Universal Beijing Resort banks on electrifying thrills

Universal Beijing Resort has announced plans to introduce two major attractions — Asia's first indoor Fast & Furious themed ride and a new nighttime entertainment show at the Hollywood Lagoon — as part of its ongoing strategy to expand its content and enhance the park's overall playability.

"We have witnessed the vigorous rise of experiential consumption in China, and we are truly honored to have become a new cultural and tourism landmark of Beijing," said Joe Hoskin, executive vice-president and general manager of Universal Beijing Resort.

Hoskin said this expansion comes as the resort marks consecutive years of growth by collaborating with foreign and local partners, welcoming an increasing number of overseas guests, and harnessing digital technology to improve visitor experiences.

To continuously respond to evolving consumer needs with new stories and gameplay, the resort is heavily investing in future attractions. Backed by the industry-leading entertainment creativity and production capabilities of Universal Destinations & Experiences, the upcoming Fast & Furious attraction is designed specifically for the Beijing park. It will be an all-indoor ride that immerses visitors in the high-speed chases and action sequences characteristic of the global blockbuster franchise.

Through the integration of immersive scenes, narrative storytelling, and the ride experience, visitors will embark on a dynamic journey intertwined with speed and passion. The film series, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, has grossed $7 billion worldwide across 11 films, with another installment currently in development.

Meanwhile, the new Hollywood Lagoon nighttime show aims to transform the park's central area. Situated at the heart of the theme park, the lagoon serves as a vital hub where visitors rest, gather and shift the rhythm of their journey.

While guests explore different narratives across the seven themed lands during the day, the lagoon will transform into a special gateway at night. By cleverly combining lighting, music, narrative elements and live interactions, the performance will allow different stories to intersect amidst the scenic water and landscape, offering visitors a new and highly interactive way to explore the resort after dark.

Beyond permanent physical expansions, the resort is continuously enhancing its playability through seasonal events, specialty merchandise and themed hotel accommodations. Based on continuous insights into the changing entertainment needs and interests of Chinese consumers, the park is designed as an open and inclusive world of endless possibilities.

From the moment visitors see the Universal Globe turning and hear the music on Universal CityWalk Beijing, they are invited to step into multi-universe worlds and become the heroes of their own stories. Guests can cast spells at Hogwarts, step off the Decepticoaster side by side with friends, explore Jurassic World Isla Nublar, or discover their inner warrior in the Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness.

Furthermore, the park has successfully integrated popular Chinese and global IPs into its seasonal events, allowing diverse fan communities to intersect. Recent collaborations have featured domestic hits such as the animated film Chang'an, the video games Genshin Impact and Identity V, the novel series Time Raiders and the virtual singer Luo Tianyi.

Through immersive scenes, live performances, and interactive gameplay, these additions allow visitors to travel back in time to hear ancient Tang Dynasty (618-907) poetry, venture into the virtual city of Mondstadt, or experience heart-pounding thrills during the Scares @ Universal events.

Hoskin highlighted that these continuous updates aim to bring diverse cultures from being merely seen to being truly experienced, building deep emotional connections with guests.

He further shared stories of diverse visitors, such as four generations of a single family enjoying butterbeer together, a mother finding a happy place for her child battling illness and a deaf couple expressing their appreciation for the park's accessibility.

Looking ahead, the management aims to build a long-lasting institution that will stand the test of time and continue to create extraordinary experiences for generations to come. Hoskin emphasized that the resort is a collaborative effort built and operated day by day with the support of the community.