Core Viewpoint - The current situation for domestic ocean parks in China is increasingly dire, with options limited to either shutting down or being sold off [1][62]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Challenges - The Shenzhen Special Development Group intends to transfer its entire stake in the Jingzhou Xiaomeisha Ocean Park, indicating a complete exit from the project [3][4]. - The Jingzhou Xiaomeisha Ocean Park reported a loss of 8.93 million yuan in the first half of 2025, with total investments nearing 280 million yuan, and losses exceeding the previous year's total within just six months [5][6]. - The financial struggles of the Jingzhou Xiaomeisha Ocean Park are not isolated, as the operator of Hainan R&F Ocean World has recently filed for bankruptcy restructuring [7][8]. Group 2: Industry Trends and Comparisons - The fate of ocean parks across China appears to be interconnected, with various parks facing similar challenges, from Dalian to Jingzhou and Hainan [13][14]. - Many domestic ocean parks are overly reliant on ticket sales from local visitors, lacking diversified revenue streams such as food, merchandise, and repeat visits [30][32]. - The operational model of these parks is flawed, particularly as they depend heavily on local populations, which can lead to unsustainable financial situations when visitor numbers are low [35][39]. Group 3: Future Outlook and Potential Solutions - The industry is witnessing attempts at restructuring, with companies like Tongcheng Holdings acquiring Dalian Shengya and Xiangyuan Holdings taking over Haichang Ocean Park, aiming to integrate these parks into broader tourism ecosystems [58][60]. - Successful international examples, such as Japanese aquariums, demonstrate that smaller, community-focused attractions can achieve financial stability without relying on large-scale government subsidies [54][56]. - The future of domestic ocean parks hinges on their ability to redefine their business models and engage more meaningfully with local communities [62].

Group 1: Event Overview - The 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (Cultural Fair) showcased the Henan Pavilion with the theme "Walking Henan, Understanding China" [3] - The Henan Pavilion featured four main sections: "Hua Xia Source Pulse," "Craftsmanship of Henan," "Trendy Henan," and "Henan's Cultural Chapters," highlighting the province's cultural heritage and innovative practices [3] - The event attracted a large number of visitors, showcasing a variety of cultural products including intangible cultural heritage, arts and crafts, creative design, and cultural tourism [3][4] Group 2: Cultural Products and Innovations - The Henan Pavilion displayed unique cultural products such as peony porcelain, tri-colored pottery, and gold and silver crafts, emphasizing the blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern design [3][4] - The Yuxiang District presented diverse intangible cultural heritage items, including stone guardian figurines and Yuzhou Jun porcelain, showcasing the unique cultural value of the region [4] - The introduction of projects like the "Only Henan Drama Fantasy City" and "Jianye Movie Town" highlighted the integration of traditional culture with modern trends, appealing to family tourism [5] Group 3: Copyright and Cultural Exchange - The Henan Copyright Pavilion made its debut at the Cultural Fair, focusing on "Copyright Empowering Value, Innovation Driving Future" with a display area of 64 square meters [6] - The pavilion emphasized three main areas: "Root Transmission and Copyright Protection," "Innovative Development and Copyright Empowerment," and "Cultural Going Global and Copyright Safeguarding," showcasing how copyright can activate traditional culture [6] - The exhibition included various cultural works that demonstrated the province's efforts to promote its culture globally through copyright [6]

Core Insights - The theme park industry is experiencing significant growth, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, with a 78% increase in visitor numbers compared to 2022, and a 4% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels [2][3] - China is the second-largest and fastest-growing theme park market globally, with seven Chinese parks in the top 25 worldwide, showcasing impressive growth rates [3][4] - The emotional value associated with theme parks is becoming a crucial driver of business, as consumers seek joy and escapism in the current economic climate [2][3] Industry Overview - The 2023 report indicates that the top 25 theme parks globally welcomed over 245 million visitors, a 23% increase from the previous year [2][4] - Shanghai Disneyland saw a remarkable 164.2% increase in attendance compared to 2022, highlighting the strong recovery and growth potential in the Chinese market [4][5] - The market penetration rate for theme parks in China is only 27%, compared to 68% in developed markets, indicating substantial growth opportunities [6] Competitive Landscape - Major international players are rapidly entering the Chinese market, with new projects like the Shanghai LEGO Land Resort and the Harry Potter Studio Tour set to open in the coming years [6][8] - Local companies such as Fantawild and Chimelong are also expanding aggressively, with Fantawild reporting a 111% increase in attendance [9][10] - The competition is intensifying as various sectors, including entertainment and media, are entering the theme park space, with companies like Bubble Mart and iQIYI launching their own parks [10][12] Financial Performance - Despite the growth in visitor numbers, profitability remains a challenge for many Chinese theme parks, with 22% of parks still operating at a loss [13][14] - The financial data shows that major players like Hong Kong Disneyland and Chimelong are facing declining profit margins, indicating the high operational costs associated with maintaining and upgrading attractions [14][16] - The reliance on ticket sales for revenue, which constitutes about 70% of total income, is a significant factor in the profitability issues faced by local parks [16][17] Future Trends - The theme park sector is expected to continue growing, driven by government support and the economic benefits these parks bring to local communities [17][18] - There is a growing emphasis on IP (intellectual property) development, with local parks increasingly focusing on creating or acquiring strong IPs to enhance their appeal [19][20] - Innovative models, such as drama-themed parks, are emerging, showcasing the potential for cultural integration and local storytelling in the theme park experience [27][29]