Universal Theme Park and Resort Coming to Beijing
October 14, 2014
Universal Orlando Resort has announced that it will develop a Universal theme park in Beijing, China. The theme park project, which has been approved by the Chinese central government, will blend China’s rich cultural heritage with some of Universal’s most popular themed entertainment experiences from around the world.
The theme park will be accompanied by a Universal CityWalk entertainment complex featuring multiple retail, dining and entertainment opportunities, and a first-ever Universal-themed resort hotel, collectively forming the core components of the resort. Additional phases are planned, with the resort eventually encompassing approximately 1,000 acres.
Specific details for Universal Beijing as well as an opening timeframe will be announced at a later date, as BSH Investment and Universal Parks & Resorts formalize their agreement and complete all steps necessary to move this project forward.
“Chinese people love the movies and exciting entertainment, and we are proud to introduce China’s first Universal theme park and CityWalk, as well as the first Universal-branded hotel anywhere in the world,” said Duan Qiang, chairman of Beijing Tourism Group and BSH Investment.
“Universal Beijing will showcase blockbuster movie themes and present entertaining family shows that will highlight the very best of popular culture. It will be a tourism crown jewel, not only for Beijing but for all of China, bringing extraordinary entertainment experiences to the Chinese people and to our guests from around the world. In bringing Universal to China, we will also share the best of China with the world,” Duan added.
“Universal Beijing will create a higher level of economic growth, understanding and cultural exchange between our two countries,” said Tom Williams, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Parks & Resorts. “Together, we will create a unique experience that spotlights hugely popular Western entertainment concepts as well as China’s rich cultural legacy. This will be an opportunity to build relationships with the Chinese people on a direct and personal level.”
Williams added, “We are excited to be working with our partners at Beijing Tourism Group and at BSH Investment, under the leadership of Chairman Duan, and we are thankful for the strong support of the Chinese central and Beijing municipal governments.”
The overall investment in the Universal Beijing theme park will be more than 20 billion RMB. It will be jointly owned by Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co., Ltd. (BSH Investment), a consortium of four state-owned companies, and Universal Parks & Resorts, a business unit of Comcast NBCUniversal.