A theme park dedicated to the work of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen is scheduled to open in Shanghai on 11 May, 2010.

Revolving around the author's successful works including the Little Mermaid, the Emperor's New Clothes and the Ugly Duckling, the proposed eight hectare attraction will be located in the northeast suburbs of the city.

The launch of the park has been timed to go hand-in-hand with the activities of the World Expo — a grand tradition of international fairs and expositions which will be held in Shanghai in 2010. The event is also hoped to introduce the city's new status as a major economic and cultural centre.

The opening of the theme park will mark the 60th year of diplomatic relations between Denmark and China with Denmark promising the park a copy of the Andersen bronze statue located at the entrance of the Copenhagen city hall.

As part of Denmark's involvement in the World Expo, Copenhagen's most famous sculpture of the Little Mermaid will also be shipped to Shanghai to form the centrepiece of Denmark's pavilion.

Hans Christian Andersen (1805 — 1875) was a Danish poet and author famous for his popular children's stories. His poems and fairytales have been translated into more than 150 languages.