Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 227 Construction and Operation of Cultural Theme Parks of Cultural Companies

Mu Yang was delighted to see his family company steadily progressing towards a younger brand, with increasing brand recognition among younger consumers and continued sales growth. However, his innovative and enterprising spirit wasn't content to rest on its laurels. Amidst the booming cultural industry, he keenly identified the potential of cultural theme parks. Embracing the creative excitement and commercial promise of their construction and operation, Mu Yang decided to lead his cultural company on a new journey, dedicating himself to the development and operation of these parks.

Mu Yang arrived at the planning and design office of the cultural theme park. The space was open, with sunlight streaming in through huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The spacious conference table was covered with various design drawings, materials, and models, and the air was filled with the atmosphere of creativity and inspiration. Huge planning drawings covered the entire wall, marking the preliminary layout and design concept of the theme park. Lines and symbols of different colors outlined the contours of various functional areas and amusement facilities. Professional planning designers sat around the conference table, design sketches and materials in hand, discussing enthusiastically, and all kinds of novel ideas and creativity collided in the air. Cultural experts, on the side, carefully read through thick historical texts and cultural research reports, and from time to time put forward suggestions on the integration of cultural themes. Their eyes revealed their dedication to cultural inheritance and innovation.

"Hello everyone, today we gather here to work together to come up with ideas for our cultural theme park. This will be a cultural tourism project that integrates regional cultural characteristics and modern entertainment concepts. We want it to become a cultural paradise in the hearts of tourists, not only providing exciting amusement experiences, but also allowing tourists to have an in-depth understanding and feel the charm of culture." Mu Yang said with a smile, his eyes flashing with longing for the future theme park, as if he had already seen the lively scene of tourists having fun in the park and immersed in the cultural atmosphere.

Renowned planning and design architect Zhang Gong stood up excitedly, waving a design sketch in his hand, his face brimming with creative passion. "Mr. Mu, I have a bold idea. We could create a park themed around ancient mythology, featuring a series of thrilling mythological rides. For example, we could design a 'Travel Through Mythical Time and Space' roller coaster. The track would simulate a fantastical journey from mythology, sometimes like a giant dragon soaring through the clouds, sometimes like a meteor streaking across the night sky, allowing visitors to experience the thrills and excitement of the mythical world at high speed. We could also create an immersive experience called 'Nuwa Mending the Sky.' Utilizing advanced virtual reality technology, coupled with realistic sound and environmental effects, it would allow visitors to feel as if they were personally participating in the story of Nuwa mending the sky, experiencing the magical power of the multicolored stones and her sense of mission to save humanity."

Professor Li, a cultural expert, pushed his glasses and added, "Mr. Zhang's idea is very creative, but we need to be even more professional and rigorous in incorporating cultural themes. When creating mythological scenes and landscapes, we must strictly adhere to the records and cultural connotations of ancient mythology, striving to restore everything from the architectural style and landscape layout to the staff's costumes and props. For example, the architecture of the mythology park could reference the palaces and temples in ancient mythology, adopting a simple architectural style with exquisite carvings and paintings. Every detail should reflect the mystery and solemnity of the mythological era. The staff's clothing could imitate the attire of mythological characters, so that visitors, upon entering the park, feel as if they have traveled through time and space and found themselves in a mythical world."

However, during the discussion, a contradiction gradually emerged between the cost of building and operating a cultural theme park and ticket revenue and other operating income. The finance manager said worriedly, "Mr. Mu, the construction and operation costs of a cultural theme park are not cheap. Just the planning and design costs, including hiring a renowned design team like Mr. Zhang, will cost [X] million yuan. Construction costs are even higher. Preliminary estimates suggest the entire park could cost as much as [X] billion yuan. Procuring building materials, introducing large-scale amusement facilities, and creating the park's landscape all require significant funding. Then there's the cost of training personnel. Training a team of professional service staff, from tour guides to catering staff, requires systematic training, which also requires significant investment. We're not yet sure about ticket pricing and operating income, which makes us hesitant about the investment. If the ticket price is too high, it might deter some visitors; if it's too low, it won't cover the costs."

