DreamWorks retail debut opens in Central China

By Hu Yikai.

A Kung Fu Panda-themed scene decorates the entrance of the Chinese Cuisine Store. Photo by Zhou Mengyuan.
 

Universal Products & Experiences has unveiled DREAMART, Central China’s first DreamWorks Animation-themed retail destination, which opened on February 10 at Yichang’s Juanqiao River Wetland Park.

The launch marks the company’s first venture in the region, bringing international character-based retail experiences to the city as Yichang continues to position itself as a growing cultural tourism hub.

“This site was a basketball court just two years ago,” said Zhen Chaofan, Managing Director and Executive Vice President of Universal Pictures China, describing Yichang as “a very humanistic and livable city.” The transformed space now showcases DreamWorks intellectual properties across four themed zones: Knight Adventure, Maze Adventure, Music Forest, and the Chinese Cuisine Store. The venue combines retail and dining experiences.

On opening day, the Kung Fu Panda-themed dining area was packed with visitors using “passports” to sample movie-inspired snacks. “The decoration is cool and the programs are exciting,” said local vlogger Huang Xin. “The scenes feel very familiar.” Resident Zhang Haiyan added that the immersive venue offers a great option for family outings during the Spring Festival.

Li Boyan, Yang Xue, and Zhou Mengyuan also contributed to this story.