Frenzy in China for Japanese superhero Ultraman as theme parks and a hotel open – and there’s more to come

Ultraman has a large and ever-growing fan base in China, where themed attractions have been set up in Dalian, Chengdu, Zhengzhou and Shanghai

Ultraman came to China in 1993, and parents who grew up with the series ‘can feel at ease’ with their children having a familiar experience, executive says

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A giant bust of Ultraman is seen at the Ultraman Theme Pavilion in Shanghai. China’s obsession with the Ultraman superhero franchise has led to the opening of theme parks and a hotel – and there is more to come. Photo: Getty Images

Published: 6:15pm, 4 Jan 2024

The Japan-born Ultraman superhero franchise has inspired a frenzy in China some three decades after it was first broadcast there, with children clamouring to get their hands on the latest merchandise, and families visiting theme parks and staying at the world’s first Ultraman hotel.

As China emerged from its “zero-Covid” policy, which heavily restricted people’s movements until early 2023, Ultraman attractions were set up in Dalian, Chengdu, Zhengzhou and Shanghai.

According to Tsuburaya Productions, which produced the programme that first aired on Japanese television in 1966, distribution of the Chinese-dubbed series on video platforms, and merchandise sales, have driven Ultraman’s popularity in China.

The Ultraman story revolves around the red-and-silver size-changing character that fights monsters to protect Earth from extraterrestrial threats. Originally from the Land of Light, he has many incarnations.

The Japan-born Ultraman superhero franchise has inspired a frenzy in China. Photo: Getty Images

During the summer holiday period, many children clad in Ultraman costumes, capes and masks visited the Ultraman area in the Discoveryland theme park in Dalian, northeastern China, which opened in May 2023.