Mu Yang pondered for a moment and said, "The contradiction between cost and benefit is indeed a problem we have to face. But we cannot retreat because of the current difficulties. Cultural theme parks have huge development potential. We can conduct detailed market research to understand tourists' spending power and their acceptance of ticket prices, and set reasonable ticket prices. At the same time, we will develop diversified business models. In addition to ticket revenue, we can also increase revenue through catering, accommodation, and souvenir sales. In terms of catering, we can introduce culturally distinctive food, allowing tourists to experience the charm of culture while tasting the food; in souvenir sales, we can design and produce exquisite cultural peripheral products to meet tourists' collection and commemoration needs. In terms of cost control, we optimize the construction process, rationally purchase building materials, negotiate with suppliers, and strive for more favorable prices to reduce construction costs."

As planning and design progressed, competition with other surrounding cultural and tourism projects for resource acquisition gradually emerged during construction. One day, the staff member in charge of land negotiations anxiously approached Mu Yang and said, "Mr. Mu, the land we're interested in is also being sought after by another nearby cultural and tourism project. They're offering a high price. What should we do? That piece of land has a prime location, convenient transportation, and complete surrounding facilities, making it ideal for our theme park. If we lose it, we might have to choose a new site, which would significantly increase construction costs and time. Furthermore, relocating the site might also face a host of challenges, such as new land approvals and environmental assessments, which could seriously impact project progress."

Mu Yang thought calmly and said, "We can't give up easily. We need to understand the other party's strengths and weaknesses, highlight the characteristics of our cultural theme park and its role in driving the local cultural tourism industry, and have in-depth communication with the land transferor. We can elaborate on our project plan, including the promotion of local employment, the advancement of cultural heritage, and the stimulation of the tourism economy. At the same time, we should prepare a reasonable bid and strive to acquire this land while ensuring that costs are controllable. We can also consider providing some added value, such as participating in local cultural and public welfare activities and providing more convenience and benefits for surrounding residents."

After many rounds of difficult negotiations, the cultural company finally succeeded in acquiring the desired land, and the construction of the theme park officially began. Mu Yang arrived at the theme park construction site, which was bustling with activity. Large construction machinery roared, excavators waved their huge mechanical arms, and loaders shuttled back and forth, transporting construction materials. Construction workers, wearing safety helmets, bustled between construction sites, some erecting scaffolding, some pouring concrete, and everyone was contributing their own efforts to the construction of the theme park. The project manager reported to Mu Yang on the construction progress and quality: "Mr. Mu, we are strictly following the design plan for construction, and the project is currently progressing smoothly. However, we also encountered some problems during the construction process, such as the supply of construction materials, which sometimes was delayed, affecting the construction progress. A few days ago, the cement supplier had transportation problems, which caused us to stop work for a day. In addition, during the construction process, surrounding residents were somewhat dissatisfied with the construction noise and dust pollution. We have taken some measures, such as setting up soundproof fences and regularly sprinkling water to reduce dust, but further coordination is still needed."

Mu Yang said seriously, "We must ensure the quality and progress of construction. We must communicate with material suppliers in a timely manner, sign detailed supply contracts, clearly define the supply time and liability for breach of contract, and ensure that materials are supplied on time. We must actively coordinate and resolve issues raised by surrounding residents, and take effective noise and dust reduction measures, such as increasing the frequency of watering and using more advanced sound insulation equipment. At the same time, we must strengthen safety management during the construction process, conduct regular safety inspections, and not be careless in the slightest. Safety is the top priority of engineering construction, and any safety incidents may affect the progress and reputation of the project."

During the construction process, the differences and conflicts between traditional cultural elements and modern theme park entertainment culture in terms of concept and presentation gradually became apparent. Some construction workers lacked a deep understanding of traditional cultural elements, and their landscape and facility construction failed to adequately reflect the cultural connotations. One worker asked doubtfully, "These ancient mythological patterns and shapes are too complex. We don't quite understand their meaning, and construction is a bit difficult. Can they be simplified to speed up the construction process? For example, the lines of this mythological figure sculpture are too complicated, and we can't grasp the proportions and spirit."

Cultural expert Professor Li patiently explained, "These traditional cultural elements are the soul of our theme park and cannot be arbitrarily simplified. We will arrange for professional training to explain in detail the meaning and cultural background of each element, so that everyone can better reflect the cultural characteristics during the construction process. For example, this mythological figure sculpture represents the bravery and wisdom in ancient mythology. Every line and expression contains specific cultural meaning. Through precise shaping, we want to let visitors feel the charm of the mythological story the moment they see it."

