Fans of Studio Ghibli will soon have a new reason to visit Guangzhou, China. On December 25, the immersive exhibition "Studio Ghibli Story: Miyazaki's Movie Wonderland" will open at the Canton Tower Theater in Guangzhou. Running until October 8, 2026, it highlights Guangzhou's growing role as a global hub for culture and tourism.
Spanning nearly 3,000 square meters, the exhibition recreates iconic scenes from Hayao Miyazaki's classics through lifelike sets and interactive multimedia. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lush, green forests of My Neighbor Totoro, where the friendly forest spirit waits at a bus stop in the rain. They can wander through the magical town of Spirited Away, watching as day turns into night and lanterns glow along the narrow streets.
One of the exhibition's biggest highlights will be the world's first eight-meter-tall recreation of the Bathhouse, a towering, richly detailed set piece that makes guests feel as though they've stepped directly into Chihiro's adventure. From the windswept valleys of Nausicaä to the dreamlike landscapes that have shaped generations of animation lovers, every corner invites exploration, photography, and a sense of wonder.
The project celebrates Studio Ghibli's 40th anniversary and brings together top creative teams from Japan and China. Preparation for the exhibition involved nearly a year of collaboration. Ghibli's exhibition team visited Guangzhou and Shenzhen, while the Chinese creative team traveled to Japan to study the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka and Ghibli Park. Together with leading theme park engineering experts, the teams have designed a fresh interpretation of Ghibli's artistry.
As one of the tallest towers in the world, Canton Tower is already an icon on the Pearl River skyline. Its transformation into a cultural venue reflects Guangzhou's ambition to combine global creativity with local innovation. Since its launch in early 2025, the Canton Tower Theater has attracted over 100,000 visitors with more than 30 high-quality productions.
For travelers planning a trip to China this winter, the opening of Miyazaki's Wonderland offers a rare chance to experience Japanese animation artistry in one of China's most dynamic cities. Blending culture, technology, and international collaboration, it promises to be one of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's most exciting attractions in 2026.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Photo: Li Fangwang
Editor: Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
