Six Flags Entertainment Corporation and its partner in China, Riverside Tourism Investment Group, has announced that the children’s areas of the country’s first-ever Six Flags-branded theme parks will be themed after Garfield and other characters from Jim Davis’s iconic comic strip.

Six Flags Zhejiang is scheduled to open in 2019, anchoring a $4.6bn resort development located on the coast of Hangzhou Bay. The group’s second theme park in China, Six Flags Chongqing, is scheduled to open in 2020.

“We are excited to partner with the great team at Paws Incorporated to create unique, themed sections based on the beloved Garfield character for children and their families,” said John Odum, president of Six Flags’ international development division.

“From themed rides and attractions to live shows, character meet and greets and merchandise, guests will be fully immersed inside the clever world of Garfield and friends.”

Che Li, chairman of the Riverside Investment Group, added: “This alliance is another major step toward building a world class park for millions of visitors.

“Garfield is already a beloved character in China and we look forward to bringing him to life inside Six Flags Zhejiang and Six Flags Chongqing.”

Located in Haiyan, south of Shanghai, the theme park operator broke ground on Six Flags Zhjiang in January 2016. The first phase of the mixed-use development, an exhibition centre, opened in the autumn to provide visitors an interactive preview of the upcoming offerings.

Six Flags announced it had secured a site. near the city of Bishan, for Six Flags Chongqing in February. According to the company, both parks will feature “record-breaking roller coasters, live shows, thrilling water attractions and more”.