New Shanghai Disneyland Welcomes Worldwide Travelers

Shanghai is one of China's most important cities - a center of international commerce known for its rich mix of Western and Asian culture.

This summer, Shanghai welcomed new friends to the city: Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck and they're not just visiting. Shanghai is their newest home.

Since its official opening in June, Shanghai Disneyland has quickly become one of the most popular vacation destinations for Asian travelers.

"We traveled five hours by train to be here," one visitor told CBN News. "We are looking forward to having a great time."

Eager to meet their famous friends, some children dressed up as their favorite Disney characters.

"Elsa is my favorite. I can't wait to meet her," one child said.

It has only been a few days since the opening of Shanghai Disneyland, but already people from all over the world have joined the celebration.

"We have been to other Disneyland resorts, but we are excited to come see this one in China," tourists from Peru told CBN News.

"We are happy to be here and we feel like children again," visitors from Northern Ireland said.

Although Western-style theme parks are still new to China, many believe the opening of Shanghai Disneyland marks a new era for the Chinese entertainment industry.

It's possible that more theme parks will soon come to China.