I took the subway to Sheshan intending to head to the basilica at the hilltop, but I wasn’t sure how to get there from the subway stop. BUT there were free buses to Happy Valley! So I went for it and had a surprisingly amazing day.
Happy Valley used to be the biggest theme park around until Disney (I still need to post about this) so I felt sympathetic towards it. I heard it has lost people to Disney. May the gods not strike me down, but as much as I loved Disney in Shanghai this place seriously rivaled the experience.
It was late in the afternoon, around 3:30PM, and I bought a ticket anyway. I flew over to the first roller coaster I saw, which, according to my map, is the first wooden roller coaster in China and the biggest one. This thing was huge.
And it was intense! As we went slowly up the ramp I thought, “Why do I put myself into these situations?” Oh man, what a feeling! Then you reach the top and fall down and suddenly it all goes away and it’s exhilarating!
I flew over to “Old Gold Mining Town,” which had country music playing in the background, and another great ride. Then I went to “Happy Ocean” which had another great ride. I like to torture myself, clearly.
But I saw a ride in the distance that was huge and clearly a thrill ride. It was just a few minutes until 5PM, when that ride would shut down, so I quickly walked over. Look at this thing.
I DID IT. Again I wondered why I was doing this to myself. What was “awful” about this ride was that it took you up the ramp and kept you there to “enjoy” the view of the hills and city. Then it started going down, but it SUSPENDED YOU vertically in place so you were literally sitting there staring down hundreds of feet below you! That’s when you started moving! Oh my goodness, what a feeling! I still laugh to myself thinking about it. Here’s us moving down:
There is still one big ride left that I need to do. It’s the “most advanced” one in China. Wish me luck.
I walked around and I really liked the “Old Shanghai” area of the park. Actually, I really like the Chinese feel of Happy Valley. It was authentically Chinese in a certain way. It had Chinese snacks all over the place, Chinese toys, gardens, forests, a big river, and generally was an easy-going place, at least when I went. It just all reminded me of China. It even had horse shows!
I stood in line for a haunted house and I must say it wasn’t very scary at all, but it was enjoyable. I liked walking through with people. I have to wonder how much the guy “chopping” a rubber leg up is getting paid for his hours of service. I went to another one and it was similarly fun, and I liked screaming with the people I was with!
Then it was time for the “Lake of Illusions” show on the water. It was so nice! I don’t want to spoil too much so here’s just one picture:
As I was watching the show, I felt as though I had no emotions or thoughts, but I was present in the moment, somewhat in awe. I’ve often felt that way in Shanghai these days. It’s a feeling of, “I just am,” I’m just experiencing the moment.
Afterwards there was a fun live show with dancers and actors. The night ended with all of us dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and what a wonderful time it was!
On my way to a basilica, ended up at Happy Valley! I took the subway to Sheshan intending to head to the basilica at the hilltop, but I wasn't sure how to get there from the subway stop.
