Universal Studios Beijing: A Must-Read Guide for a One-Day Trip with Express Pass
This year's company retreat chose a Universal Studios day trip, finally a chance to tick it off my list. I recommend visiting on a weekday because the crowds are relatively smaller (relatively, I stress), and if your budget allows, it's best to buy an Express Pass. ~~
Universal Studios ticket prices vary daily, cheaper on weekdays and pricier on weekends. The Express Pass I bought that day cost 350 yuan, allowing one use per attraction. There's also a single-attraction Express Pass for 180 yuan, but I feel the 350 yuan one offers the best value. ~~
The Express Pass has a separate line, so for most attractions you hardly need to queue; a few popular ones had a wait of over twenty minutes. Overall, it saved a lot of time and spared me from freezing in the winter cold. I managed to do all the rides I wanted, and even rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey twice. Perfect! ~~
Jurassic World Adventure
Recommended Rating: ★★★★★
I think this is the most interesting ride in the Jurassic World themed island, and it was the first one I did that day. Get up close with your favorite dinosaurs and embark on a Jurassic World adventure.
Recommended Rating: ★★★
Take an aerial tour over Isla Nublar, offering nice views along the way; the ride itself isn't very thrilling.
Decepticon Roller Coaster
Recommended Rating: ★★★★★
This is the most thrilling ride at Universal Studios Beijing, and I had to muster some courage before boarding. Unlike other coasters that slowly climb, this one basically launches you straight out, followed by several inversions and loops—incredibly exhilarating.
Transformers: Battle for the AllSpark
Recommended Rating: ★★★★★
A 5D experience requiring 3D glasses; I've also done this ride at Universal Studios Hollywood, and they're very similar, equally fun. The sensation of heat when a fireball shoots toward you is incredibly realistic.
Transformers: Legendary Encounter
Recommended Rating: ★★★
Meet the internet-famous Megatron; many people queue specifically to have a face-to-face battle with him.
A magical town that feels straight out of a wizarding world, and with many visitors wearing house robes, everyone becomes an unofficial NPC, making it even more immersive.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Recommended Rating: ★★★★★
A must-do ride and one with the longest queues at Universal Studios. This is where the Express Pass shines, saving tons of time. It's my favorite, and the only ride I went on twice during the day.
Recommended Rating: ★★★
A completely non-thrilling mini coaster; I wouldn't highly recommend it. The ride is so short it's over before you know it.
Hogwarts Castle Nighttime Lights Celebration
Recommended Rating: ★★★★★
A must-see show starting at 6 p.m., with performances lasting six minutes each and about fifteen minutes between shows. The lights are incredibly dreamy, and you won't stop taking photos.
The whole park is very family-friendly, with no overly intense rides, perfect for bringing kids.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: Similar to a 4D film, it faithfully recreates scenes from the movie.
Recommended Rating: ★★
Compared to the Decepticon Roller Coaster, this is baby level. Not thrilling at all, it's over in twenty seconds. Fine for kids, but adults won't find it interesting.
Sing on Tour
Recommended Rating: ★★
The stage effects are decent, but overall not very interesting. If you're short on time, you can skip it.
Like Minion Land, this area is great for kids, with no extreme rides but excellently crafted environments and atmosphere. It's an indoor area, somewhat reminiscent of a Chinatown abroad.
Kung Fu Panda: Journey of the Dragon Warrior
Recommended Rating: ★★★
A gentle indoor water ride, with scenes from the movie along the sides. Sitting in the front row might get a few drops of water on you, but not enough to worry about getting soaked.
Recommended Rating: ★★★★
A show worth watching; you can check performance times on the "Universal Resort" app. The lighting effects are fantastic and very immersive.
Dining at Universal Studios can be inside the park or outside.
I ate lunch in the park to save time for rides.
In the evening, I dined at restaurants on Universal CityWalk, where there are many choices and great value.
Three Broomsticks:
Recommended Rating: ★★★★★
A must-visit restaurant; I suggest going for lunch between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., as later the queues can be long. The restaurant is very spacious, and the wait is mostly for ordering. Once you order, just find a seat and the food will be brought to you. For groups, I recommend the Feast platter, enough for four to six people; the roast chicken and ribs are delicious. The Grapefruit & Peach Oolong tea is very tasty. Butterbeer comes in hot or cold; the cold version looks better in photos. If you're willing to spend extra, there's a souvenir mug version you can take home after finishing.
Recommended Rating: ★★★
Sunset Seafood Rice and Rainbow Shrimp Dumplings are signature dishes here; it's a Chinese fusion restaurant with a great ambiance.
Universal CityWalk
Recommended Rating: ★★★★★
Highly recommend this restaurant, excellent value and top-notch taste. Try their Bak Kut Teh, Singaporean Nyonya Fried Rainbow Threadfin, and Seafood Tofu Claypot—you can practically order anything with your eyes closed and not be disappointed.
Besides these, I'm also keen to try the Chocolate Emporium and Hammond's Restaurant next time.
1. Download the "Universal Beijing Resort" app in advance; you can buy tickets and Express Passes on it. Once your date is set, book the Express Pass as early as possible, as it may sell out. I visited in December and secured mine a week ahead; friends trying to buy two to three days before found none available.
2. Remember to bring your ID, as you need to swipe it at the entrance. Alternatively, upload a photo in the app beforehand for facial recognition entry.
3. In winter, bring a thermos with warm water; a whole day outdoors can be very cold.
4. Bring a power bank; taking photos while playing drains your phone battery fast, especially in winter.
5. Focus on the rides first, then buy souvenirs at the end at the "Hollywood" Universal Store, otherwise you'll be lugging them around all day.
6. Wear comfortable, warm shoes; 30,000 steps in a day is no big deal.
Travelogue Contents: 1. Jurassic World Isla Nublar, 2. Transformers Metrobase, 3. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, 4. Minion Land, 5. Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness, 6. Hollywood, 7. Restaurant Recommendations, 8. Essential Tips: Travel Info, Hotel Index, Guide Index, Flight Index, Website Navigation, Travel Index, Cruise Index, Corporate Travel Index, Affiliate Cooperation, Distribution Alliance, Friendly Links, Corporate Gift Card Purchase, Insurance Agency, Agent Cooperation, Hotel Alliance, Destination & Scenic Spot Cooperation, More Partnerships, About Trip.com, Hot Topics, Contact Us, Careers, User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Business License, Security Center, Content Center, Intellectual Property, Trip.com Group Algorithm Announcement
