iQIYI's Launch of Tech-Enabled Theme Park Marks Innovation in Entertainment
iQIYI Launches iQIYI LAND: A Groundbreaking Theme Park
On February 8, 2026, iQIYI, the leading online entertainment platform in China, made waves in the theme park industry by opening
iQIYI LAND, its first global offline theme park, located in the beautiful city of Yangzhou, situated in Jiangsu Province. This park represents a significant advancement in the integration of technology and creativity within the entertainment sector, allowing audiences to experience beloved Chinese intellectual properties (IPs) in immersive, real-life settings.
A Milestone for iQIYI
With a vision to enhance its content ecosystem beyond streaming, iQIYI has made a strategic move to bring its captivating stories into the physical realm.
Yu Gong, the Founder and CEO of iQIYI, emphasized the importance of emotional connections built over the past 15 years, stating, "With iQIYI LAND, we're bringing that connection into the real world."
This park is not just a place for entertainment; it innovatively employs advanced technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI), to create an engaging atmosphere where visitors can interact with the content they love in unique ways.
The Grand Opening Ceremony
The park opened its doors to an enthusiastic audience, which included iQIYI’s executives, local partners, and industry celebrities. A notable highlight of the opening ceremony was a special appearance by cast members from popular dramas who participated in themed zones throughout the park. Visitors were welcomed by actors from “Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty,” and live performances transformed the narratives from screen to stage, elevating the visitor experience.
An Innovative Indoor Design
iQIYI LAND covers approximately 10,000 square meters and is designed as an indoor facility, providing all-year-round operations and efficiency in managing its IP cycles. This innovative design sets it apart from traditional outdoor theme parks. The park utilizes digital production and immersive engineering to allow rapid content updates and offers seven core experience zones, which is a significant shift in how theme parks can be structured.
The Experience Zones
1. Immersive Theaters: With flagship rides that combine VR, motion systems, unique scents, and live actors, guests are thrust into captivating storylines such as “Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty.” Here, visitors can partake in plotlines, experiencing action-packed scenarios such as battling mythical creatures or soaring through treacherous landscapes.
2. Light-and-Shadow Spaces: Utilizing digital technologies, visitors are transported into cinematic environments inspired by works like “To the Wonder” and “Love Between Fairy and Devil.” Movement triggers various story dynamics, providing a personalized experience.
3. Immersive Stage Performances: Live shows incorporate LED screens, rotating stages, and other projections to create breathtaking performances. For instance, “Mysterious Lotus Casebook” blends martial arts with modern technology for a captivating display.
4. Iconic Scene Photo Spots: Fans can take photos at reenacted locations such as Gao Qiqiang’s house from “The Knockout.” These spots are highly recognizable and offer fans a chance to relive their favorite moments.
5. Live Character Interactions: Performers dressed as popular IP characters provide surprise interactions, encouraging visitors to uncover hidden storylines and enjoy immersive role-play experiences.
6. Social Games: Multiplayer games projected on screens create a lively atmosphere where guests can engage in friendly competitions.
7. IP-Exclusive Retail and Dining: Themed restaurants and shops offer IP-inspired menus and exclusive collectibles, merging dining with storytelling to enhance the experience.
A Bright Future Ahead
Through the establishment of iQIYI LAND, the company aims to extend the lifecycle of its intellectual properties while cultivating deeper relationships with its audience. This groundbreaking initiative represents a shift in the entertainment landscape, targeting the growing demand for offline entertainment and cultural tourism in China.
Plans are already underway for future parks in other cities, such as Kaifeng in Henan Province and Beijing, integrating local stories with iQIYI’s beloved narratives. By fusing digital innovation with rich Chinese storytelling, iQIYI is carving out a new frontier in entertainment that beckons audiences away from their screens.
This innovative move by iQIYI signifies not just the evolution of theme parks but a fresh chapter in how stories are told and experienced, likely inspiring similar ventures within the industry and beyond.