Theme parks giant, Universal Parks and Resorts, has been given the go-ahead by the Chinese government for its new theme park and resort in Beijing.
No specific details are available yet but Universal reports that the new resort will include brand new attractions designed specifically for it plus some of Universal’s most popular themed entertainment experiences from around the world.
The theme park and support facilities will be located in a 120-hectare site northwest of the intersection of the Beijing-Harbin Expressway and the East Sixth Ring Road in Tongzhou District, Beijing. Plans include a Universal CityWalk entertainment complex featuring multiple retail, dining and entertainment opportunities, a first-ever Universal-themed resort hotel as well as future additional phases. Ultimately, the resort will occupy an area totalling 400 hectares.
Overall investment is believed to be more than 20 billion RMB. The resort 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.
The theme park will include all-new attractions designed especially for it as well as some of Universal’s most popular themed entertainment experiences from around the world.
Duan Qiang, Chairman of Beijing Tourism Group and BSH Investment, described the new development as 'a tourism crown jewel' that will highlight the very best in popular culture: 'Chinese people love the movies and exciting entertainment. In bringing Universal to China, we will also share the best of China with the world."
Echoing Duan Qiang's sentiments, Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Parks & Resorts commented: "Universal Beijing will create a higher level of economic growth, understanding and cultural exchange between our two countries. 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."
