McDonald’s Turns 7,100+ China Stores into “Maimai Island”

McDonald’s China just flipped the switch on a nationwide summer takeover called “Maimai Island” (麦麦岛)—aka McDonaldland, but make it 2025 and super IRL. From Aug 13–31, more than 7,100 restaurants are in “vacation mode,” while 13 flagship stores roll out the most immersive setups and 52 themed stores add collectible photo ops. Think character benches, special receipts, and limited treats.

Menu glow‑ups include a Mulberry Cloud Marshmallow McFlurry, bubble soda, a gooey cheese pie, and a grape cone in some spots. The beloved shaker fries return with six powder flavors (tomato, mustard, BBQ, yuzu pepper, sour yogurt, seaweed)—shake, shake, snack. Bonus: strawberry & vanilla milkshakes pop back up only at the 13 flagships.

Gamified bits? Your printed order becomes a colorful “Explorer Pass.” Complete app tasks to stamp a Maimai Island map and redeem a China Post commemorative album (limited 80,000). There’s also a Maimai Island travel box add‑on (six designs) and a massive 14,950,000 McD’s Coke cups up for grabs while supplies last.

Collabs extend beyond the counter: Marriott Bonvoy launches character‑themed rooms in 14 cities, and Didi runs Maimai‑wrapped rides in flagship cities. Mainland China only; participating stores vary.

One‑liner China context: “麦麦 (Màimài)” is McDonald’s cute nickname in Chinese; shaker fries (摇摇薯条) are fries you season by shaking them in a bag. Some netizens are screaming “childhood unlocked,” others: “my diet is over.”

For deep‑cut fans: Shenzhen’s flagship just opened in a full “Maimai Building.”