Universal Studios has finally got the green light to build a $3 billion theme park in Beijing after signing a joint venture contract.
The project was approved last year by the National Development and Reform Commission, led by the Beijing government and is slated to be the company’s biggest theme park yet, with a 2019 opening date planned.
It will be built in the Tong Zhou district east of Beijing.
The park will be built in several phases starting with a Universal CityWalk retail-entertainment complex and Universal themed hotel.
Five further resort hotels and a water park will be constructed in the second phase.
To appeal to the local market, Chinese cultural elements will be included alongside signature movie-themed attractions and rides.
Hollywood filmmaker Steven Spielberg will be involved in the design of the park.
The Beijing park will become the third for Universal in Asia after Osaka, Japan and Singapore.
Rival Disney says it is still on track for a 2016 of its Shanghai Disney park and a Six Flags amusement park is planned to open in Tianjin, China in 2018.
