability, the report says.