Trip to theme park reignites sense of wonder
Did you know that Beijing’s Universal theme park is the fifth theme park under the Universal Studios brand? It’s also the seventh Universal-built park and the third in Asia after Japan and Singapore.
After visiting several Universal Studios theme parks over the years, I finally set foot on the grounds of the one in Beijing during my recent trip there.
When I was handed the itinerary for our Beijing Muslim group tour, excitement filled me as I saw the theme park listed.
I began imagining the fun and thrills we would experience there, envisioning the countless photos and videos I would take. However, having lost my phone – which held great sentimental value – upon our arrival in Beijing, all I could do was enjoy the scenery through my eyes and keep the views in my memories.
On the sixth day of our itinerary, we had to exclude two members from the group who couldn’t join the trip because they were feeling unwell in the freezing winter, including my roommate.
MAGICAL MANIA
Arriving at the grounds of the theme park, the first thing we did was take a group photo before everyone went their own way, promising to meet up at a designated spot in a couple of hours.
While others walked away with their family members, I had only myself, my thoughts, and the imaginary company of the two who couldn’t make it. Slowly, I made my way inside to explore.
The empty feeling I had earlier disappeared and was replaced by a magical sensation.
The atmosphere was an incredible mood changer, lifting my holiday spirit, as I encountered beautiful decorations and heard festive music playing, it didn’t feel like I was in Beijing.
There were many ‘Harry Potters’ around the park, as the studio offered rented costumes for visitors to wear while walking around, and evidently, the most popular one was Harry Potter, and it amazed me.
The theme park seamlessly blends Eastern and Western design, attractions, and environmental elements. Although there are some similarities, like the iconic giant globe, it is not a cookie-cutter version of previous theme parks I have visited.
This beautifully designed mega theme park features seven highly themed lands, several all-new attractions, and immersive areas unique to China. It also includes selected evergreen fan-favourite Universal rides, shows, attractions, and popular characters from around the world, along with specially created experiences reflecting China’s cultural heritage.
Walking deeper into the theme park, another familiar sound caught my ears, and my pace quickened towards the source. Standing in front of me was the Transformers Metrobase, the first Transformers-themed land in the world.
Other notable lands and attractions include Jurassic World Isla Nublar, where the essence of the legendary film franchise comes to life in a jaw-dropping adventure, including the Jurassic World Adventure ride, and then there’s the Minion Land, which is the largest Minion-themed experience in the world, captivating guests, including myself, as we bumped into characters and explored iconic locations.
Not to be missed is the Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness, Universal’s first Kung Fu Panda-themed land with traditional Chinese cultural elements. If you’re lucky, you might catch a quick snap with Kung Fu Panda’s Po and other characters around the park.
Just like in other Universal Studio-themed parks, live music performances, including modern dances and other shows catering to children and adults, awesome rides for an adrenaline rush, delicious food, themed areas transporting you to another world, and cool shops for picking up gifts and souvenirs – not only as gifts but as evidence of your visit.
CULTURAL INTEGRATION AND A CHILLY DEPARTURE
From the theme park to city walk restaurants, retail brands with more local appeal than international brands, Universal Studios has certainly made incredible efforts to localise and cater to its visitors.
Most of all, it is an amazing place where people from around the world come for fun, excitement, and to experience the different locations of the theme park.
Not only that, but it has also taken the integration of technology to a new level. Entrance to the theme park uses biometrics and facial recognition for entry through speed gates, while ticketing and payments provide a seamless experience.
We left the park just before the sky turned dark, and the weather descended to a freezing temperature.
As for me, deep inside, I told myself that if I have the opportunity to visit Beijing again, I will definitely have a two-day stay at either The Universal Studios Grand Hotel or NUO Resort Hotel. That would be just enough time to explore the whole area and take some of the 37 rides available here, of course, bringing my son along next time around.
