Hainan's first Hello Kitty theme park settles in Sanya

A Hello Kitty theme park was officially settled in Sanya, South China's Hainan province after a signing ceremony was held on July 29.
As a cooperative result between Hong Kong's Fude Group Holdings and the Japanese animation powerhouse Sanrio Co Ltd, the theme park is the first of its kind in the province with an international IP brand. It is believed that it will help enhance Sanya's attractiveness as an international tourist destination, as well as become a new landmark and a calling card of the city.
The park will be situated at Haitang Bay, a national coast in the city. With a reported investment of 11 billion yuan ($1.6 billion), it will be composed of a theme park, theme hotels, and commercial streets. It is expected to open in 2024, and will receive about two million visitors per year.
The first Hello Kitty-themed outdoor park in China opened in 2015 in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, while an indoor Hello Kitty park was opened in Shanghai in October 2018.
The iconic cat, Hello Kitty, was first designed by Sanrio in 1974 with a trademark pink bow. It has long been a symbol of friendship. 

The Hong Kong-based Fude Group Holdings and the Japanese animation powerhouse Sanrio Co Ltd signs an agreement on July 29 to cooperate on the construction of a Hello Kitty theme park in Sanya, South China's Hainan province. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

The decorations of the signing ceremony on July 29 combine the iconic Hello Kitty with Sanya's characteristic elements of seaside views and coconut trees. [Photo/Sanya Daily]