iQIYI Announces Groundbreaking for Its Second Theme Park in China, Enhancing Offline Experiences

iQIYI's New Adventure in Kaifeng: The Launch of iQIYI LAND

On April 18, iQIYI, a premier online entertainment platform in China, marked a significant milestone by announcing the groundbreaking of its second comprehensive theme park, iQIYI LAND, located in the historic city of Kaifeng, Henan Province. This exciting initiative follows the revelation of plans for the first theme park in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, and positions iQIYI as a pioneer in merging digital and physical entertainment experiences.

Transforming Viewers into Active Participants

At the launch ceremony, Yu GONG, the founder and CEO of iQIYI, articulated a vision that goes beyond traditional entertainment. He emphasized how the integration of online and offline experiences allows visitors to transition from mere viewers to active participants, co-creators within the cultural narrative. This transformation is crucial to enrich audience engagement while providing a more memorable visit.

The overarching idea is to forge a robust digital entertainment solution that incorporates everything from online content delivery to multifaceted offline experiences. According to GONG, technological innovations will serve as the backbone for initiating this grand project in Kaifeng.

What to Expect from iQIYI LAND

The forthcoming iQIYI LAND is set to introduce numerous thrilling attractions, featuring seven core entertainment sectors mirroring those in the Yangzhou project. Visitors can anticipate immersive theater experiences, interactive performance spaces, holographic displays, film interaction areas, non-player character (NPC) engagements, and mixed-reality (MR) activities. These attractions are designed to deepen engagement and elevate the visitor experience beyond that of conventional theme parks.

Diverging from the hefty financial outlays and long return cycles typical of traditional amusement parks, iQIYI is pioneering a technology-oriented, agile operational model. This innovative approach harnesses proprietary game engines, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure a dynamic, interactive environment with content updates that continuously captivate audiences. By doing so, the company addresses common concerns in the industry, such as high operational costs and limited interactive experiences.

A Focus on Quality Content and Sustainability

Hang ZHANG, the Senior Vice President of iQIYI, highlighted the importance of creating a sustainable portfolio of original Chinese intellectual properties (IPs) since 2017. By embedding popular IPs into real-world settings, the company aims to forge deeper emotional connections between fans and their beloved content, enhancing overall user satisfaction.

Currently, iQIYI's immersive theater projects have launched in over 20 cities across China, boasting 40 operational sites. These experiences are expected to become a cornerstone of the future attractions at iQIYI LAND, underlining the company’s commitment to content longevity and operational efficiency.

A Promising Future and Market Demand

The timing of iQIYI LAND's announcement aligns seamlessly with the increasing demand within China's theme park industry. Reports from China Insights Consultancy indicate a growth trajectory for this sector that reached RMB 60 billion (USD 8.2 billion) in 2023, with projections to soar beyond RMB 110 billion (USD 15 billion) by 2028.

In choosing Kaifeng for its second theme park, iQIYI demonstrates strategic foresight, targeting culturally significant cities known for their accessibility and market potential. As one of China’s ancient capitals, Kaifeng boasts impressive transportation links, including high-speed rail that connects it to major cities like Zhengzhou and Luoyang swiftly, making it an ideal location for drawing visitors.

The iQIYI LAND project will be sited at the momentous 960 Cultural and Creative Park, a renowned destination close to Longting Lake Park, further enhancing its potential appeal to tourists.

Conclusion

In summary, iQIYI's ambitious venture into the theme park sphere promises an evolution of the entertainment experience, successfully bridging online with offline. With technological innovation and thoughtful strategic planning, iQIYI LAND aims to not only entertain but also to create lasting emotional connections with audiences, heralding a new era in the realm of experiential entertainment.