Universal Beijing Resort is gearing up for a year of celebration, officially announcing its 2026 Chinese New Year festivities alongside a comprehensive lineup of events commemorating its upcoming fifth anniversary. The resort promises a vibrant blend of traditional Chinese culture and immersive entertainment, marking a significant milestone for the popular theme park.
From January 23rd to March 3rd, guests can experience Universal’s Chinese New Year event, a seasonal offering designed to interpret traditional festivities through the lens of a world-class theme park. This celebration coincides with preparations for the resort’s fifth anniversary, themed “UBR’s 5th Anniversary, Infinitely Your Way,” which will unfold throughout the year with nine major themed events and dedicated celebrations for loyal fans.
At the heart of the Chinese New Year celebration is the Universal’s Chinese New Year Nian Reveal, a returning favorite reimagined with a dynamic fusion of Chinese and international elements. The show will feature fourteen iconic characters, including Po from “Kung Fu Panda,” King Julien from “Madagascar,” and the Minions, alongside dozens of performers. The performance will uniquely integrate traditional Chinese performance arts like Peking opera and Sichuan opera face-changing with acrobatic drumming, all set against a backdrop blending Chinese architecture with familiar Universal intellectual properties.
A Festive Atmosphere Throughout the Park
The celebratory spirit extends beyond the Nian Show, with characters throughout the park donning festive attire for meet-and-greets. On Hollywood Boulevard, guests can encounter Shrek, Fiona, Puss in Boots, and Kitty Softpaws in special New Year outfits. Even the Minions are getting into the spirit, sporting Year of the Horse-themed costumes in Minion Land.
The park’s decorations will amplify the holiday atmosphere, with the upgraded Golden Wintersweet Tree of Blessings presenting a dazzling “Light Symphony” light and music spectacle at the end of Hollywood Boulevard. Culinary offerings will likewise reflect the season, with Universal’s Chinese New Year Square offering a mix of traditional Chinese snacks and Western desserts adorned with auspicious “fu” characters.
Several resort restaurants will feature special menus, including blended Chinese-Western New Year’s Eve dinners at Sunset Grill and Hammond’s, and celebratory set menus at NUO Resort Hotel’s JIA. Guests can even find Minions in festive attire greeting visitors at the Universal Studios Grand Hotel’s Lotus Garden, while restaurants at Universal CityWalk Beijing are launching creative new dishes.
Fifth Anniversary Plans: A Year-Long Celebration
Looking ahead, Universal Beijing Resort’s fifth anniversary will be marked by a year-long series of events. The resort plans to launch nine major themed events, alongside member specials, a dedicated fan celebration, and a special birthday month. These events aim to immerse guests of all ages in new stories through cross-dimensional IP experiences, creating what the resort calls an “Infinite Universe.”
Joe Hoskin, executive vice president and general manager of Universal Beijing Resort, stated that since its opening in 2021, the resort has “shared countless joyful and unforgettable moments with tens of millions of guests.” He added that the fifth anniversary represents “not only a significant milestone in the resort’s development, but also a brand-new starting point for every guest to unleash limitless creativity.”
New IP Collaborations and Event Highlights
The anniversary year will kick off with the Chinese New Year event, followed by “Universal Infinite Spring,” which will feature major new intellectual property collaborations. “Universal Cool Summer” will bring new music and water play, while “Scares @ Universal” in the autumn will offer thrilling adventures. “Winter Holiday” will conclude the year with a romantic seasonal theme. Fan favorites like “Universal Passion Month” and “Celebrate Back to Hogwarts” will also return, offering character birthdays and exclusive merchandise.
Adding to the excitement, Universal Beijing Resort has unveiled collaborations with the animated film “Chang’an” and the online game “Genshin Impact” for the “Universal Infinite Spring” event, featuring an interactive restaurant and immersive zone. For “Scares @ Universal,” the resort will partner with the novel franchise “The Grave Robbers’ Chronicles” and the horror mobile game “Identity V” to create story-driven haunted mazes. More international IPs are expected to be announced as the year progresses.
Zhao Lin, senior vice president of marketing and sales at Universal Beijing Resort, emphasized the resort’s commitment to delivering “narrative-rich, one-of-a-kind theme park experiences” by fusing Universal’s global expertise with insights from local guests and partnerships with popular IPs worldwide.
Universal Beijing Resort’s year-long fifth-anniversary celebration promises a diverse range of experiences for guests of all ages. The resort will continue to unveil details about upcoming events and collaborations in the months ahead. Guests can expect a year filled with immersive entertainment, festive celebrations, and the magic of their favorite Universal properties.
The resort plans to reach the crescendo of its anniversary celebrations in September with a special cross-dimensional fan celebration. Further details regarding this event will be released closer to the date.
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