The Smurfs, a world-famous cartoon franchise, will settle in the Shanghai Shimao Dream City, jointly announced the Shimao Group and the International Merchandising Promotions & Services S.A, the copyright owner, on March 20, 2019. Shanghai Shimao Dream City is adjacent to the Quarry Hotel InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland in Songjiang District.

The Smurfs theme park will be one of the three major sections of the Dream City; the first one - a wonderland area featuring a deep pit, was opened to the public in December 2018.

There will be four areas in the park, that is, the forest, Smurf village, Gargamel's home and the out-door zone.

Design chart by Shimao Group

The park will hold a variety of celebrations integrating Chinese and foreign festivals.

Visitors are expected to explore the wonderland, seeking solutions by following the clues and helping Papa Smurf complete his missions.

Design chart by Shimao Group

The Smurfs was created by the Belgian cartoonist Peyo (the pen name of Pierre Culliford) in 1958 and then expanded into advertising, films, TV series, ice capades, video games, theme parks, and dolls.

The Smurfs serve as the publicity ambassadors for the UN's 17 sustainable development goals.

Its animated dramas came to China in 1985, becoming very popular with those born in the 1970s and the 1980s.

In October 2018, a Smurfs-themed metro train was launched in Shanghai to mark the first China International Import Expo.

Smurfs-themed metro train (Photo by Xinhua)