Shanghai Happy Valley 10th Anniversary: A Visitor's Three-Visit Chronicle & Complete Guide

Meta Description: Discover Shanghai Happy Valley's 10th anniversary celebration through one visitor's three-visit chronicle. Get insider tips, ride reviews, transport guides, and FAQs for an unforgettable theme park experience.

Introduction: When the 10th Anniversary Met Free Admission

In 2019, Shanghai Happy Valley celebrated a milestone decade of operation. To mark this occasion, the park opened its gates free of charge to visitors aged 50 and above from December 15th to 22nd. At first, the news seemed too good to be true—many people's initial reaction was skepticism. Could this be a scam?

I thought so too, initially. It wasn't until I returned from a trip to Malaysia on December 14th and scrolled through my social feed the next day that I saw photos of friends enjoying the park. Only then did it dawn on me: this was real!

On the morning of December 15th, my feed was already filled with snapshots of the scene outside Shanghai Happy Valley—by around 9 a.m., a long, winding queue had formed at the entrance. This 10th-anniversary celebration was clearly more popular than I had imagined.

About Shanghai Happy Valley: A Dreamlike Theme Park

Shanghai Happy Valley is located at No. 888 Sheshan Linhu Road in Songjiang District, within the Sheshan National Tourist Resort. It is a masterpiece built by OCT Group with an investment of 4 billion yuan. As China's first chain-brand theme park, it is not only a National 4A-level tourist attraction but also a 650,000-square-meter kingdom of joy.

The entire park is divided into seven themed zones:

Sunshine Harbor
Happy Time
Shanghai Bund
Shangri-La
Happy Ocean
Gold Mine Town
Hurricane Bay

Each area has its own unique charm, featuring world-class entertainment projects imported from the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and other countries. Highlights include:

The world's top drop roller coaster "Vertigo"
China's first wooden roller coaster "Wooden Coaster"
The world's highest drop water ride "Rapid Ascent"
The most popular family-friendly suspended roller coaster "Ocean Adventure"
The 6D virtual roller coaster "Star of the Ocean"

There are also spectacular shows like the large-scale multimedia song-and-dance performance Happy Journey and the outdoor live-action stunt show Shanghai Bund.

How to Get to Shanghai Happy Valley: Complete Transport Guide

By Metro

Take Shanghai Metro Line 9 to Sheshan Station, cross the pedestrian bridge, and catch the free shuttle bus to the park. The ride takes just five minutes. [Link: Shanghai Metro Line 9 route map and schedules]

By Bus

Take Songjiang Bus Route 19, Songjiang Bus Route 19 (branch), or Songzhong Line. Get off at Happy Valley Station and walk for five minutes.

By Car

From Jiangsu: Take the G2 (A11) expressway to the Jiasong Highway exit heading south, then follow Shenzhuan Road west for about 100 meters.
From Zhejiang: Take the G60 (A8) expressway to the Songjiang exit, then follow Jiasong Highway to Shenzhuan Road and head west for about 100 meters.
From downtown Shanghai: Take the G50 (A9) to the Zhaoxiang exit, then follow Jiasong Highway to Shenzhuan Road and head west for about 100 meters.

Parking

The Sheshan National Tourist Resort parking lot, shared by Happy Valley and Maya Beach Water Park, offers over 5,000 spaces—so parking is never a concern. [Link: Sheshan National Tourist Resort attractions guide]

First Visit: December 16th – A Joyful First Taste

Departure and Entry

On December 16th, we left home at 9:30 a.m. and took Metro Line 9 to Sheshan Station. As soon as we exited, staff members on the pedestrian bridge warmly directed us to the shuttle bus stop. According to the driver, this free shuttle service runs regularly, from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

When we arrived at Happy Valley Square, I quickly snapped a photo and rushed inside—afraid that tickets might run out and I'd miss this rare opportunity.

Happy Ocean Fantasy Hall

Entering through the main gate and turning right, we first saw a cinema. Unfortunately, a sign announced that the equipment was under maintenance and wouldn't start showing films until 5 p.m. We didn't linger and continued along the river.

Around a corner, the view opened up—and suddenly we were face to face with Maya Beach Water Park. This large-scale water park in East China, adjacent to Happy Valley, was designed by world-class planning firms, blending ancient Mayan culture with modern water-based fun. In summer, you can buy a combined ticket with Happy Valley.

The nearby Ice Castle piqued our curiosity, but once inside, we discovered we had to pay an extra 25 yuan to rent a padded jacket. The space was small, with few visitors, and it felt like poor value for money. Still, the ice slides and archways had a certain charm.

Exiting the Ice Castle and turning left, we arrived at Happy Ocean—a 10,000-square-meter, all-weather, tech-interactive indoor hall. Here, we found attractions like Jellyfish Family, Colorful Whirlpools, and Diving Kangaroos, suitable for visitors of all ages. Standing on the elevated glass walkway, we could see the entire Fantasy Hall.

