Universal gets go-ahead to build its biggest-ever theme park in China
Universal Studios has got the go-ahead to build its biggest-ever theme park in Beijing after signing a joint venture deal.
The $3 billion project is due to open in 2019 in the eastern Tong Zhou district.
It will be built in several phases starting with a Universal CityWalk retail-entertainment complex and Universal themed hotel.
Five further resort hotels and a water park will be constructed in the second phase.
To appeal to the local market, Chinese cultural elements will be included alongside signature movie-themed attractions and rides.
Hollywood filmmaker Steven Spielberg will be involved in the design of the park.
The Beijing park will become the third for Universal in Asia after Osaka, Japan and Singapore.
Rival Disney says it is still on track to open its Shanghai Disney park next year and a Six Flags amusement park is planned to open in Tianjin, China in 2018.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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