Universal Parks & Resorts has opened the first phase of its new Universal Beijing Resort, marking its entry into the fast-growing Chinese attractions market.

The soft opening is part of a three-month period of pressure testing the resort's visitor experiences, infrastructure and COVID-19 control measures, with access being by invitation only.

The initial phase of the CN¥50bn (US$7.4bn, €6.7bn, £5.9bn) development includes Universal Studios Beijing; a Universal CityWalk retail, dining and entertainment complex; the first-ever Universal-themed resort hotel – The vast Universal Studios Grand Hotel, with 800 beds – and the first Nuo-branded resort hotel of Beijing Tourism Group, with 400 beds.

Phase two of the resort will include a second theme park, a waterpark and five more resort hotels. An opening date for this phase has not yet been announced.

Featuring seven themed lands and 37 rides and attractions, Universal Studios Beijing is the operator's largest-ever theme park.

As well as featuring popular IPs such as ​​Harry Potter, Minions, Kung Fu Panda and Jurassic World, some of the shows, attractions and experiences, such as the Lanterns of Legendary Legends ride, have been designed to reflect China's cultural heritage.

Tickets go on sale on 14 September, with the park going into full operating mode on 20 September.

A key part of the soft opening involves stress-testing the resort's pandemic-proofing. A park spokesperson told Attractions Management that COVID-19 security is a major operating priority, saying: "​​To ensure the health and safety of every guest and team member, we've worked closely with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to formulate a detailed plan and enforce epidemic prevention and control protocols.

"We've also adopted a series of initiatives reinforcing screening, social distancing, sanitisation and disinfection across the resort and we're closely monitoring the developments of the pandemic situation and adjusting our trial operations schedule accordingly in a timely manner."

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.

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