China's theme parks lose their magic, with 40% earning no profit

One park averages 13 guests a day, aquarium cuts costs with fake whale shark

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Most of the attractions and restaurants at Dayong Town are closed. (Photo Noriyuki Doi)

NORIYUKI DOI, Nikkei staff writer

ZHANGJIAJIE, China -- Dayong Town, a historical theme park in Hunan province that opened three years ago to much fanfare, resembles a ghost town more than a magic kingdom these days, averaging just 13 ticket buyers per day in the first half of the year.

On a recent visit to the park, which cost over 2 billion yuan ($275 million at today's rates) to build, ticket gates were shuttered while top attractions like an immersive 4D movie theater, an outdoor theater and boat rides were all were closed.

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