Looking for some flashy info and a cornucopia of concept art surrounding Universal Beijing Resort? We have got you covered!
If you are anything like us, you love nothing more than following along with each tasty tidbit of creative design that presents itself as the birth of a brand-new theme park waits in the wings. Much akin to the way a fine artist may gaze upon a blank canvas filled with unbridled possibility, we thrill enthusiasts romanticize the promise of a fresh park. However, should you find yourself to be nothing like us and a bit out of the roller coaster loop, kindly allow us to fill you in and enlighten you.
Universal Beijing Resort 101: The Basics
How can we put this… Universal Beijing Resort is going to be jaw-droppingly-out-of-this-world! The widely anticipated theme park destination will feature several all-new attractions along with the best Universal rides, shows and attractions from around the world – plus specially created experiences designed to reflect China’s cultural heritage.
In February 2009, Shanghai Securities News reported that Universal Studios was close to winning approval from China’s government to build a theme park in Beijing. Seven years later, the construction of Universal Beijing Resort finally began! As with most theme parks, the resort will open in multiple phases. Phase one of Universal Studios Beijing will include the world-renowned theme park – Universal Studios, and Universal CityWalk retail, dining and entertainment complex as well as the first-ever Universal-themed resort hotel and the first Nuo-branded resort hotel of Beijing Tourism Group.
A later phase includes plans for a second theme park (yet to be built), located adjacent to Universal Studios Beijing, as well as a separate water park.
According to the Universal Beijing Resort website:
Universal’s theme parks are known for immersive experiences featuring highly thrilling and technologically advanced film- and television-based attractions. Guests of all ages enjoy encounters and adventures with some of the very popular characters and well-established brands in entertainment. Universal Parks & Resorts currently owns and operates Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan and has a license agreement with Universal Studios Singapore.
Themed Lands
Back in October 2019, superstars Li Bingbing and Liu Haoran, along with directors Zhang Yimou and Stephen Spielberg, took fans on a voyage through all seven themed lands, as well as CityWalk and the two hotels, creating rife anticipation for fans worldwide.
If you skipped over the sneak-peek cinematic commercial adventure above… stop reading and watch immediately! Okay… now, did you watch it? Are you sure? All the way through? Okay, good. You’re welcome! Now, keep reading for more in-depth info regarding all seven themed lands, hotels, and more!
Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness
Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness brings to life the animated movie series Kung Fu Panda, which follows the adventures of the brave panda, Po, in his quest to become a Kung Fu master. The completely indoor experience is set in “Legendary China,” and is poised to become the world’s first theme park land created with the Kung Fu Panda theme. Visitors will be thrilled by the numerous Chinese-themed locations featured throughout the environment, including many of the franchise’s most beloved icons, such as the Jade Palace, the Panda Village, and the Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom. With its stunning Chinese architecture, festive decor, delicious food and captivating performances, this unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience promises to transport Universal guests “through the movie screen” and into the majesty and grandeur of the movie.
Transformers: Metrobase
Transformers: Metrobase is based on Hasbro’s Transformers franchise and is the first theme park land in the world dedicated to Transformers. An expanded story was specifically developed for the character Metrobase, who is a Titan, a robot the size of a city. In conjunction with top Chinese scientists, Metrobase selected this Energon-rich site just outside the city of Beijing to serve as the N.E.S.T. Beijing headquarters– a top-secret, technologically advanced zone where an alliance between humans and Autobots developed to protect the Earth. The land is filled with Cybertronian architecture and advanced technology that creates an immersive experience that brings “guest agents” into the world of Transformers like never before.
Minion Land
Inspired by Illumination Entertainment’s Despicable Me franchise, Minion Land is an exciting, fun-filled world that is alive with characters and scenes from the films. It is a place where children and adults can see exciting new shows, meet their favourite characters, and enjoy interaction with mischievous Minions everywhere they go! Scenes from the films come to life, inviting visitors to play along in an immersive land that is fun for the whole family.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
With the opening of Universal Beijing Resort, Chinese fans will have the opportunity to celebrate the magic of the Wizarding World when they step inside “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade,” an award-winning experience that features multiple groundbreaking attractions, shops, restaurants, entertainment and more. From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to all the special touches that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will transport guests of all ages to the very places they read about in the stories or watched on the silver screen.
Jurassic World Isla Nublar
Welcome to Jurassic World Isla Nublar. Guests of all ages can explore Isla Nublar, an island of wonder and thrills where Dinosaurs roam the Earth again. Universal Beijing Resort has taken the essence of this legendary film franchise and created a larger-than-life destination for our audiences to experience attractions and adventures never seen before. Feel the power of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptors, Ankylosaurs, and the fearsome Indominus Rex at Jurassic World: Isla Nublar.