After several months of intense construction, the cultural theme park finally ushered in its trial operation. Mu Yang came to the visitor service center, which has been decorated in a warm and orderly manner. On the wall are hung the park's guide map and various promotional posters, showing the park's special projects and cultural activities. The service staff are undergoing final training. They are dressed in neat uniforms, smiling, and carefully studying the service standards and operating procedures. The person in charge of the visitor service center introduced: "Mr. Mu, we have formulated comprehensive service standards. From the reception of tourists entering the park to the service during the tour, to the farewell when they leave, every link has detailed regulations. We have also trained professional service personnel who will provide tourists with a full range of high-quality services. When tourists enter the park, there will be enthusiastic reception staff to give smiles and greetings, and provide detailed guide manuals; during the tour, staff will answer questions and provide help at any time; when tourists leave, we will give small gifts to thank them for their visit."

On the first day of the trial operation, visitors flocked to the park with curiosity and anticipation. One young visitor excitedly said, "This mythology theme park is so cool! It feels like entering a whole new world the moment I step inside. The 'Travel Through Mythology' roller coaster is so thrilling! I felt like a hero in a myth. The architecture and landscape are also so realistic! Walking here feels like stepping into an ancient mythological world."

However, differences in the acceptance and preferences of cultural theme parks among visitors from different regions and age groups are gradually emerging. One elderly visitor said, "The rides here are a bit too exciting for us seniors. Could you add some leisure activities suitable for us, such as traditional cultural exhibitions and opera performances? We would rather be able to calm down and experience the charm of traditional culture while having fun." Some out-of-town visitors also expressed the hope that more displays and experiences of local culture would be added to help them better understand local culture.

Mu Yang carefully recorded the tourists' feedback and said to the service staff, "Based on the tourists' feedback, we need to promptly adjust and optimize the service content. To meet the needs of elderly tourists, we can add some cultural and leisure areas in the park and hold traditional cultural exhibitions and opera performances to meet the needs of tourists of different age groups. For foreign tourists, we will deeply explore the local culture and add some folk experience projects, such as traditional handicraft making and local food tasting, so that tourists can fully experience the unique charm of local culture."

As trial operations deepened, the cultural theme park's visibility gradually increased. However, it also faced brand competition from other theme parks in the tourism market. Some competitors employed tactics like low-price promotions and false advertising to attract visitors, putting pressure on Muyang's cultural theme park. Some competitors claimed their parks had richer cultural connotations, but in reality, they were simply imitations and patchworks. Others enticed visitors with ultra-low ticket prices but then imposed various hidden fees after admission.

Mu Yang discussed countermeasures with his team members: "In the face of this unfair competition, we can't just go with the flow. We must highlight the characteristics and advantages of our cultural theme park and strengthen brand building and publicity and promotion. We can invite visitors to share their experiences and photos, and attract more visitors through word-of-mouth. We can use social media platforms to initiate topic discussions and interactive activities to increase the park's popularity and exposure. At the same time, we will continuously optimize the park's services and facilities, improve visitor satisfaction, and win the market with strength. We will regularly maintain and upgrade amusement facilities to ensure visitor safety and experience; and we will strengthen training for service personnel to continuously improve service quality."

After a period of hard work, the cultural theme park has established a firm foothold in the tourism market, attracting a large number of tourists. Seeing tourists enjoying themselves in the park with happy smiles on their faces, Mu Yang feels extremely happy and is full of confidence in the continued prosperity of the cultural company's cultural tourism business.

"I am extremely pleased to see that tourists like our cultural theme park so much. We will continue to work hard, constantly optimize and innovate, and make the cultural theme park a bright business card of the cultural tourism industry. In the future, we will continue to expand the content and form of cultural theme parks, and create more distinctive theme parks, such as historical and cultural blocks, folk villages, etc., to attract more tourists to experience them. At the same time, we will strengthen cooperation with other cultural and tourism enterprises, jointly promote the development of the cultural tourism industry, and contribute to the inheritance and promotion of excellent traditional culture." Mu Yang said with emotion at an internal company meeting.

In the days to come, Mu Yang will continue to lead the cultural company to continuously explore and advance on the road of cultural theme park construction and operation, allowing traditional culture and modern entertainment culture to be deeply integrated, and contributing more to the development of the cultural tourism industry.