Chinese tourists in Los Angeles can come face to face with man-eating zombies this summer as Universal Studios Hollywood opens a new walk-through attraction on July 4 based on AMC's popular TV series The Walking Dead, the most watched US show in China.

The permanent attraction will be located in a new, custom built structure just inside the theme park's entrance. Due to the intense nature of the experience, the attraction is not recommended for anyone under the age of 13.

The show depicts the story of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by hordes of terrifying flesh-eating "walkers". It has been the most watched show on television among adults age 18 to 49 for the last four years and will kick off its seventh season this October.

Since China's internet TV company Youku Tudou introduced the show in China in 2012, The Walking Dead has become the most watched US series in China. It reached the Top 3 on Baidu's TV list with the third season garnering more than 95 million views in one year, according to the company.

The comic book series, which was adapted into the TV series, was also translated into Chinese and published in China in 2014.

The reaction of the Chinese travel trade to the new Universal attraction was described as "amazing" by Lisa Pisaturo, director of international and domestic tourism sales at Universal Studios Hollywood, who said she recently got back from a trade mission to Beijing and Shanghai.

"I was thrilled with the broad recognition of this brand amongst the travel trade that we met," she told China Daily. "They seemed genuinely excited to see this popular show come to life."

To ensure authenticity of the attraction, Universal partnered with the show's creative team, including Greg Nicotero and KNB Efx, to develop prosthetics, utilize original molds and paint and detail the ghouls.

Coupled with authentic walker make-up effects, sophisticated animatronic walkers, and detailed set design and costuming, as well as props replicated from the series, the attraction will deliver a recognizable environment for visitors to experience the popular show.

US TV viewership in China has seen fast growth in recent years due to the popularity of American culture in the world, including China, said Yang Ying, director of policy and regulation at China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

"US TV shows are fast-paced with a lot of dramatic moments, which suits the taste of younger audiences," said Yang.

liazhu@chinadailyusa.com