Before Universal BJ Opens, Check Out These Local Theme Parks

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The Universal Studios Beijing project has been delayed for months now, and while we have no doubt that it will be worth the wait, there are some other local amusement parks – or 游乐园 yóu lè yuán in Chinese – where you can get your adrenaline fix in the meantime.

Da Yun He Amusement Park 大韵河游乐园

Nestled inside the Grand Canal Forest Park, just over an hour’s drive east of Beijing into Tongzhou, lies Da Yun He Amusement Park. This spacious park is segregated into two major areas – one for younger kids and one for the braver of heart. For younger kids, there are inflatable castles, train rides, carousels, and a pirate ship playground. For those who meet the height requirement (1.3m), the more thrilling roller-coasters include a 360° pendulum swing and a water log ride. You may buy tickets for each ride separately, but it’s more economical to buy the full pass starting from RMB 129, depending on which section of the park you choose to visit. Kids below the height requirement may still ride, as long as an adult accompanies them. Do note that adults will have to pay RMB 10 to ride with the child.

Address: Da Yun He You Le Yuan, Tong Zhou Xu Zhang Jia Wan Song Liang Lu, Grand Canal Forest Park

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Happy Valley a.k.a 北京欢乐谷

You’ve probably seen the tops of its yellow and red roller-coaster as you drive down the fourth ring road, but if you have not stepped into Happy Valley Amusement Park yet, why not do so this summer! This park is also separated into sections, with tickets ranging from RMB 79 for District D to RMB 199 for District A. No points for guessing which district holds the major attractions like the aforementioned iconic roller-coaster, which skims the water by the way, so prepare your ponchos! Other attractions not to be missed are the pendulum coaster which swings way out above the water, and the scenic lookout tower for a panoramic view of Beijing.

Address: East Fourth Ring Road, Dong Si Huan Yu Xiao Wu Ji Bei Lu Jiao Cha Kou Si Fang Qiao Dong Nan Jiao

Shi Jing Shan Amusement Park 石经山游乐园, featuring Flyover China

From pictures, this theme park almost looks like a certain castle that preludes our beloved childhood animated films. But the resemblance ends there, for there are no Disney princesses gracing the hallowed halls of this local amusement park, located in the far east of Beijing. Instead, you’ll find the popular VR attraction Flyover China, an 11-minute long cinematic flight across China’s iconic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes. Besides that, you can ride Viking ships, pendulum coasters, water rides, and what looks to be Beijing’s largest Ferris wheel. You can even opt to stay at a hotel next to the park, to maximize your time there. A ticket granting access to eight of the attractions starts from RMB 148, or you can get tickets to each individual ride starting from RMB 10. The mass appeal of this park seems to be at night when you get to take fairy tale-esque pictures with the illuminated castle in the background.

Address: 25 Shi Jing Shan Road, Shi Jing Shan Lu 25 Hao

Timeless China 乐多港奇幻乐园

You’ll have to travel just a wee bit further for this one, but if you pair it with a one night stay at the Marriott Changping hotel next door (which in itself features a hot springs water playground worth checking out at least once), it may just be worth the trip. The Le Duo Gang amusement park caters to a younger demographic with giant ant and pumpkin sculptures in its Magic Farm land, kiddy carousel, and bumper cars, but also offers more exciting options like a pendulum coaster and 360° swing ride. There’s even an acrobatics show for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets start from RMB 199 for adults and RMB 150 for kids, though you’ll probably find more value in the two adults one child ticket for RMB 458.

Address: Chengnan Jiedao Deng Zhuangcun Jiu Xi Lu, Chang Ping

Images: Dazhongdianping, courtesy of locations

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