Universal Beijing Resort (UBR), a new landmark in China's capital Beijing that is set to open to the public on September 20, began trial operations on Wednesday, offering eager invited visitors a sneak peek into the world's largest Universal Studios-branded theme park.

Situated in east Beijing's sub-center Tongzhou District and spanning four square kilometers, the resort includes the Universal Studios theme park, a Universal CityWalk commercial complex and two destination hotels – the first-ever Universal-themed hotel, Universal Studios Grand Hotel, and NUO Resort Hotel, which is inspired by the architectural grandeur of China's Old Summer Palace.

According to the UBR, during the trial run, the resort is only open to invited guests, including business partners and a limited group of fans chosen from a marketing campaign.

A series of initiatives adopted across the resort reinforce COVID-19 protocols.

Tom Mehrmann, UBR's president and general manager, noted earlier that the resort's rides, entertainment facilities and performances would run at a reduced capacity. 

"Rides and shows may open and close based on what we are learning and hearing from guests, so we can make adjustments," he said.

Featuring the seven themed zones filled with 37 rides, Beijing's new tourist destination observes a blend of Eastern and Western movie elements, including Kung Fu Panda, Harry Potter, Jurassic World, Minion, Transformers, Waterworld, as well as several famous figures of Hollywood.

The first Universal Studios-branded theme park in the country, the resort features experiences designed to reflect China's cultural heritage.

The film-themed lands, rides and shows, such as the Transformers Metrobase and the Harry Potter rides, and Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness among other Universal firsts, have been the most popular attractions during the soft opening so far.

In the Hollywood zone, movie lovers will not only see a recreation of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but get a behind-the-scenes filmmaking experience at the film studios, which was created by Hollywood film director Steven Spielberg and Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou.

More than a magical land for cinephiles, the resort is also a foodie heaven with a total of 80 restaurants and food stalls serving all kinds of food that one can name from different movies.

While food stalls provide belly-rumbling guests with instant and yummy foods, gourmet food chasers can feast on over 110 kinds of eastern and western cuisines in the restaurants while immersed in different movie worlds.

Some creative food and a variety of eateries with their own signature offerings have been trending even before the trial run, including Three Broomsticks' butterbeer and Minions-shaped ice cream bar. Some customers, however, have complained about high prices at some restaurants in the resort.

The UBR on Monday announced that it will be open to the public on September 20, which coincides with this year's Mid-Autumn Festival holiday from September 19 to 21.

UBS has announced that its admission tickets, such as One-Day Dated Ticket, for the theme park will officially go on sale from September 14.

Four kinds of tickets will be available for a one-day tour in the park – 418 yuan (about $65), 528 yuan, 638 yuan and 748 yuan – from the off season to peak season.

The tickets will be on sale on multiple channels, including the UBR's own app and authorized tourist agencies.

Tourists without a ticket are allowed to visit the Universal CityWalk, where 21 restaurants, seven theme retail outlets and mobile vending cars, as well as China's first-ever theme park destination IMAX Cinema and live shows await them.

(Cover: A giant logo at the Universal Beijing Resort in Beijing, China, August 27, 2021. /CFP)