One year on, Universal Beijing Resort spreads cheer, increases sales

With all this boosting investor confidence, Beijing is now aiming to transform itself into an influential and competitive global consumption center over the next five years, experts said.

The resort will grow into a new cultural tourism landmark of Beijing as it has started attracting guests from not only the city but other regions.

Bei Bei in her 20s, a fan of the theme park and The Transformers movie series, said she has formed a deep emotional connection with a character in the film franchise.

"A visit to the park always makes me happy," she said. "I spent many special days, including my birthday, Valentine's Day, the New Year's Day and the first snow day of last winter here in the park."

Universal Beijing officials said guests of all ages have had fun at the resort over the past year, with the oldest guests being two 96-year-old grandmas who visited the park during the resort's first Chinese Lunar New Year seasonal event.