We Saw Fireworks at Universal This CNY!

If you’re staying in Beijing this Chinese New Year and want a change of pace from the Temple Fairs and Forbidden City, and if you would like the chance to see some rare fireworks, then head over to Universal Beijing Resort!

From now until March, the Chinese New Year festivities are all buzzing at Beijing’s largest international theme park. With special discounts on tickets and F&B, a brand-new musical extravaganza, plus your favorite Universal characters all decked out for CNY, here are five reasons to visit Universal Beijing Resort this CNY.

We Saw Fireworks!

This controversial topic has sparked much discussion in online forums and the local media over the years, but despite the furor, the Beijing government remained steadfast to the local ban on fireworks this CNY. This comes as little surprise since fireworks are prohibited and outright banned in over 400 cities nationwide. In the capital city, fireworks are a rare sight these days.

That’s what made our viewing of Universal Beijing Resort’s Nighttime Magic at Hogwarts Castle show so special last Friday night (Dec 9) – we got to see fireworks light up the night sky at the end of the thrilling ten-minute video and lights show! It was a splendid moment that garnered enchanted oohs and ahhs from the crowd. We’re guessing this is a limited-time exclusive considering there has been no other fireworks at the park aside from the Christmas and New Year’s show, so make sure you come during this CNY festival for the best chance at catching some fireworks in town!

The Nighttime Magic at Hogwarts Castle show starts from sundown, typically after 6pm these days, and runs every 30 minutes until 8pm.

Discounts on Entry Tickets

As part of the CNY celebrations, you can log on to the Universal app and claim a coupon for RMB 30 off any entry ticket to Universal Beijing Resort, valid from now until Feb 19. If you get a group of four together, you can enjoy a special price of RMB 1,812 for the group – putting each ticket at just RMB 453! This special group price is also stackable with the RMB 30-off coupon for more savings! *Note that the group promotion must be booked three days in advance.

Universal’s Nian Show

If you or your kids need an introduction to the famous legend of Nian – the CNY beast that pretty much the entire CNY celebration is based around – look no further than Universal’s Nian Show. With showtimes approximately every hour starting from sundown (5pm), this new performance features Universal’s talented performers and beloved mascot characters in specially tailored CNY outfits as they present the thrilling tale of “Conquering the Nian Beast.”

CNY-Themed Food Specials

The best part of almost every celebration is the food, and CNY is no different! Check out local delicacies such as dumplings, jianbing, and every local kid’s favorite tanghulu at Universal’s CNY Square Market. Or head over to CityWalk for CNY specials like the Lucky Firecracker Pizza at Red Oven, Toothsome’s Lucky Dragon Hawthorn Milkshake, the Prosperity Toss at fusion restaurant Cowfish, and more!

PRO TIP: Get the CNY Square F&B meal combo plus popcorn with the Year of the Dragon Souvenir Bucket voucher to receive an exclusive Year of the Dragon Minions popcorn bucket!

The Universal hotels are also in on the CNY action, with the Universal Studios Grand Hotel offering a CNY-themed Despicable Me character breakfast, and CNY dinner buffet – both at The Lotus Garden – while NUO Resort Hotel‘s JIA restaurant has both dine-in and takeaway CNY specials like an entire roasted crispy suckling pig, not to mention the CNY-themed afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge.

CNY Vibes All Around!

With dragon-themed CNY decor lining the streets at Universal Beijing Resort, and mascots walking around in special CNY outfits like Dragon Warrior Po in an exclusive Dragon Warrior robe, there’s plenty of CNY cheer to be had throughout the park. Don’t forget to stop by Universal’s New Year Tree of Fortune where you can pen down your own wish for the new lunar year and hang it on the peach tree.