2021 opening announced for Universal Beijing Resort

Having originally been set to open this year, China’s Universal Beijing Resort - which will include the Universal Studios and Universal CityWalk in its first phase - will now be opening in 2021.

In an announcement on Chinese microblogging website Weibo, Universal Beijing Resort this week advised “you thought the wait is forever, but actually, it will be 2021.

“This is a gift in advance for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Please expect the grand opening of the Universal Beijing Resort in 2021.”

Located in Beijing’s Tongzhou district, Universal Beijing Resort will be the largest Universal Studios attraction in the world.

It will reportedly feature rides and attractions based on Harry Potter, Minions, Jurassic Park, Transformers, Kung Fu Panda, and Waterworld.

There will also be experiences designed to reflect China’s cultural heritage, as well as the world’s first Universal Studios-themed hotel, and the NUO Resort Hotel.

The project was originally announced in 2014 with a budget of US$3.26 billion, which increased to US$6.5 billion to accommodate retail and entertainment space, and improved attractions.

Owned by Beijing International Resort Co Ltd, a joint venture between Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co Ltd and Universal Parks & Resorts, the first phase of the precinct will include Universal Studios and Universal CityWalk - a retail, dining and entertainment complex. Two further theme parks are planned for the resort in the future.

A subway station will serve the resort and two subway lines will be completed and operational later this year. They will link the resort with Beijing Universal City Avenue.

Construction of the first phase of the attraction is reportedly well advanced with ride installation underway.

Images show the concept for Universal Beijing Resort (top), its planned Jurassic Park ride (middle) and its planned hotel (below). Courtesy of Universal Studios/Universal Beijing Resort.