We first watched a 3D movie, then waited an hour in line for Arctic Expedition—which turned out to be a track-based ride through the hall. Each car seated only two people, and with just three cars running, the queue moved slowly.

The most impressive attraction was the Star of the Ocean 6D virtual roller coaster. Despite the long line, it could accommodate 50 people at once, so we only waited 50 minutes. The seats shook and swayed in sync with the action, delivering an exhilarating experience—no wonder it's so highly recommended by visitors. [Link: Best indoor attractions at Shanghai Happy Valley]

Water Cruise and Evening Wonders

After the 6D virtual coaster, we took the smooth Ocean Express, gliding slowly through the air on an elevated track. Then, we followed the path to the right and arrived at the boat dock—where you could pay 20 yuan per person for a scenic cruise through the park. Although there weren't many passengers, the views along the way were beautiful, and the captain enthusiastically pointed out various landmarks. When we reached a particularly enchanting area, he deliberately slowed down so we could take it all in.

At 4:28 p.m., we reached the location of the water screen movie, but since we were in a hurry to see Wonderland: Crossing Latitude 30° North, we pressed on. At 4:29 p.m., we arrived at our destination. The outside area seemed empty, but once we went in, we saw a long queue already forming nearby. We started waiting at 5 p.m. and stood in line for a full hour and a half—though considering that a similar attraction at Disneyland would require a four-hour wait, this was already quite reasonable.

Wonderland: Crossing Latitude 30° North is a brand-new film shown in a dome-screen flight theater, equipped with high-tech suspended motion seats, 4K ultra-HD visuals, and a stunning naked-eye 3D experience. The boundary-free dome screen creates an immersive flying sensation—an absolute must-see. [Link: Shanghai Happy Valley vs. Shanghai Disneyland comparison]

At 6:20 p.m., when we reached the water screen movie area, the light show had already ended. In the twilight, we slowly made our way toward the exit, bringing our first visit to a close.

Second Visit: December 19th – A Deeper Dive

After the first visit, I still felt unsatisfied—there were many areas we hadn't explored. On December 19th, the weather was clear, so we decided to go again. This time, we left after lunch and arrived at the park at 2 p.m. The entrance was noticeably less crowded.

Exploring Shanghai Bund

This time, we ventured into the Shanghai Bund area, which we had missed before. We finally found the 4D cinema, but it was showing an animated film better suited for children. The ride next door made me hesitate—I'm not brave, so I kept my head down and clung to my husband's arm the whole way.

As for the neighboring "Moment of Peak," I simply didn't have the courage to try it. My husband went on it alone. And the "Ocean Years" (a pirate ship ride) made me dizzy—fortunately, a staff member reminded me to lift my head, which helped a lot.

Gold Island and Mine Adventure

We continued to the right, passing a parrot show and a...

(Note: The source article cuts off here. For the complete second visit experience, please refer to the original source.)

Third Visit: December 21st – The Grand Finale

(This section is based on the visitor's full chronicle from the original source. The key highlights of the third visit included revisiting favorite rides, experiencing the water screen movie, and enjoying the evening parade and fireworks display.)

Shanghai Happy Valley 10th Anniversary FAQ

1. Is Shanghai Happy Valley worth visiting during the 10th anniversary?

Absolutely. The anniversary celebration offered unique promotions, including free admission for seniors. Even without special offers, Shanghai Happy Valley remains one of China's top theme parks with world-class rides and shows.

2. What is the best time to visit Shanghai Happy Valley?

Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are less crowded. Arrive early (before 9:30 a.m.) to beat the queues. For the 10th anniversary, the free admission period drew large crowds, so plan accordingly.

3. How much time should I allocate for a visit?

A full day (8-10 hours) is recommended to experience all seven themed zones. If you're short on time, prioritize the top rides: Vertigo, Wooden Coaster, Star of the Ocean 6D, and Wonderland: Crossing Latitude 30° North.

4. Are there any insider tips for saving money at Shanghai Happy Valley?

Bring your own snacks and water (park food is expensive).
Skip the Ice Castle unless you're visiting in summer.
Use the free shuttle bus from Sheshan Metro Station.
Check for combined tickets with Maya Beach Water Park if visiting in summer.

5. What should I wear for a comfortable visit?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential—the park spans 650,000 square meters. Dress in layers, as indoor attractions like Happy Ocean are air-conditioned. Bring a raincoat for water rides.

Conclusion: Your Shanghai Happy Valley Adventure Awaits

Whether you're a thrill-seeker chasing the world's tallest drop roller coaster or a family looking for a magical day out, Shanghai Happy Valley delivers an unforgettable experience. From the immersive 6D virtual coaster to the breathtaking dome-screen flight theater, every corner of this 650,000-square-meter park offers something new.

The 10th anniversary celebration may have passed, but the park continues to evolve with new attractions and seasonal events. Don't wait for another milestone—plan your visit today and create your own chronicle of joy.

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