Viacom, the Sanshui New Town Management Committee and Elite Global Group have unveiled plans for a US$1.85bn (€1.69bn, £1.24bn) Nickelodeon-branded attraction, set to open in Southern China by 2020.

Part of the Foshan Cultural and Ecological Coastal Project – an initiative to enhance the culture, tourism, sports, science and technology sectors to the city of Foshan – the project will incorporate Nickelodeon’s top brands under a licensing deal, though details about what will be included in the massive attraction are being kept mostly under wraps. The developers have said the plan will include a ‘China Cultural Creativity Base’, which will use Chinese culture, stories and values into attractions. The project will also incorporate energy-efficient buildings.

This will be the first Nickelodeon attraction in China, with other branded properties in locations in the US, Australia, the UK, Spain and Malaysia.

“We are thrilled we will develop our first branded attraction in China, which will open up further opportunities for our recreation business in Asia,” said Ron Johnson, executive vice president of Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products.

"Elite Global Group and Foshan will create a series of branded attractions to appeal to kids and families across China, enabling them to connect with some of the most beloved Nickelodeon characters in the world, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."