(Yicai) Aug. 23 -- Building work on the second phase of the Universal Studios Beijing Resort will start before 2025, according to an urban construction plan just released by local authorities in China’s capital city.

The first phase of the 160-hectare resort opened in September 2021, and has become a popular tourist destination in Beijing. When the total 400-hectare site is completed, it will be the largest Universal Studios resort in the world.

The resort is jointly funded by Universal Pictures and Beijing Tourism Group and is 30 percent owned by the film producer and distributor and 70 percent owned by the tourism promoter.

Beijing Tourism had begun to study and plan for the second and third phases of the Universal Studios Beijing project in January, General Manager Bai Fan said at the time. The two new phases are set to incorporate more Chinese elements.

Bai also revealed that two big consumer center projects are being planned to the north and east of Universal Studios Beijing Resort.

Editor: Tom Litting