• ℹ️ Heads up...

    This is a popular topic that is fast moving Guest - before posting, please ensure that you check out the first post in the topic for a quick reminder of guidelines, and importantly a summary of the known facts and information so far. Thanks.

Universal Studios Beijing

BigAl

TS Member
Favourite Ride
Forbidden Journey
Logo_universal-studios.png

Screamscape are reporting that Universal may be working on a theme park for China once again:

Universal Studios - (1/6/14) Is Universal Studios working on a new theme park concept for China once again? It was reported back in March 2012 that Comcast/NBCUniversal was meeting with the city of Tianjin (China’s sixth largest city) to discuss a possible park or studio in the port city. Previously there are said to have been many on and off again discussions for building a possible Universal theme park in China over the years going back to when Hong Kong Disneyland was first announced.
Today we have a small piece of evidence that suggests that negotiations with China are still taking place and may be moving forward, as Universal Creative has job openings for several project managers who can speak Mandarin.

With Disney's success in Hong Kong and Shanghai Disney now under way as well, mixed with the potential for Universal to roll-out another Wizarding World and Jurassic Park, etc..., I guess it was only a matter of time. :)
 
Well Russia's supposedly getting an indoor Universal Studios at some point, if that helps? :p
 
BigAl said:
Well Russia's supposedly getting an indoor Universal Studios at some point, if that helps? :p

It doesn't, as primarily it'll be indoors and so inferior to the others and secondly it's in too awkward a location. :)
 
It won't necessarily be inferior, just different. Here's the topic I made a while ago. It looks like it could be pretty good, tbh! I certainly wouldn't object to one being built here. ;)
 
BigAl said:
It won't necessarily be inferior, just different. Here's the topic I made a while ago. It looks like it could be pretty good, tbh! I certainly wouldn't object to one being built here. ;)

No HPWW though! Which is the whole attraction of having a Universal park built near here :p
 
I'm sure they'd look at adding it, considering they're making an absolute fortune in Orlando. :p
 
So this isn't good enough for you:

http://www.towersstreet.com/talk/european-parks-and-attractions/new-uk-theme-park-anyone-paramount-interested-in-uk/msg26030/#msg26030

Who needs another HPWW when there's one great one in Florida already. I'm more interested in the Paramount park because it'll have new ideas and ride concepts that will be completely unique and not done before. And it will almost certainly (at least I hope) go ahead. Love HPWW? Then save up the money and go there; its not going to disappear in the next few decades.
 
Nick said:
Love HPWW? Then save up the money and go there; its not going to disappear in the next few decades.

1). Harry Potter is a British creation, it's natural that people feel the IP should be present in Britain, where it was born and is highly loved.

2). Britain lacks competition in terms of theme parks, I personally want to see a Wizarding World arrive simply to compete with Alton and force some investment.

3). Not an option for most people, Florida is far too expensive for the average family to visit. Seems a little rude that you presume people can just "save up and go", it's just not affordable for most. A Wizarding World in Britain would obviously be far more accessible for all families.
 
Who said it wasn't good enough? :p

For a start, the Paramount Park for London may not even happen. The only reason the concepts would be unique, assuming it does go ahead, is because every other recent Paramount Park attempt has fallen flat on its face (Spain, South Korea, etc...).

Universal also vary the style of their attractions and parks, just like Disney does with theirs. Every single Universal park has many big variations (take the difference between Singapore's Jurassic Park ride). They only replicate certain major attractions, such as Transformers, Jaws, Spiderman, Harry Potter and Revenge of the Mummy. Disney does that too, but just like Disney, Universal have many other attractions which are unique to a particular park, or are a different take on one concept. You only need to do a little research to see that Universal don't build carbon copy parks.

Also, as Harvey just mentioned, Harry Potter is a British IP, set in Britain, so it's really not wrong for people over here to want something similar. We've fortunately got the Studio Tour, but who would turn down the chance for a Wizarding World to go with it, if the opportunity came about?

Then there's the cost of a holiday in Florida, something which not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to afford.



And what's wrong with wanting both a Universal park that's closer to home, as well as the Paramount Park? :D
 
Further evidence of a Chinese park is in the works can be seen here on Theme Park Insider. The park will be located in Beijing and cost (US)$2 billion, so it'll be as impressive as other Universal parks! :)
 
An update from Screamscape today:

Universal Studios - (1/9/14) Brian Roberts, Comcast’s CEO, predicted on Tuesday that they expect to take marketshare away from Disney and other theme park chains with their plans to invest in their Universal Studios theme parks. “We’re doubling down on theme parks.”
Meanwhile, while neither Comcast or NBCUniversal will say a word about any of the rumors about a new theme park in China, confidential Screamscape sources have confirmed that the a rough deal to build “Universal Studios Beijing” is fairly solid at this point. Enough so that Universal Creative is already starting the process of gearing up the staff needed to make it happen. Much like Universal Studios Singapore, the park and surrounding resort is expected to form very quickly once the green light is given, though it is said Universal will have a little more control about the rest of the resort complex as well this time around.
 
Screamscape said:
Park News - (3/6/14) The Hollywood Reporter claims that Universal Studios Beijing is now in the works, with budget of $1.95 billion for the new resort property and theme park. Construction is said to begin in Q4 2014, with demolition of some existing structures on the site already said to be ongoing. If all goes as planned, they hope to open the new theme park resort by January 2018. The project is said to be a partnership between Universal and the Beiging Tourism Group.

It's a shame that Disney and Universal won't be in the same cities, as they are in Orlando!
 
I did not realise that it had been so long sice we had any form of update on this! Universal Studios Beijing has long been confirmed and construction is well under way.

Universal announced lots of details for the park over the weekend including the names and details for the seven themed lands that will make up the park.

Let's start with a look at the overall concept for the park:

news-7-1.jpeg


And a look at each of the themed areas.

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.

news-7-2.jpg


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.

news-7-3.jpg


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 favorite characters, and enjoy interaction with the 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.

news-7-4.jpg


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.

news-7-5.jpg


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.

news-7-6.jpg


WaterWorld

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. Only in Beijing, the experience will expand into a land including dining and other entertainment offerings.

news-7-8.jpg


Hollywood

Universal Studios Beijing will also bring Hollywood Boulevard to China. Visitors will feel as if they are living in the Hollywood itself and could encounter celebrities at any moment. Hollywood will feature the “Lights, Camera, Action!” attraction, featuring 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.

news-7-7.jpg


There will also be two resort hotels and a CityWalk.

Finally, although this is from a few months ago, here is a look at the Hulk clone that is going in to the Transformers themed area:

 
I'm excited to see how the Jurassic Park/World redux comes out. Few surprises otherwise, but I could never have bet on an expanded area themed to Waterworld at this point in film history.
 
I must say, I'm rather interested to see how the Hulk clone rides, as it looks to have somewhat smoother profiling in places compared to the Orlando original!
 
Top