Chinese authorities have announced that an $8bn Paramount-branded theme park resort is being constructed in southwestern Yunnan province’s capital city Kunming.

Variety reports that the Paramount theme park will cover 643 acres. The mixed-use project will span a total of 1,899 acres and will contain an arts complex.

The arts complex will include a branch of China’s Central Academy of Fine Arts and a Southeast Asian Art Research Center, as well as 11 art museums and other public facilities.

Star Trek and Peanuts zones

According to the plan, the development will be a “first-class and internationally renowned tourism and vacation destination” and a “model zone for the transformation and upgrading of tourism industry”.

Construction is expected to take approximately 42 months, with a completion set for June 2024. The theme park will feature six themed areas, including a Star Trek area called ‘Final Frontier’.

The Adventure City and Wonderland zones will be home to thrill rides, including attractions inspired by Mission Impossible and The Italian Job. Based on James Gurney’s Dinotopia, the dinosaur area will also boast thrill rides.

In addition, the Paramount park will house a Peanuts-themed area with entertainment offerings. The theme park will be the third largest in China, behind Universal Beijing and Shanghai Disneyland.

Paramount theme park plans

Paramount Pictures is also creating the biggest theme park in Southeast Asia. Located in the Jembrana regency of Bali, it is expected to soft launch in 2025 and will attract up to 5 million annual visitors.

In addition, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment is developing a Paramount theme park at the Inspire Korea integrated resort (IR), which could be delayed beyond 2025.

Covering an area of 404,600 square metres, the Paramount theme park will offer 40 rides and attractions based on Paramount Pictures films such as Mission Impossible and Star Trek.