Universal's Beijing resort under construction

Universal Studios' Beijing theme park has been officially named the Universal Beijing Resort (UBR).

The first phase is now under construction for the Tongzhou district-based resort, China News Service reported Wednesday.

UBR covers 1.2 square kilometers, and the resort is the sixth globally themed park worldwide and the first of its kind on the Chinese mainland.

UBR will feature a range of entertainment facilities, popular Universal rides, shows and attractions from around the world, along with curated experiences paying tribute to China's cultural heritage.

The resort's initial phase will also feature a Universal CityWalk retail, dining and entertainment complex, as well as the first-ever Universal-themed hotel.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held for the project on Nov 5 2015, and the initial phase's design work was finished and construction started by the end of last year.

The initial phase's construction is expected to be finished this year and the park may open to the public by the year's end.

The resort's supporting facilities, including two extending lines on the Beijing Subway and interchanges connecting the G1 Beijing-Harbin Expressway and Sixth Ring Road, is currently under construction.