CRI听力:Soon-to-open Shanghai Disney Resort Features Chinese Culture

The Walt Disney Corporation has said that its going to be adding a number of exclusively-Chinese elements to its new theme park - soon to be opening in Shanghai.

Among the latest series of offerings to be available exclusively at the soon-to-open Disney Resort in Shanghai, Chinese kungfu shoes are most eye-catching, which are designed for the iconic Disney cartoon characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Chinese-style tea sets featuring the magical duo are not far behind.

Allen Au Yeung, Disney's creative vice president in the Greater China Region, said, "This is one of the most, kind of, interesting product we have done: kungfu 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."

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 and Chinese snacks.

"We have a local artist here working with us in the team and he's quite enjoying Mickey and 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 Mickey and Minnie," said Yeung.

Robert A Iger, the chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company said Disney has been delighting people at these parks and resorts around the world for 60 years.

"And here in Shanghai, we apply everything that we've learnt from 6 decades of relentless innovation and creativity to deliver a world-class destination. When we began this project, our goal was that to create something that was authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese," said the chairman.

Iger explains that they have hired some culture analysts, in order to research the consumption customs of Chinese people.

They even went to visit some Shanghai people's homes to try a typical Shanghai dinner.

Every name of the product Shanghai Disney Resort offers has been given consideration to both the original English meaning and Chinese ideas.

The Shanghai Disney Resort is an under-construction theme park by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

It is the first Disney Park in the China mainland.

The Resort is to open in the spring of 2016.