Universal Beijing Resort and IMAX China, a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, recently announced an agreement to launch China's first-ever theme park destination IMAX theater.
The agreement will bring the IMAX with laser projection system to Universal CityWalk Cinema, which is set to open in 2021. This agreement extends the longstanding collaboration between Universal and IMAX.
Currently under construction for its grand opening next year, Universal Beijing Resort has attracted enormous attention and offers a new distinctive entertainment destination in China. As one of the iconic features of Universal Beijing Resort, Universal CityWalk Beijing is set to open together with Universal Studios Beijing, the Universal Studios Grand Hotel, and the NUO Resort Hotel.
We are very excited to build on our partnership with Universal and bring IMAX to what will undoubtedly be one of the premier entertainment destinations in all of China, said IMAX China CEO Edwin Tan. As theaters prepare to open across the country, this new agreement demonstrates the enduring value of the IMAX Experience and global brand and is a testament to the strength of the theatrical business in China.
At Universal Beijing Resort, we will immerse our guests in incredible experiences that bring their favorite stories and characters to life in entirely new ways. Universal CityWalk Beijing is an integral part of these fantastic experiences, said Tom Mehrmann, president and general manager of Universal Beijing Resort. We are looking forward to bringing the exciting IMAX with laser experience to millions of guests, allowing guests to enjoy their time and explore the possibilities at Universal Beijing Resort.
Universal CityWalk Beijing provides visitors with award-winning dining, entertainment, cinema, as well as a variety of themed retail stores and other services and facilities.
On June 3, Universal Beijing Resort officially released new concept art of Universal CityWalk Beijing. It is located at the main entrance of Universal Studios Beijing and connects the theme park, parking facilities, and subway entrances, allowing guests easy access to the fun excitement without having to enter the theme park. CityWalk will feature several new concepts making their debut, further enriching a unique experience that can be found nowhere else.
As the starting point of every guest's Universal Beijing Resort journey, CityWalk provides guests their first glimpse of the beyond-imagination experience they can expect at Universal Beijing Resort, Mehrmann pointed out. However, CityWalk is also designed to stand as a destination in its own right, as a new high-quality recreation and entertainment option for residents and tourists in Beijing. We believe CityWalk will drive the formation of a new cultural business center, giving a strong boost to Beijing's economic development.
Universal CityWalk Beijing is a matrix of 24 venues, including 15 distinctive food and beverage locations offering both Western and Asian cuisines, eight world-class retail stores, 11 retail and food and beverage carts, and of course, a multiplex IMAX cinema.
Other highlights include a collection of new brands, first stores, and flagship stores, diverse interactive experiences, high-quality services, and innovative upgrades of numerous Chinese brands. The overall design concept of CityWalk blends traditional Chinese and cutting-edge modern design, drawing on Chinese culture and Asian aesthetics to present a fantastic destination for excitement and exploration.
Reflecting the important role of movies at Universal Beijing Resort, the Universal CityWalk Cinema, located at the center of CityWalk, will feature 11 theaters and 2,000 seats. It is designed to host film premieres and high-profile VIP activities with IMAX Laser theater. The new IMAX theater will serve as a platform to launch Chinese and Hollywood blockbusters for nationwide audiences.
Universal Beijing Resort is developed, constructed, and operated by Beijing International Resort Co., Ltd., a joint venture that is 70% owned by Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co., Ltd., and 30% owned by Universal Parks Resorts, a business unit of Comcast NBCUniversal. Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Company, Ltd. (BSH Investment) was founded to support the investment of Universal Beijing Resort.
The Universal Studios Beijing theme park will feature seven highly themed and immersive lands that include several all-new attractions along with the selected Universal rides, shows, and attractions from around the world – plus specially created experiences designed to reflect China's cultural heritage.