My winter visit to new Beijing resort provides plenty of inner warmth
It’s no secret — I am a huge fan of the Universal Studios Beijing theme park. I love joining the crowds that flock to the venue, and feel that the park can both relax and energize visitors.
Even in the depths of winter, visitor numbers at the park are little different to those in summer.
On a recent visit, I was largely protected from the cold, as some twothirds of the attractions and facilities at the resort are indoors, including my favorite rides Transformers and Minion Lands. Heating is even provided in the lining up areas outside.
When planning began for the park, consideration was given to how it could operate in low temperatures.
In addition to the original design, many detailed measures have given me a “warmer” experience at the park this winter.
As many people know, Chinese love hot water, and I’m no exception.
Visitors can obtain warm water from indoor fountains and restaurants dotted around the resort as long as they bring vacuum cups.
In the restaurants lining Universal CityWalk, winter visitors swap the cold beer popular in summer for mulled wine and warm cocktails.
It’s as if all the park’s features — from the rides and shows to the food — have been designed to take some of the cold out of winter.
Universal Studios Beijing has done a good job in satisfying local consumers. It is a joint project between leading enterprises from China and the United States, who have provided their best expertise.
Senior officials from Beijing Tourism Group, one of the park’s main investors, have voiced great confidence for the venue and the Chinese theme park industry.
It’s not just a business, even though it will earn money for the company. The officials see the park as pointing to the future for China’s tourism industry. They believe that in the future, Chinese will build theme parks featuring domestic culture, as Universal Studios Beijing has done.
The venue is owned by Beijing International Resort Co, a joint venture between Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co and Universal Parks & Resorts.
Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co is a subsidiary of Beijing Tourism Group, one of the leading players in the domestic tourism and hospitality sector. The company knows the local market well, as it has decades of experience in the hotel, transportation, dining and tourism markets. As a result, it can help Universal Studios Beijing better serve local markets.
Chinese theme park operators have learned fast in recent years. They have created their own cartoons and launched themed shows to attract visitors. Workers at these parks also wear cartoon-themed clothing.
However, the real challenge is understanding the concept of international players in the theme park industry.
Building such a venue is not just about roller coasters, other rides and shows, it is about creating an inclusive atmosphere.
Many domestic parks still need to focus on providing a clear theme for all their attractions, characters and technologies.
Even so, I believe that a theme park featuring Chinese traditions and culture will shine both domestically and on the world stage some day in the future.