CHINA’S attractions industry has continued to evolve and expand amid the pandemic, as the country moves toward a leading global position, says a global attractions attendance report. The report was co-developed by the American infrastructure consulting firm AECOM and the Themed Entertainment Association. In the Asia-Pacific region, the top 20 theme parks saw attendance numbers drop a total of 58 percent in 2020. The impact in China has been different than in other parts of Asia, it says. China was the first to implement restrictions and closures. Nonetheless, new parks and attractions continued to open even during the pandemic, though with some delays. China added nearly 20 parks. The most prestigious is Universal Beijing, with its September 2021 grand opening. The OCT and Fantawild chains both opened new parks, while Chimelong Paradise expanded. Ocean Park Hong Kong has inaugurated its new year-round water park, Water World. (China Daily) | 