Construction for the proposed Universal Studios theme park in China will begin later this year in Beijing’s eastern suburb of Tongzhou.
District director Yue Peng confirmed work will start in 2015 on the 2.02 million square metre site which will cost up to 50 billion yuan (US$7.98 billion) when all phases are complete.
The Beijing Universal Studios project was approved by the National Development and Reform Commission last September and should be completed in 2019.
The sixth Universal Studios park will feature Universal CityWalk retail and entertainment complex and the first ever themed resort hotel.
Meanwhile Disney officials said the opening of the rival Disney theme park at Shanghai has been delayed until early in 2016.
