Universal Beijing Resort

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A Universal Studios theme-park and entertainment resort complex in Beijing, China.

Last updated November 2, 2026

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Overview

Universal Beijing Resort is a theme-park and entertainment destination in Beijing, China, operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences. Its principal attraction is Universal Studios Beijing, a large film- and franchise-themed park that combines Universal properties with attractions designed for the Chinese market. The wider resort also includes Universal CityWalk Beijing, an open-access dining, retail and entertainment district, and two on-site hotels in its first development phase. The project represents a joint venture between Universal's global destinations business and Chinese investment partners. NBCUniversal, a Comcast division, holds a 30 percent interest, while Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment holds the remaining 70 percent. The ownership structure gives the resort a locally majority-owned foundation while connecting its operations, intellectual property and guest-experience standards to the international Universal Destinations & Experiences network. Planning discussions became public in 2009, when reports indicated that Universal was seeking approval for a Beijing theme-park project. The proposal received formal approval from China's State Council and the National Development and Reform Commission in September 2014. Construction began on October 28, 2016. Phase one was completed in April 2021, followed by invite-only testing beginning on September 1 and the resort's full public opening on September 20, 2021. Universal CityWalk opened earlier in the month, on September 2, providing a commercial and leisure gateway between the transport hub, parking facilities, hotels and the theme-park entrances. Universal Studios Beijing's first phase is organized around themed lands including Hollywood, Jurassic World: Isla Nublar, WaterWorld, Kung Fu Panda: Land of Awesomeness, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers: Metrobase and Minion Land. The park also includes Woody Woodpecker's Cartoon Village. These areas combine rides, live entertainment, character encounters, restaurants and merchandise built around recognizable Universal film and television properties. The resort's positioning is premium and immersive: it sells a multi-day destination experience rather than only admission to a conventional amusement park. Universal CityWalk Beijing broadens the resort's offer beyond ticketed attractions. Its reported tenants and venues include restaurants, cafés, branded stores, entertainment facilities and the Universal CityWalk Cinema, an IMAX-oriented cinema complex. The district is designed to capture both park visitors and local residents who may visit for dining, shopping or cinema without purchasing a theme-park ticket. The resort is also connected to Beijing's public transport network through Universal Resort station, served by Subway Line 7 and the Batong line. The master plan envisions expansion beyond phase one, including a second theme park, a water park and additional hotels, with a long-term concept of two theme parks, one water park, Universal CityWalk and six hotels. The reference material states that phase two was expected to begin construction by 2025, but it does not establish that construction had started or provide a confirmed completion timetable. Universal Beijing therefore remains both an operating theme-park resort and an expandable destination project whose future footprint depends on subsequent development decisions.

History

The Universal Beijing project emerged from efforts to establish a major Universal-branded theme-park destination in China's capital. Public reporting in February 2009 indicated that Universal Studios was close to obtaining government approval for a Beijing development. The proposal subsequently progressed through China's national project-approval process and received formal approval from the State Council and the National Development and Reform Commission on September 25, 2014. The resort was developed as a partnership between Universal's destinations business and Chinese investment interests. NBCUniversal, which operates within Comcast, retained a minority 30 percent stake, while Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment became the majority owner with 70 percent. Universal Destinations & Experiences operates the resort and supplies the international brand platform and entertainment properties associated with Universal's theme-park portfolio. Physical construction began on October 28, 2016. The first phase was completed in April 2021. Rather than moving directly from construction to unrestricted public operation, the destination used an invite-only testing period beginning September 1, 2021. Universal CityWalk Beijing opened on September 2, allowing visitors to access its retail, restaurant and entertainment facilities without a theme-park admission ticket. The resort then entered full operation on September 20, 2021. Phase one centered on Universal Studios Beijing, the resort's flagship theme park. Its themed zones include Hollywood, Jurassic World: Isla Nublar, WaterWorld, Kung Fu Panda: Land of Awesomeness, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers: Metrobase, Minion Land and Woody Woodpecker's Cartoon Village. Together, these lands provide rides, shows, restaurants, merchandise and franchise-based environments aimed at families, fans and destination tourists. Universal CityWalk Beijing functions as the public-facing commercial entrance to the resort. Positioned between the transport and parking facilities and the theme-park and water-park sites planned for the broader master plan, it contains food-and-beverage venues, shops, entertainment and a cinema complex. Reported tenants and attractions include the Universal Studios Store, POP MART, Kakao Friends, Peet's Coffee, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, Red Oven Pizza Bakery, CityWalk Wubei Craft Food and Beer, Neon Street Hawkers and Cutie Cone's Ice Cream. The CityWalk Cinema includes 11 screens and more than 2,000 seats according to the reference material. The resort's first phase also includes two official hotels located close to the theme park. Public transport access was strengthened when Universal Resort station opened on August 26, 2021, serving Beijing Subway's Line 7 and Batong line. Bus routes 589 and T116 were also extended to the resort at that time. The long-term master plan contemplates a second theme park, a water park and a larger hotel portfolio, ultimately describing a destination with two theme parks, one water park, Universal CityWalk and six hotels. Phase two was identified as expected to begin construction by 2025 in the reference material, but no confirmed construction outcome or opening date is provided. Accordingly, the documented history is strongest for the approved and completed first phase, while later expansion remains a future-plan item.

