A small replica of the Temple of Heaven portraying an imperial ceremony is part of Little Big City Beijing, an interactive miniaturized attraction mixing physical models and special effects that will open on Qianmen Street this summer. The small replicas will include such local architectural icons as the Great Wall, the Palace Museum and traditional alleyways. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Merlin's new openings director for the Asia-Pacific region, Benjamin Sweet, says: "It's exciting to bring the beautiful Little Big City to Beijing. Asia presents a huge opportunity in entertainment ... And China has a need for more immersive attractions."

He reveals that Merlin is also looking for a suitable location on the Chinese mainland to open an interactive Legoland theme park.

Merlin conducted research involving Beijing families and Chinese travelers from outside the capital to develop the attraction, Sweet says.

The company's creative team from the UK has worked with Chinese historians and culture experts, model builders and special-effects artists.

Sweet says he particularly enjoys a display of the Great Wall that simulates assaults on the bulwark during ancient times.

"Our department is responsible for taking the stories and expertise from the Chinese history and culture experts, and turning those into an engaging (experience)," says Darren Ward, models-delivery manager of Merlin Magic Making Production Delivery Department.