Happy Valley Shanghai boasts 7 exciting themed zones, making it a fantastic destination for your upcoming vacation. Check out the The ULTIMATE guide to Happy Valley Shanghai: The Entertainment Hub of Shanghai below for ticket prices, attractions, and tips!
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If you’re planning your first trip to Shanghai and want to find a fantastic place to spend a whole day having fun, Happy Valley will surely pique your interest. The park has everything to meet your entertainment needs, from thrilling rides to refreshing water parks and even fairytale-like corners perfect for taking beautiful photos. The description is great, but experiencing it firsthand was even more enjoyable, as the atmosphere here is incredibly vibrant.
We’ll share some of the highlights and things you need to know to fully enjoy Happy Valley Shanghai!
Why You Absolutely Must Experience Happy Valley Shanghai At Least Once?
For us, Happy Valley Shanghai is a worthwhile choice if you’re looking for a large enough amusement park to spend a whole day in, yet easily accessible from the city center. Located in the Sheshan tourist area, the park offers a sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, spacious, airy, and not as crowded as many other popular attractions in Shanghai.
What truly makes Happy Valley Shanghai stand out is how the park designs each themed area as a separate world. It’s not a case of changing attractions every few steps, but rather a completely different atmosphere. There are areas for children and families with bright, cheerful colors, areas with refreshing water features to cool off on hot summer days, and areas with an adventurous, dramatic feel, befitting a large amusement park. We felt like there was always something new to discover, rather than repetition or boredom.
This is what makes Happy Valley an ideal destination for large groups of people of different ages.
Discover the Exciting Themed Zones at Happy Valley Shanghai
Happy Valley Shanghai offers seven exciting themed zones. Sunshine Harbour is gentle for families, Happy Times is vibrant with roller coasters and Ferris wheels, Typhoon Bay is cool and refreshing, Gold Mine Town is an adventurous Wild West experience, Shanghai Bund is lively, Shangri La Woods is close to nature, and Happy Ocean explores the underwater world. Let’s explore each zone in detail to prepare the perfect “fun itinerary”!
Sunshine Harbour – A Gentle Corner for Families
Klook begins its journey at Sunshine Harbour, a place with a gentle, romantic atmosphere and classic English architecture. This area resembles a small harbor, with a clear blue lake and Gothic-style buildings that evoke the feeling of stepping into 19th-century Europe. Sunshine Harbour focuses on gentle activities, suitable for young children and families who want to relax.
Some highlights include the Sky Water Extreme multimedia water show, offering a unique visual experience with water, light, and vibrant background music. This is also an ideal place to rest before exploring more vibrant areas.
A Day of Excitement at Happy Times
Right after Sunshine Harbour is Happy Times, a destination where you can clearly feel the vibrant atmosphere of the park. This area resembles a colorful early 20th-century European town, with many fun games such as roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and bumper cars.
Upon entering, we were captivated by the lively atmosphere and the colorful parades. Highlights like the Fun Coaster and Dream Spinner offer an exciting and fun experience. Happy Times is suitable for both families and groups of young people who enjoy a lively atmosphere.
Typhoon Bay – A Cool and Exciting Water World
After the land-based games, Typhoon Bay is the ideal area to cool off. This area is a paradise for water games, from water slides and whirlpools to group water fountains. Upon entering Typhoon Bay, you’ll hear the laughter of children and immediately feel the cool, refreshing atmosphere.
It’s also an ideal place for everyone to have fun together and create memorable moments. I especially enjoyed the large water fountains, which were both fun and helped cool down on hot Shanghai days.
Wild West Adventure at Gold Mine Town
If you want to experience the thrill of adventure, Gold Mine Town is a must-visit. This area recreates the Wild West atmosphere with wooden houses, old trains, and gold mining equipment. You can participate in adventurous games, explore tunnels, or try simulating gold mining.
I found Gold Mine Town to offer a balance between a relaxing experience and exciting challenges, suitable for the whole family. From here, you can also admire the panoramic view of the park from a high vantage point, definitely worth trying.
Shanghai Bund – A Vibrant Old Shanghai Experience
Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck Ticket
Shanghai Bund will transport you to the classic Shanghai of the early 20th century. This area features historic buildings, brightly lit streets, and thrilling rides. One of the highlights is the Giant Swing, offering an exhilarating, high-speed experience and panoramic views of the park from above.
Besides the games, Shanghai Bund also features exhibitions and interactive entertainment areas, allowing visitors to experience and learn about the culture of ancient Shanghai. This is an ideal destination if you want to combine sightseeing with thrilling experiences.
Shangri La Woods – Immerse Yourself in Nature
One-day tour of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town & Shanghai Film Park
Shangri La Woods offers a magical, peaceful natural space in the heart of the park. This area has treetop adventure trails, small waterfalls, and tree-lined paths. Upon entering, you will feel relaxed and close to nature.
I found this to be an ideal place for young children to explore, and also an opportunity for the whole family to relax amidst other vibrant areas. The games and landscapes here are designed to harmonize with nature, creating a pleasant and relaxing feeling.
