Article Link:
http://europe.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2010-11/22/content_11590060.htm
We’ve seen the socialist market economy with Chinese characteristics, but now its time for “Western cartoon figures with Chinese elements.” The Shanghai Disneyland (completion expected in 2014) will cost approximately $3.79 billion US dollars. However, all the excitement among young Mickey Mouse-obsessed students is not intimidating Liu Pingchun. Liu is the chief executive officer of China’s leading theme park developer, and he looks forward to some healthy competition that is sure to stimulate his own business by bringing more tourists to Shanghai. Additionally, where Disney can only offer park-goers a day of juvenile fantasy, Happy Valley theme parks focus on “excitement, fashion, and dynamic activities” that are sure to bring back fans well into their teen years and beyond.
I was excited to see this new development in China, but also surprised by the open arms to new Western influences. Disney characters speak to children about following their dreams, embracing their individuality, and finding happiness in freedom. Perhaps the CCP doesn’t feel threatened by Pocahontas, Mulan, and Jasmine, but these women were the rebellious idols of my childhood. But how much harm can a theme park really do to the Communist regime? We will just have to wait and see…
Are disney characters even popular in China?? Yes China is accepting Western influences, but why Disneyland out of all things? The Disneyland in Hong Kong turned out to be more of a flop rather than a sucess. It seems to me that the Chinese wouldn't get the same effect that Americans get from the joy of seeing disney princesses and princes. China creates knockoffs of a lot of things and disney characters is one of them. A knock off park of disney characters has been created and it wasn't very popular. They already have other characters that in my mind would seem more appropriate to base the creation of a theme park after.
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