Universal Beijing Resort set for official opening on 20th September

Following a series of delays due to the pandemic, Universal Beijing Resort, China's first Universal Studios theme park is to be officially opened on 20th September.

Made up of seven themed lands filled with 37 rides along with 24 shows and performances, as well as hotels and the Universal CityWalk Beijing, it will be the world's fifth Universal Studios theme park.

These include Universal’s first Kung Fu Panda land, the world’s largest Minion Land, the world’s first Transformers-themed land, and Universal’s first WaterWorld land.

Additional themed lands at Universal Studios Beijing are the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hollywood, and Jurassic World Isla Nublar.

With Universal Beijing Resort currently carrying out trial operations in advance of the operations, the most popular attractions are expected to be the Decepticoaster ride inside the Transformers area, all of the Harry Potter rides and the Jurassic World Adventure and the Minions simulator rides.

With invited guest being part of these trial operations, a statement from Universal Beijing Resort advises “based on feedback and comments from invited guests, Universal Beijing Resort will look to adjust operational practices and service details in preparation for the upcoming grand opening."

Though local media reported complaints that pre-opening invitations are being sold by scalpers, entry is based on real-name registration - visitors need to provide their names and ID numbers in advance and their faces are scanned at the main gate.

Built at an estimated cost of 50 billion yuan (US$7.7 billion), the park has many attractions and restaurants designed to reflect the country's cultural heritage.

As reported by CNN guests who have been to the other Universal parks and want to experience something fresh will be most excited about the Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness.

Attractions here include Po's Kung Fu Training Camp, the Carousel of Kung Fu Heroes and the Kung Fu Panda Journey of the Dragon Warrior. And yes, it does feature a Mr. Ping's Noodle House, modeled after the movie version, among the dining options.

Transformers Metrobase is where guests will experience the impressive outdoor Decepticoaster, while the Minion Land and Jurassic World Isla Nubar have plenty for the little ones.

Covid control measures have been implemented throughout the resort, including temperature checks upon entry. Masks are mandatory.

Universal Beijing Resort is owned by Beijing International Resort Co., a joint venture between state-owned Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co. and Universal Parks & Resorts, a business unit of Comcast NBCUniversal.

Admission tickets and hotel reservations will go on sale from 14th September.

Images: The Universal CityWalk at Universal Beijing Resort (top), Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness, one of seven themed zones at Universal Studios Beijing (middle) and one of the new merchandise/retails spaces (below). Credit: Universal Beijing Resort.