Universal Studios Beijing to Open on Sept. 20

A man rides a bike of a bike-sharing service near a giant sign Universal Beijing Resort, ahead of its opening, in Beijing, China August 27, 2021. (Reuters)
A man rides a bike of a bike-sharing service near a giant sign Universal Beijing Resort, ahead of its opening, in Beijing, China August 27, 2021. (Reuters)
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Universal Studios Beijing to Open on Sept. 20

A man rides a bike of a bike-sharing service near a giant sign Universal Beijing Resort, ahead of its opening, in Beijing, China August 27, 2021. (Reuters)
A man rides a bike of a bike-sharing service near a giant sign Universal Beijing Resort, ahead of its opening, in Beijing, China August 27, 2021. (Reuters)

Universal Studios' Beijing resort will officially open on Sept. 20, China's state broadcaster CCTV said on Monday, citing the theme park.

The park, a joint venture between Comcast Corp's Universal Parks & Resorts and state-owned Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment, will begin trial operations on Sept. 1, CCTV said.

Universal Studios announced the development of the resort - the world's fifth Universal Studios-branded theme park – in 2014, saying at the time it would cost $3.3 billion.

Its opening date has been postponed for several months due to the coronavirus pandemic, local media said.

In addition to rides, shows and attractions, hotels, and a retail, dining and entertainment complex, it will include experiences designed to reflect China's cultural heritage, Universal said on its website.

Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment is owned by five Beijing state-owned companies, including Beijing Tourism Group, one of the country's biggest tourism firms, according to the park's website.



Rapper Kendrick Lamar Lands the Biggest Wins at the 2025 BET Awards 

Kendrick Lamar accepts the Album of the Year award for "GNX" at the 25th annual BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards, in Los Angeles, California, US, June 9, 2025. (Reuters)
Kendrick Lamar accepts the Album of the Year award for "GNX" at the 25th annual BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards, in Los Angeles, California, US, June 9, 2025. (Reuters)
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Rapper Kendrick Lamar Lands the Biggest Wins at the 2025 BET Awards 

Kendrick Lamar accepts the Album of the Year award for "GNX" at the 25th annual BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards, in Los Angeles, California, US, June 9, 2025. (Reuters)
Kendrick Lamar accepts the Album of the Year award for "GNX" at the 25th annual BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards, in Los Angeles, California, US, June 9, 2025. (Reuters)

Kendrick Lamar was the top winner on Monday at the BET Awards, an awards ceremony honoring Black actors, singers and sports stars.

The "30 For 30" rapper won the best male hip hop artist award, best album of the year as well as the video of the year award for "Not Like Us."

Lamar and filmmaker Dave Free also took home the video director of the year award at the event, which was held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and broadcast on the BET cable channel.

"BET has always made sure they're representing the culture right and always put me in the midst of the cycle of what we represent," Lamar said on stage when accepting his award.

Host comedian Kevin Hart opened the ceremony by recognizing the BET Awards' 25th anniversary and all of the "history that has been made" on the stage.

The ceremony traversed the evolution of Black music, starting with a performance by R&B artist Ashanti that featured a compilation of songs, including her 2002 song "Foolish."

Additional performances included other 2000s songs "Ballin'" by Mustard, "1 Thing" by Amerie and "Like You" by Bow Wow.

Hart led with jokes while also highlighting the BET Ultimate Icon Award winners of the night, including Kirk Franklin, Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg.

The special award was given to those that have paid homage to music, entertainment, advocacy and community impact.

Presented by Stevie Wonder, Foxx accepted his award and reflected on his recovery journey after having a stroke in 2023.

"I gotta be honest, when I saw the in memoriam, I was like, 'Man, that could have been me'," he said.

Another honor included the best female hip hop artist award for rising rapper Doechii.