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.

Images: Courtesy of Universal Beijing Resort, Vivienne Tseng-Rush

KEEP READING: Jan 31-Feb 14: New Year Celebrations, a Lion Dance, Temple Fairs and More

You can always count on Universal Studios Beijing to add some sparkle to any celebrated holidays and Christmas is no exception. This year, in addition to their gorgeous 22m-tall Christmas tree with an all-new lights, show, and Santa Claus meet and greets, they’ve also added a wonderful Christmas musical performance at Santa’s Village along with plenty of fake snowfall to give you that warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

Pro Tip: With many international schools getting out mid-December, a weekday afternoon or evening could be your best time to beat the crowd, as local schools do not have Christmas breaks.

Watch the video for the highlights of the Universal Winter Holiday experience:

1. Spectacular Christmas Tree Lights Show

Every half hour from sundown (approximately 5.30 pm) until 8 pm, the spectacular 22m-tall Christmas tree is lit up to your favorite Christmas tunes, with snowfall right at the end. This is an annual landmark winter holiday event and should not be missed!

2. Santa Meet and Greet

Right behind the Christmas tree is an opportunity to meet Santa in the flesh! Every half hour or so, snap a memorable photo for the kids’ greeting Santa at this outdoor spot, or head over to Santa’s Cottage for a cozier meet and greet indoors!

3. Spectacular Santa’s Village

That space previously dedicated to Universal’s Halloween Freaky Farm? It’s been turned into Santa’s Village where you can stroll around the quaint wooden huts for suitably festive food like turkey legs and hot chocolate. But the biggest draws of the revamped space should be The Elf Toy Shop for shopping Universal’s most popular toy merchandise, Santa’s Cottage – a cozier indoor hut for yet another Santa meet and greet, and Mrs. Claus’ Candy Shop – which is chock full of Christmas-themed candies like red and green chocolates and jelly beans.

4. “This Time of Year Is” Musical Performance

At Santa’s Village, you’ll find a newly minted stage dubbed The Hollywood Amphitheatre, where the all-new musical extravaganza “This Time of Year Is” plays at various times (4.30 pm, 5.45 pm, and 7 pm on Dec 5 when we checked on the app) throughout the evening.

5. Universal Characters Special Meet and Greet

Your favorite Universal characters – Kung Fu Panda, the Minions, Shrek, Fiona, and more will be decked out in all-new winter outfits and photo-ready to capture memories with you!

6. Ice-Skating Rink at CityWalk

From now until Jan 7, LIGHTS@CityWalk is offering some magic on ice with its ice skating rink! They have kid-friendly skates and support for novices so you’ll have plenty of fun without the fall. Rental rates start from RMB 60/person for a 90-minute session.

KEEP READING: Christmas-Themed High Teas to Get You Feeling Festive

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush, Qi Shu