Universal theme park planned for Beijing
Universal Studios has announced plans to open a 300-acre $3.3 billion theme park on the outskirts of Beijing.
The project is a joint venture with Universal Parks & Resorts and Beijing Shouhuan, a consortium of four Chinese state owned firms for the park which is forecast to open in 2019.
The park will be located in Beijing’s eastern district of Tongzhou and the deal is the fruition of 13 years of talks.
The Beijing park will feature a Universal CityWalk entertainment complex with restaurants, shopping and entertainment outlets and a Universal-themed resort hotel is also planned.
No specific details regarding attractions have been announced yet but a statement by Universal Parks CEO Tom Williams gave a hint of things to come.
"Together, we will create a unique experience that spotlights hugely popular Western entertainment concepts as well as China’s rich cultural legacy and this will be an opportunity to build relationships with the Chinese people on a direct and personal level," he said.
According to Beijing Tourism Group Chairman Duan Qiang, "Universal Beijing will showcase blockbuster movie themes and present entertaining family shows that will highlight the very best of popular culture."
"In bringing Universal to China, we will also share the best of China with the world," Qiang said.
Hollywood director Steven Spielberg has said that he would be involved in its design.
The park will go head-to-head in direct competition with Walt Disney Co’s soon to be completed $4.4 billion theme park in Shanghai.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt