Beijing's Universal theme park expected to open doors in 2021

The Universal Beijing Resort's official WeChat account has announced the park will open in 2021, bringing China another major international theme park.

The park will be the largest Universal theme park in the world after its construction is completed.

The park project was announced in 2014 and is the fifth Universal theme park and the third in Asia.

The new destination will be located in Beijing's Tongzhou district and will be served by a dedicated subway station on two metro lines. The park is expected to host attractions and rides of Universal's big productions including Harry Potter, Minions, Hollywood and Jurassic Park.

Universal Beijing Resort is owned by Beijing International Resort Co Ltd, a joint venture between Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co Ltd and Universal Parks & Resorts, a business unit of Comcast NBCUniversal.

The Universal Beijing Resort will debut two hotels: The Universal Studios Grand Hotel and the NUO Resort Hotel - Universal Beijing Resort.

Kelly Ryner, president of Thinkwell Asia, a theme park design and production company, said: "The park will fill a huge gap in the market for Beijing, not only for local residents but also will drive tourism."

She said there is such a passion in China for the film industry. The Universal Studios has some exceptional movies that make for world-class immersive experiences."

Ryner said winter weather in Beijing makes it challenging but the design team of Universal Beijing will take that into consideration.

The theme park industry is booming in the country, highlighted by the Shanghai Disney Resort.

The Walt Disney Company has been investing in more rides and attractions at its Disney Resort in Shanghai and in Hong Kong.

Disney earlier announced its plans to add a Zootopia-themed area to Shanghai Disneyland, the first Zootopia "land" at any Disney park worldwide, following the huge success of the animated movie in China. Disney will also update the Castle of Magical Dreams in Hong Kong Disneyland and will open a Frozen-themed area in Hong Kong Disneyland in 2021 with two new rides.

In China, theme parks have seen significant growths in terms of number of visitors last year, with double-digit increase of visits to Chimelong Group parks, according to the Global Attractions Attendance Report Theme Index 2018 published by AECOM and TEA.The report said Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland also enjoyed substantial growth, with the Shanghai park launching programs to attract more visitors including its first annual pass.