UK's dystopian theme park that has a modern art exhibition inside is in stark contrast to Anji County's Hello Kitty theme park. (Photo : Instagram)
International leisure travelers have distinct tastes when it comes to attractions like theme parks or exhibitions. In China and the United Kingdom, two recently constructed attractions have gotten big visitor attention.
The Hello Kitty theme park located in Anji County in the eastern part of China's Zhejiang Province has attracted global visitors who love all things nice and wonderful, or Kitty-inspired. On the other hand, travelers with a penchant for the macabre are bound to be fascinated by Dismaland, UK's macabre art works, subversive statements against capitalism, and artistic takes on key societal issues and events.
The stark contrast in the two global attractions that have generated huge interest from travelers all over the world is glaring. China's new theme park beckons Hello Kitty fanatics, while UK's Dismaland attracts art aficionados willing to shell out money to get a glimpse of clever depictions/representations of art, entertainment and culture.
Both destinations have generated much buzz in social media as well. Dismaland, touted as an interesting alternative to the typical family day out but has some imagery that may not be suited for young kids, features elements like carnival or neighborhood attractions in disarray.
While the Hello Kitty theme park greets visitors with cheery park attendants, Dismaland in Weston-super-Mare is staffed by morose-looking employees. Exhilarating rides and Hello Kitty-themed merchandise are all over the Hello Kitty theme park that is expected to bring in a million visitors every year, People's Daily Online reported. The project has received a barrage of good and bad comments.
On the other hand, English street artist Banksy who is noted for his provocative stenciled pieces and iconic murals, stated that Dismaland conveys that "theme parks should have bigger themes." He also clarified that it is not a swipe at Disney, Reuters reported. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are among the celebrity-clients of Banksy.
One of the eye-catching displays at the Dismaland exhibition is an upturned carriage of Cinderella with paparazzi shown flashing equipment at a dead princess. Dismaland Park's Instagram followers wrote that it is "such a beautiful way to express art" and have described such attractions as insane, cool, and awesome.
Apart from the bizarre art works, Dismaland offers the public activities like outdoor film showings featuring shorts like "Don't Hug Me I'm Scared." Dismaland opens on Aug. 22 and will remain open to the public until Sept. 27.