Happy Ocean – Explore the Vast Ocean World
Shanghai Changfeng Ocean World Ticket
The final area, Happy Ocean, offers a fascinating underwater experience. This area features interactive family games like Ocean Adventure, Water Flyer, and marine life exhibits in Ocean Wonder.
Upon entering, you’ll find models of marine life, a 6D coaster, and high-tech interactive games, creating a miniature yet vibrant ocean world. I found it to be a suitable place for the whole family to participate and have fun together, exploring and learning about the vast ocean.
Evening Shows & Outdoor Playground
One of my favorite parts of Happy Valley is the evening shows and outdoor playground. During the day, the park is always filled with music, color, and laughter. I enjoyed parades with dancers in vibrant costumes and large floats, as well as musical shows with singers, dancers, and acrobats.
The park also has very captivating storytelling plays. At night, the water and light show is truly impressive. Some programs even allow visitors to participate, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere. I think this is an experience everyone shouldn’t miss.
Culinary Experiences in Happy Valley Park, Shanghai
During your exploration of Happy Valley, culinary experiences are also a must-do. The park offers many dining options, from traditional Chinese dishes like noodles and rice to Western fast food. If you prefer a light snack, check out the popcorn, ice cream, or beverage stalls. Vegetarians won’t have to worry about a lack of choices, as several restaurants serve vegetarian options.
Near the main gate, there’s Pizza Hut and East Dawning; KFC is located in Shanghai Bund and Gold Mine Town; and Typhoon Bay and Shangri La Woods have many unique restaurants. I found it most convenient to bring an e-card or prepare cash to use at the counters. Additionally, you should plan your schedule to arrive a little earlier or later than lunchtime to avoid long queues.
Convenient Ways to Get to Happy Valley Shanghai
Located in Songjiang District, about 40 km from downtown Shanghai, the park is far enough away to feel a clear separation from the urban hustle and bustle, yet still easily accessible. According to Klook’s experience, the most convenient way is to take Metro Line 9 to Sheshan Station, then exit the station and catch a shuttle bus or local bus directly to the Happy Valley Shanghai entrance. Buses run fairly regularly, about every 10-15 minutes, so you rarely have to wait long.
If you’re traveling with family or a group of friends, a taxi or driving yourself is also a good option. From the city center, a taxi ride takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic. The park has a large parking lot right near the entrance, which is very convenient if you want to manage your time effectively. For us, simply planning our transportation in advance and knowing the bus schedule allows us to start our day of fun without wasting time searching for directions.
Where to Buy Happy Valley Tickets Economically and Conveniently?
I usually book Happy Valley Shanghai tickets online in advance to avoid queues and save time. This is convenient and allows me to choose a specific date to visit the park. A little tip: booking early gets you a discount, and you also have the flexibility to cancel if your plans change. Below is a price list from Klook for your reference:
| Ticket Type | Price (VND) |
|---|---|
| Adult Ticket | 962,963 |
| Child/Senior Citizen Tickets | 666,667 |
| University Student Ticket | 852,735 |
| Family Ticket: 1 Adult + 1 Child | 1,612,781 |
| Family Ticket for 2 Adults + 1 Child | 2,558,204 |
| Birthday Discount Tickets | 481,981 |
| Afternoon Ticket | 667,358 |
Suggested 1-Day Itinerary at Happy Valley Shanghai
Morning – Start with the thrill rides: Prioritize Gold Mine Town and Shangri-La Woods for the most exciting rides, including the Fireball roller coaster. This is when the park is less crowded and we found it most enjoyable.
Lunchtime – Change of pace, cool down: Move to Typhoon Bay or Ocean Wonder for water rides, which are refreshing and less tiring. A light lunch in this area is ideal.
Afternoon – Play according to your mood, take photos: Stroll around Shanghai Bund to take photos, relax, and buy souvenirs. If you still have energy, return to Gold Mine Town to replay your favorite game before heading home.
If you’re traveling with family or young children, you could replace the morning with Sunshine Harbor or Ant Kingdom; these areas are more relaxed, easier to play, and not too strenuous.
Frequently Asked Questions When Visiting Happy Valley Shanghai
1. Is Happy Valley Shanghai suitable for young children?
Yes, the park has a Mini Planet area specifically for children with a safe environment and many suitable rides such as Dream Song Spinning Cups and Bunny Bouncing Umbrella.
2. Are visitors allowed to bring food into the park?
No, the park does not allow bringing your own food, but you can enjoy many delicious dishes at the food courts inside.
3. What is the average time to explore all areas of Happy Valley Shanghai?
Typically, visitors will need about one day to explore the entire park.
4. Does the park have many thrill rides?
Yes, the park has many thrill rides, especially concentrated in the Thrill Mountain area.
5. Does Happy Valley Shanghai have evening shows?
Yes, the park hosts shows from 6 PM to 9 PM, offering an exciting experience for visitors.
Happy Valley Shanghai is truly a fun destination for all ages. I found the park to have a harmonious blend of thrilling rides, cool water areas, and gentle play spaces for young children. Each area has its own unique style and is easy to navigate, making for a seamless and complete experience. The shows and entertainment activities also add to the lively atmosphere. Happy Valley is definitely a must-visit, so remember to save this for later!
Pack your bags and head to Happy Valley Shanghai with your friends for an unforgettable night out!
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