Happy Valley gets a little happier

The demise of Beijing Amusement Park in mid-June left the capital with "just" two amuse-ment parks: the Disney-clone Beijing Shijingshan in the far west and Happy Valley on the East Fourth Ring Road.

But for any thrill-seekers feeling the pinch, the already-huge (560,000 square meters) Happy Valley, currently comprising 40 rides over six themed areas, is set to enlarge still further this month, according to Wang Yue, marketing director of Happy Valley Beijing.

At the moment, visitors can pay 160 yuan to experience rides such as the Energy Storm, Trojan Horse, Mayan Catastrophe and Rush Hour spread across parks billed as Atlantis, the Aegean Sea, Lost Maya and the Ant Kingdom, as well as an IMAX cinema and shopping mall.

This will increase to 180 yuan after the extension opens. For that, you can look forward to a new 50,000 square-meter Happy Hours area, boasting a racing theme. Its centerpiece is the Fast Ride, a "launched coaster", with an "instant speed" of 135 kilometers per hour, and maximum height of 60 meters, apparently the first of its kind in China.

Happy Valley Beijing has been a popular tourist destination since opening in 2006. "Constant updating of technology and equipment," said Wang when asked about the key to its success. "We are culture-oriented [this refers to the "cultural connotations" of appreciating the lost Mayan civilization while spinning around in a tea-cup, apparently and ensure leading technology for [our] recreational facilities, rich performances, quality service and good brand image, as well as innovative and unique theme activities."

Crucial to that good brand image is, of course, safety. Shenzhen OCT Holding Group, which owns Happy Valley amusement parks, recently suffered a serious blow to its credibility following a tragic accident at their Shenzhen theme park, which resulted in six deaths on June 29.

Wang flatly refuted that the disaster impugned Happy Valley's own safety record. "We have a complete safety-management system with a strict repair and maintenance system. All equipment must undergo two [daily] trial operations before opening and maintenance staff experience and personally examine the safety performances the second time," he pointed out.

"Operators run [rides] according to strict requirements and pay close attention to the conditions of both the facilities and visitors." Wang cautioned tourists to choose suitable rides according to their physical condition and follow the safety instructions closely. Lifestyle will bring you a full report on the new as soon as possible.

Address: Xiaowuji Beilu, East Fourth Ring Road, Chaoyang district 朝陽區(qū)東四環(huán)小武基北路

Tel: 6738-3333

Price: 160 yuan