Moms and dads, take note: CW runs down China’s best amusement parks.

by Sienna Parulis-Cook

Guangzhou

Chime Long Paradise
For thrills and spills there’s no better place in China than the Chime Long Paradise. The park has 60 facilities spread over six themed zones. The best is the Scream Zone, home to “Tenth Ring,” the record-breaking inversion roller coaster with a staggering 10 loops. There’s also the world’s fastest motorbike launch roller coaster which can reach 80 mph in under three seconds. In January this year, Chime Long introduced their newest ride, which they call “the king of all roller coasters.” The track, designed by Swiss company Bolliger & Mabillard, is 80 meters tall, one kilometer long, and includes an underground tunnel, a lake and many loops. The park also boasts the largest indoor amusement park in China, a water park with rides and games, live performances, a medieval European area and a shopping street. Beyond Chime Long, the area also features a circus, a safari park (￥100-150) with over 400 species of animals including 70 white tigers and a night zoo (￥150-160). Also worth checking out is the crocodile park (￥100), which, with around 100,000 crocodiles, is the largest in the world. http://www.chimelongparadise.com

Wuhu, Anhui

Fantawild Adventure
Opened in October 2007, Fantawild, just two hours from Nanjing, is mainland China’s largest amusement park. Almost the size of the Hong Kong Disneyland, it is divided into 12 zones with 50 attractions. The facilities are high tech and visitors love the “4-D” rides, where 3-D films are combined with real life motion to get the adrenaline pumping. The best of the lot is “Dino Rampage,” where riders start by falling several floors and then are chased by dinosaurs. At the heart of the park is “Conch Bay,” a waterfront area with a giant 4-D theater that resembles a conch shell, which takes you on a simulated underwater walk through coral beds. Fantawild has three major coasters—one of which is the largest suspension roller coaster in China. The park also features a Water Carnival area, a kid’s park and a shopping area. For those looking for a less traditional venue to talk business, Fantawild also has conference and business facilities. http://www.fangte.com, entrance fee: ￥160.

Macau

Fisherman's Wharf
Macau’s first theme park was opened 2005. For the best rides, head to the East Meets West section, which is dominated by an immense artificial volcano that erupts each evening. Inside the volcano find the first two indoor roller coasters in Asia, “River of Fire” whitewater adventure and “Dragon Quest.” Below, check out the Underground Amusement Game Center, 950 sq. meters of everything from Guitar Freaks 3 to Initial D Cycraft to an F1 simulator. Families have tons of fun at Aladdin’s Fort, where there are four rides just for young children, as well as a Middle Eastern style market. Vasco da Gamma Waterworld holds regular performances, like the popular jet ski shows. The massive complex also contains a Roman amphitheater, the Babylon Casino and a hotel. The Legend Wharf district features architecture resembling famous coastal cities from around the world, with a large number of shops and restaurants. The New York Times especially recommends Camões for Portuguese cuisine. Best of all, it’s free! http://www.fishermanswharf.com.mo.

Beijing

Happy Valley
If you’re looking for extreme in Beijing, look no further than Happy Valley. The park has five zones, all built around a central island called Atlantis. All told, there are 40 attractions, 10 of which are classified as “extreme.” Among these is the “Aztec Sun” where visitors (victims?) are seated on the edge of a large ring which turns vertical then begins to spin. Other rides include the “Trojan Horse,” where visitors are spun within a large wooden horse and the “Jungle Flying Train.” Ant Kingdom has rides and activities for kids, and everyone loves having their photo taken with the Olympic fuwa mascots throughout the park. Happy Valley also houses a shopping complex, seven cinemas, an Imax theater and a games center with 120 games. http://bj.happyvalley.com.cn, entrance fee: ￥140.

Shanghai

Jin Jiang Amusement Park
The Jin Jiang Amusement Park is a great place to escape from Shanghai for a day of thrills and relaxation. Located southwest of the city, the park has over 30 attractions, including several large-scale roller coasters and a water park. Recently-added attractions include the “Canyon Raft Ride,” the “Spinning Coaster” and “Space Shot,” a space travel simulator. In addition, there is a large roller coaster from Japan, a pirate ship ride from Italy, bumper cars and a haunted house. For those interested in calmer activities, Jin Jiang is also home to the first two-layered merry-go-round in China and the Shanghai Ferris Wheel, the largest in China. Young kids enjoy the special playground for preschoolers. The water sports area, open in the summer, includes water skiing and surfing, as well as a hot springs and massage pool. After a day at the park, grab a bite at the various Chinese and Western restaurants on site, or relax at the Jin Jiang Tea House where you can get an eyeful of traditional live entertainment.
http://www.jjlysh.com