Happy Valley is the capital's answer to Disneyland. Divided into six themedregions (Wild Fjord, A Greek Village-Atlantis, Aegean Harbor, a Mayantemple, the Tibetan Shangri-La and an Ant Kingdom), Happy Valley's 120attractions aren't just a series of daredevil rides, although there are theseavailable for the eager thrill seeker. Beijing's newest amusement park alsooffers exhibits, sculptures, performances and an IMAX theatre.
Among the scream-inducing rides on offer are:
• “The Crystal Wing" (Shui Jing Shen Yi, Chinese:水晶神翼), Asian'sonly flying roller coaster and the single most expensive amusementattraction to be found in China. The stunning coaster is built by Swissmanufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) with the same design andlayout as the three Superman rides in the United States.
• Titan Truck's Apollo Wheel (Tai Yang Shen Che, Chinese:太阳神车) ,the largest Asian Pendulum;
• ‘Golden Wings in Snowfield’ (Xue Yu JIn Chi, Chinese:雪域金翅), inwhich riders sit with legs dangling, is a short burst of adrenaline;
• “Twin Tower Heroes” (Tian Di Shuang Xiong, Chinese:天地双雄) inwhich riders fall at 45 mph (72 km/h) in a terrifying simulated plungeto earth, is heart-stopping.
• “Trojan Horse” (Te Luo Yi Mu Ma, Chinese: 特洛伊木马) wherevisitors are spun within a large wooden horse.There’s decent stuff for kids, too, especially in the Ant Kingdom, with cuterides such as ‘Jumping Frog’ and ‘Bug’s Party’, as well as games and artsand crafts. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Chinese theme park without surrealelements, and the daily ‘Parade of Insects Carnival’ in Ant Kingdomdelivers, with giant dancing ants and chickens, ice queens and incongruouscosplay characters prancing around with tennis racquets.
The biggest complaint is queuing times – at 3pm on a Sunday, there’s anhour-long queue for ‘Crystal Wing’, so it’s a good idea to get there early.
Address: XiaoWuji Beilu, Dongsihuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing.
Chinese Address: 北京市朝阳区东四环小武基北路.
Tel: 010-6736-0303, 010-6738-3333.
Opening Hours: 9:30am-8:00 pm daily.
Admission: 180 RMB for adults;120 for children;140 for students.
Bus:No. 713 and 822.
Subway:line 10 to Jingsong Station and take a taxi for 5 minutes.
