The international exhibition moved from France to China this autumn and officially welcomed its first guests this weekend at the Super Brand Mall in Lujiazui, Shanghai.
James and Oliver Phelps, who played the Weasley twins in the Harry Potter films, were at the premiere event on Saturday.
James said: ‘It’s amazing to see so many hardcore Harry Potter fans in China. They love the Harry Potter films, they collect the books and even dress up as wizards and witches.’
‘Seeing them eager to immerse themselves in the Harry Potter experience is overwhelming; the response to the exhibition… was fabulous,’ added Oliver. ‘This is our very first ever visit to China and we love Shanghai. It’s a beautiful city and spending time with fans surrounded by all the great costumes, props and creatures brought us lots of surprises and good memories from working on the films.’
The exhibition is packed with displays of locations, creatures and costumes from the Harry Potter films. The Great Hall, Hagrid’s hut and the Gryffindor common room are all on show, as well as artefacts from the Quidditch World Cup, Harry’s Nimbus 2000 and the Marauder’s Map designed by graphic designers MinaLima.
Budding Magizoologists will no doubt notice Buckbeak the Hippogriff and the Hungarian Horntail dragon, and Dark Arts buffs may even spot a terrifying Dementor. Remember to carry some chocolate with you, just in case.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition started back in 2009 and has travelled to cities across the world, delighting more than three million Potter fans since its debut in Chicago. The exhibition is open for a limited run.