A new Universal theme park, described as the largest ever, is currently under construction in the eastern Tongzhou district of Beijing.
A joint venture between Universal Parks & Resorts and Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co Ltd., it will reportedly create 40,000 new jobs.
According to Duan Qiang, Chairman of Beijing Tourism Group, one of the shareholders of Beijing Shouhuan, the first phase of the park will provide between 8 and 10 thousand jobs.
Around one third of the attractions at the $3.3 billion park will be themed on China.
Research is currently underway to identify appropriate content. Currently, there is a lack of popular film images based on Chinese stories.
The first phase will occupy an area of 1.59 square kilometres in Tongzhou and include two hotels offering 1,200 to 1,400 rooms. One hotel will be reportedly be Universal-branded while the other will carry the NUO brand.
40,000 new jobs for Tongzhou Area
A Universal CityWalk entertainment zone will also be constructed.
In the first phase, the majority of the performances will be foreign. More Chinese elements, such as fireworks and parades, are planned for phase two and three.
Equipment for the park will be sourced globally. According to Duan, much of it is expected to come from Europe. He added that Chinese suppliers will be considered provided their products were of ‘world-class quality’.
The Universal theme park project was approved in September 2014 by China’s State Council and the National Development and Reform Commission.
It is slated to open in 2020.
Photo credit: Universal Studios
https://www.ecns.cn/business/2017/03-14/249204.shtml
