Leisure Development Partners has released the APAC 2026 edition of The Experience Economist, with the latest issue placing a specific focus on China and its role within the wider visitor attractions, leisure and entertainment sectors.
Published in June 2026, the report reviews China’s position as the world’s second-largest theme park market and assesses the commercial factors shaping future growth. For developers, investors, operators and suppliers, the findings point to a market with significant long-term potential, supported by rising guest spend, regional income growth and changing visitor expectations.
China’s Market Position And Growth Potential
LDP’s latest analysis identifies China as one of the most important long-term markets for attractions development. Despite a softer rate of attendance growth in recent years, the country’s theme park penetration remains relatively low at around 30 percent when compared with mature international markets.
This indicates further room for growth, particularly as domestic tourism, middle-class incomes and family-focused leisure continue to support demand. The report also notes that China’s neighbouring markets remain commercially relevant for businesses assessing regional expansion across Asia-Pacific.
For UK and international companies working across feasibility, masterplanning, design, economics, operations and content strategy, the findings provide a useful indication of where demand may build over the coming years.
Spend-Led Performance Becomes A Key Indicator
A central theme of the report is the shift from volume-led growth to value-led performance. While attendance has become more measured, revenue is increasing at a faster pace due to higher ticket prices, stronger in-park spending and investment in new attractions.
This change has important implications for attraction operators and project teams. Forecasting models increasingly need to account for per-capita spend, pricing strategy, secondary revenue and the strength of the visitor offer, rather than relying mainly on attendance growth.
For investors and developers, this also places greater importance on commercial planning. Projects that are able to drive longer dwell time, repeat visitation and stronger guest spending are likely to be better placed in a more competitive market.
Tier 2 And Tier 3 Cities Set The Next Direction
The report highlights uneven market maturity across China. Tier 1 cities are now entering a more established phase, with stronger competition and higher levels of visitor expectation. By contrast, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are expected to play a greater role in the next phase of sector expansion.
Rising incomes in these cities are creating new demand for leisure, entertainment and family attractions. However, each location will require careful analysis of catchment, infrastructure, pricing capacity and audience behaviour.
This points to a growing need for locally tailored development strategies. Imported formats or generic concepts may face pressure unless they are supported by clear market evidence and relevant content.
Planning Discipline Remains Essential
LDP also identifies several risks for the sector, including profitability pressures, content fatigue and possible over-supply. These factors place added importance on differentiated concepts, disciplined feasibility work and strong alignment between product, audience and location.
The Experience Economist series is available free through LDP’s website and is designed to support informed decision-making across the attractions and leisure sectors. For Experience UK’s readership, the APAC 2026 edition offers a timely view of China’s future role in regional growth and the planning standards required to compete effectively.
