How Disney used feng shui to build a theme park on reclaimed land
In short: To avoid cultural backlash, Hong Kong Disneyland was designed with strict adherence to feng shui. From the specific bend in a walkway to ensure good qi energy stayed within the park, every detail was meticulously planned to harmonize the American brand with local Chinese traditions and customs.
Opened on September 12, 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland was the second Disneyland in Asia, following Tokyo's 1983 debut. Located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay on Lantau Island, the park was a strategic move by the Hong Kong government to boost tourism following the devastating 2003 SARS epidemic. The project was championed by Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and is currently a joint venture between the Government of Hong Kong (52%) and The Walt Disney Company (48%).
The park's design reflects a delicate balancing act between American iconography and local sensibilities. While Main Street, U.S.A. mimics the 1890–1910 small-town America seen in Anaheim, the construction materials differ; for instance, the buildings are primarily wood rather than stone. To respect local customs, designers incorporated feng shui principles, such as curving a walkway to prevent good qi energy from flowing out into the South China Sea.
The park has undergone significant evolution. Originally consisting of only four themed lands, it has expanded through multi-year projects totaling billions of dollars. Recent developments include the 2023 opening of the World of Frozen—the world's first and largest Frozen-themed land—and the 2020 introduction of the Castle of Magical Dreams, which stands double the height of the original Sleeping Beauty Castle. Looking forward, a 20th-anniversary expansion approved in early 2025 aims to introduce the Pixar Entertainment Experience.
Despite its success as the city's most visited theme park, the resort has faced unique challenges. It endured several closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2022. Furthermore, while the park was built with space for a second park, the Hong Kong Government declined to extend an option to purchase a 60-hectare expansion site in September 2020, stating they could not commit to the land in the near future.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Hong Kong Disneyland
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