Universal appeal

Tongzhou is set to develop compelling tours and introduce more quality projects to boost its culture and tourism, according to the head of the district, Zhao Lei.

The district in the east of the capital city will ride the wave of popularity fueled by the opening of Universal Beijing Resort, actively attempting to tap into local consumption needs, Zhao explains.

Universal Beijing Resort has recently been capturing headlines and clicks at news outlets and on social media, and searches for the resort have surged on major tourism platforms.

The resort officially opened to the public on Sept 20 after completing its monthslong soft opening and various test runs of the facilities.

"Internet users have already developed many travel tips and are fighting each other to post and share them," Zhao says.

The district will take over the overspill effect from the Universal Studio and introduce more distinctive Chinese culture to spice up travelers' experiences, including the Grand Canal scenic spot and towns offering local art and special performances, he adds.

The goal is to upgrade Tongzhou into a national model for culture and tourism business integration as well as a modern place for international tourism consumption, Zhao said at the 2021 Beijing's Sub-Center Cultural Tourism Industry Summit on Sept 17.

The event was co-hosted by the Publicity Department of Tongzhou district CPC Committee and the administrative committee of the district's Cultural Tourism Zone.

Alongside eight global culture and tourism conglomerates, 31 top domestic industry players joined the meeting.