Visits to Beijing often mean taking tours of historic places such as the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City, or of landmarks like the world famous Great Wall of China. In addition, there are museums and teahouses, not to mention some great nightlife. Yet, there is an exciting new destination for many visitors to Beijing.
Located in the eastern portion of Beijing, Happy Valley has been open to tourists since 2006. Similar to the way in which Disney and other theme parks around the world are set up, Happy Valley is divided into several different themed sections. The sections are called: The Wild Fjord, Atlantic, Aegean Sea, Lost Maya, Shangri-La, and the Ant Kingdom. Happy Valley is a beautiful and fun place that is sure to thrill and delight both the children and the adults in the family.
The Wild Fjord
As you enter the park, this is the first section you will see. It is a lovely combination of wild green trees and modern architecture. The Wild Fjord is the travel “hub” of the park, the place where all buses and private cars stop to load and unload. You can also take a train that circles the whole of the park from here.
Atlantis
This is a beautifully and intricately created rendition of what the lost city of Atlantis might have looked like. This area is a fantastic place, filled with rides and shows that are sure to delight even those youngsters that have never heard of the fabled city.
Aegean Sea
Here you can see renditions of ancient Greek warships, see the cottages along Odyssey Mountain, and even take a ride in the fabled Trojan Horse.
Lost Maya
Explore the land and legends of the lost Mayan civilization here. Check out some of the sculptures and pyramids based on actual Mayan artifacts. The attention to detail is quite amazing.
Shangri-La
This is a true paradise, with rushing waterfalls, wild rides, and the “Forever Harmonious Restaurant.”
Ant Kingdom
The Ant Kingdom is a place where the world begins to take on gigantic proportions and you feel as though you have shrunk to the size of an ant. This is a favorite area for children.
Each of the different areas has plenty of rides and attractions to keep the whole family happy and entertained. It is definitely a fun and unique place to visit – well worth the price of admission. |