Waterworld Stunt Show
In addition, Universal Studios Beijing will also offer WaterWorld, Universal Theme Parks’ popular stunt show that allows visitors to experience a one-of-a-kind “battle on water.” The adventure surges to life with thrilling performances and daring stunts, giving visitors an experience beyond their wildest imaginations.
Hollywood Boulevard
Universal Studios Beijing will also bring Hollywood Boulevard to China. Visitors will feel as if they are living in Hollywood itself and could encounter celebrities at any moment. Hollywood will feature the “Lights, Camera, Action!” attraction, showcasing world-renowned directors, Zhang Yimou and Steven Spielberg. The experience will merge both Western and Eastern popular culture and will lead visitors into the behind-the-scenes glitz and glamour of Hollywood special effects.
Resort Hotels
Universal Beijing Resort will debut two extraordinary and world-first, resort hotel concepts: The Universal Studios Grand Hotel and the NUO Resort Hotel – Universal Beijing Resort. The hotels will be destinations unto themselves, offering incredibly immersive experiences through the perfect blending of unique stylish designs and historic and cultural features – bringing entirely new hospitality experiences to life for guests at Universal Beijing Resort.
As the first-ever Universal-themed hotel, The Universal Studios Grand Hotel will offer a contemporary interpretation of the Hollywood Golden Age. Designed in classic Spanish architectural style, the hotel’s 800 rooms will be positioned at the entrance to the Universal Studios Beijing theme park and serve as a beacon of relaxation and escape for guests. The Universal Studios Grand Hotel will present an authentic, Universal-themed, resort-style vacation that will immerse guests in the company’s century-long contribution to the film industry and celebrate the glamour of the Golden Age itself. The hotel’s décor and detail will completely surround guests with the world of film and their favourite movies.
The NUO Resort Hotel – Universal Beijing Resort will offer a luxurious and picturesque escape, exemplifying the beauty of China’s ancient royal garden. It is the first-ever resort hotel from NUO, one of the country’s first homegrown luxury hotel brands. Inspired by Chinese traditional cultural and artistic achievements, featuring modern meets simplicity, this hotel will mix business with pleasure and art with technology, as well as sustainability. Located beside the park’s waterway and designed to create the feel of a private retreat, the approximately 400-room NUO Resort Hotel represents a tranquil island amidst the fast-paced energy of the resort. Guests will immerse themselves in rich Chinese cultural heritage and modern elegance – in a palatial resort where Eastern and Western elements are kept in perfect harmony and Chinese luxury hospitality is a priority.
CityWalk
Most recently, Universal Beijing Resort announced an eclectic lineup for Universal CityWalk Beijing shopping and entertainment complex. Universal CityWalk Beijing will offer dining, shopping and entertainment experiences. It features 24 venues, including a multiplex cinema, retail, and food & beverage, providing guests with diverse interactive experiences and high-quality services. In addition to the arrival of many new overseas brands, CityWalk will also feature innovative upgrades of numerous Chinese brands familiar to local consumers.
“As the starting point of every guest’s [Universal Beijing Resort] journey, CityWalk provides guests with their first glimpse of the beyond-imagination experience they can expect at Universal Beijing Resort,” Universal Beijing Resort President and General Manager Tom Mehrmann said. “However, CityWalk is also designed to stand as a destination in its own right, as a new high-quality recreation and entertainment option for residents and tourists in Beijing. We believe CityWalk will drive the formation of a new cultural business centre, giving a strong boost to Beijing’s economic development.”
Food & Beverage
The restaurants will include Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, Red Oven Pizza Bakery, and Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar from Universal Orlando Resort (the first outside of the United States), as well as Asia’s largest Peet’s Coffee. Chinese restaurant chain Grandma’s Home will be represented by Grandma’s Travel Home. Universal will introduce three new concepts for the resort, including Cutie Cones Ice Cream, Neon Street Hawkers, and Wubei Craft Food and Beer.
Several of these locations will also offer interactive and immersive experiences, including a hand-pour experience zone and live music.
Universal Cinema
Universal CityWalk will house the state-of-the-art Universal Cinema, including 11 theatres and 2,000 seats, as well as the largest commercial IMAX Laser theatre in Beijing. This cleverly designed theatre will also host various premieres and VIP events, making it one of the distinctive high-end cinemas in the city.
Kakao Friends, Pop Mart, and more!
Kakao Friends, the beloved Korean cartoon characters, will also appear in their first flagship store. The popular trendy toy brand Pop Mart’s concept stores worldwide will also debut, along with a plethora of nightlife options!
Universal Beijing Resort 101: In Conclusion, for now…
Universal Studios Beijing will be the company’s seventh park worldwide, following Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Singapore, and Volcano Bay. If you ask us, judging by the concept art alone, it just may be their best thus far!
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