2021
Phase one is completed
[1]Universal Beijingen.wikipedia.org
The first phase of Universal Beijing Resort was completed in April.
2021
Transport connection opens
[1]Universal Beijingen.wikipedia.org
Universal Resort station opened on August 26 on Beijing Subway's Line 7 and Batong line.
2021
Invite-only testing begins
[1]Universal Beijingen.wikipedia.org
The resort began test operations on September 1.
2021
Universal CityWalk Beijing opens
[1]Universal Beijingen.wikipedia.org
The free-entry commercial and entertainment district opened on September 2.
2021
Full resort operation begins
[1]Universal Beijingen.wikipedia.org
Universal Beijing Resort opened fully to the public on September 20.
2016
First-phase construction starts
[1]Universal Beijingen.wikipedia.org
Construction began on October 28, establishing the development timetable for the initial resort phase.
2014
Project receives national approval
[1]Universal Beijingen.wikipedia.org
The State Council and National Development and Reform Commission formally approved the Universal Beijing Resort project on September 25.
2009
Beijing project discussions become public
[1]Universal Beijingen.wikipedia.org
Reports indicated that Universal Studios was seeking approval to develop a theme park in Beijing.

Products and positioning

Premium, immersive theme-park resort combining Universal entertainment franchises, destination hospitality, retail, dining and family-oriented leisure.

Theme park · 2021
Universal Studios Beijing
The flagship operating theme park of Universal Beijing Resort. Its first-phase layout includes Hollywood, Jurassic World: Isla Nublar, WaterWorld, Kung Fu Panda: Land of Awesomeness, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers: Metrobase, Minion Land and Woody Woodpecker's Cartoon Village. The park combines rides, shows, themed environments, restaurants, merchandise and character-based experiences.
Retail, dining and entertainment district · 2021
Universal CityWalk Beijing
An open-access district serving as the gateway to the resort's theme parks. It offers branded and independent-style dining, cafés, retail, merchandise and entertainment venues, including Universal Studios Store, POP MART, Kakao Friends and Universal CityWalk Cinema. It opened as part of the first phase without a theme-park entrance charge.
Resort accommodation · 2021
Universal Beijing Resort hotels
The first phase includes two official on-site hotels located near Universal Studios Beijing. They extend the resort's offer from day visits into a multi-day destination experience, although the supplied reference does not identify their individual names or operating details.
Planned theme park
Universal Cartoon World
A planned second theme park intended for a later phase of Universal Beijing Resort. It is described as being adjacent to Universal Studios Beijing, but the supplied reference does not confirm a construction start or opening date.
Planned water park
Universal Beijing water park
A water-park component included in the broader resort master plan. It belongs to a later development phase, and no confirmed opening date or detailed operating information is provided in the supplied reference.

Controversies

2021
Source

2025
Planned phase-two expansionGeneration change
Background
The resort master plan includes a second theme park, a water park and additional hotels beyond phase one.
Action taken
Phase-two construction was reported as scheduled to begin by 2025, but the supplied material does not confirm that work started.
Aftermath
The timing and final scope of the later expansion remain unconfirmed in the available reference material.
Source
2021
Launch the first operating resort phaseProduct launch
Background
Phase one was completed and required operational testing before unrestricted public access.
Action taken
The resort conducted invite-only testing from September 1, opened CityWalk on September 2, and began full operations on September 20.
Aftermath
Universal Studios Beijing became the flagship attraction, supported by CityWalk, hotels and public-transport access.
Source
2016
Begin construction of phase oneStrategy
Background
Following formal project approval, the partners moved the resort from planning into physical development.
Action taken
Construction started on October 28, 2016.
Aftermath
The first phase was completed in April 2021 and opened after a period of testing later that year.
Source
2014
Proceed with the Beijing resort projectStrategy
Background
Universal's proposed Beijing destination moved from reported negotiations into a formally approved national development project.
Action taken
The State Council and National Development and Reform Commission approved the project, enabling the development partnership to proceed.
Aftermath
Construction began in 2016 and ultimately produced the first phase of Universal Beijing Resort, which opened in 2021.
Source

Recent events

2021-09-14
Universal Beijing Resort ticketing systems crash during first-day ticket sales[12]北京环球度假区首日售票期间票务系统发生故障china.org.cn
Reported: 2021-09-15
Universal Beijing Resort's website and app crashed repeatedly amid heavy traffic during first-day ticket sales. The resort said ticketing-system abnormalities during Universal Express Pass inventory updates caused order-confirmation problems. Fliggy said it would refund affected orders and provide additional monetary compensation for canceled orders.
2020-10-26
Beijing Universal Resort and China Life announce strategic partnership[13]北京环球度假区与中国人寿宣布达成战略合作sc.stock.cnfol.com
Beijing Universal Resort and China Life announced a strategic partnership covering insurance services, brand marketing and public welfare activities. China Life is to provide insurance products for the resort from construction through operations.
Unconfirmed
Tencent Cloud and Beijing Universal Resort sign framework service agreement[14]腾讯云与北京环球度假区签订框架服务协议cloud.zol.com.cn
Reported: 2020-01-22
Tencent Cloud and Beijing Universal Resort signed a framework service agreement and plan to explore cooperation on WeChat mini-programs and development of Beijing Universal Resort's own app, with the aim of creating a smart-guide tool for visitors.

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