The Shanghai Disneyland is set to stir excitement among Chinese visitors when it opens early next year, as the resort plans to launch special merchandise featuring Chinese cultural elements to celebrate its opening.
Among the new offerings to be available exclusively at the Disney empire's latest outpost in China are Chinese kung-fu shoes designed for iconic Disney cartoon characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Chinese-style tea sets featuring the magical duo.
"This is one of the most, kind of, interesting product we have done -- kung-fu shoes. As you see, how we marry our Disney creatives with a local product. This is a very good example of what we're trying to do for The Walt Disney Company in China," said Allen Au Yeung, Disney's creative vice president in the Greater China Region.
According to Au Yeung, the company also plans to work with China Post, the country's official postal service, to issue stamps and first-day covers that incorporate both Disney characters and traditional Chinese patterns.
Other additions to its merchandise lineup will include Chinese calligraphy and ink painting works, China-themed gold jewelry, and Disney character-inspired moon cakes.
"We have a local artist here working with us in the team and he's quite enjoying making a Minnie. So he really has a full understanding about the art and culture in China. And it's something that to him, kind of do some study, and that's how we come up with the scene, hopefully making a Minnie," said the vice president.
The Walt Disney Company sells 38 items every second in China and Disney movies have grossed more than 3.8 billion yuan at the Chinese box office, according to reports.