Shanghai Disneyland theme park will reopen to visitors on Thursday 8 December, following a temporary closure due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Last month, all visitors to the park were temporarily prevented from leaving the resort, before they could be tested for the virus as local health officials battled to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the city.

China's central government had adopted a "zero COVID-19" approach, which involves using strict measures – such as contact tracing, mass testing, border quarantine and lockdowns – as part of efforts to stop community transmission of the virus as soon as it's detected, however, in an unprecedented U-Turn, this policy has been shelved in recent days.

Following reopening, all guests to Shanghai Disneyland will continue to be required to undergo temperature screening upon entering the resort. They will also be required to wear masks in confined areas and crowded outdoor areas in the resort.

An official Shanghai Disneyland statement said: "We will resume operations on 8 December, 2022, operating from 8:30 to 20:00 on the reopening day, marking Shanghai Disney Resort's return to full operations.

"The resort’s pandemic control measures will be updated in accordance with the latest local government guidelines and guests should check and strictly follow them.

"Select attractions, live entertainment, restaurants and retail locations may not be available or may operate at reduced capacity.

"The two resort hotels at Shanghai Disney Resort continue to operate as normal at this stage.

"We continue our enhanced health and safety measures, in accordance with government regulations and guidance.

"All guests are advised to strictly follow these measures in support of a safe and happy experience for everyone visiting the resort."