Universal Studio Beijing Resort Photo:VCG

Universal Beijing Resort is expected to get 100,000 visitors per day in 2022, surpassing the average of 80,000 for the Shanghai Disney Resort. Another 2.2 square kilometers of attractions and five hotels are planned for the phase II of the Universal resort, Beijing officials said on Wednesday.

The theme park, which has just completed its phase I, covers 1.8 square kilometers and has more than a dozen programs and 40 rides. It has received positive comments from sightseers, Cui Shuqiang, vice mayor of Beijing, said on Wednesday during a press conference.

According to Cui, construction is planned on another 2.2 square kilometers, part of phase II. The original plan of the Universal Beijing Resort was to build a cultural tourist area with seven hotels.

But only two hotels have been built, so the number of rooms is limited. Visitors who want to spend several days in the park must stay in nearby areas, which has boosted homestay tourism.

The Universal Beijing Resort officially opened on September 20, after nearly 20 years of planning.

Due to recent COVID-19 flare-ups, the theme park only got about 10,000 visitors a day, compared with a peak capacity of about 110,000 visitors. The resort has implemented strict epidemic control measures and adopted the reservation system.

"After the winter, more people will visit the Universal Beijing Resort, with about 100,000 visits expected per day, meaning tens of millions of tourists a year. It will promote the development of Tongzhou district, where the sub-center of Beijing is located," said Cui.

Shanghai Disney Resort now receives 70,000 to 80,000 people per day on average, which means Universal Beijing Resort is likely to have more visitors in 2022 than Disney.

Global Times