Universal has finally begun work on its giant China theme park.
Ground breaking began on the US$7 billion Universal Studios park in Beijing and is due to open in 2020.
Measuring four square km, the park complex will include two resort hotels and retail units and will pay ‘proper homage to Chinese culture,’ Tom Williams, Universal Parks & Resorts’ chairman and CEO said when plans were first announced.
Hollywood mogul Steven Spielberg is reputedly onboard to design theme ride elements of the park.
Beijing will be Universal’s third Asian park after Osaka, Japan and Singapore and another is planned for South Korea.
By the time Universal Beijing opens its doors, China may be the world’s biggest theme park market, according to the South China Morning Post, citing industry analysts.
Last year 21 theme parks opened in China and another 65 are currently under construction or in the planning stage.
These include two major US-backed projects from DreamWorks and Six Flags Entertainment.
