After years of speculation, Shanghai residents finally have their chance to comment on proposals for their very own Disney theme park.
The first detailed plans for the 24.5-billion-yuan (HK$29 billion) park tourism zone have been released for a one-month public consultation, with major construction work expected to begin in May.
The seven-square-kilometre site southeast of the city - already cleared - will feature man-made rivers, an artificial lake and a variety of attractions, connected to the city centre by two subway lines.
The theme park, scheduled to open in 2015, will be contained in an initial 3.9 square kilometre first phase, flanked by three hotel plots, commercial facilities, a huge car park and a public transport hub, according to plans lodged with the municipal Urban Planning, Land and Resources Administration Bureau.
With World Expo 2010 over, eyes have started turning to the theme park as the next headline project.
There has been speculation about the project in local and national media, but both officials and the US-based entertainment giant had been reticent about releasing full details.
Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng broke the official silence on Sunday, announcing the project's budget.
