THEME PARKS ARE SYNONYMOUS WITH SHENZHEN, AND THEY OFFER GREATER CULTURAL VARIETY THAN DISNEY IS LIKELY TO
Being the first Chinese city to embrace socialism with Chinese characteristics, Shenzhen was naturally the first to offer citizens places to go on weekends and spend their newfound wealth on culturally themed leisure-time edification. Today the city has a range of parks to satisfy every child!|s (and adult!|s) curiosity about the world they live in, or simply provide a means to while away a few lazy hours. They include showcases of traditional Chinese culture, miniature replicas of some of the world!|s best-known landmarks, a moored aircraft carrier, and good old-fashioned water parks.
Some are very cool, while others might struggle to meet the extravagant expectations of an international crowd weaned on Disney promotions. That said, and mindful of the Hong Kong Disney park!|s scheduled opening around the end of next year, Shenzhen!|s parks are in the process of getting a long-awaited upgrade. A massive new !?Eco-Park!? is also expected to open next year in the Nanshan district, where the parks owned by the Overseas Chinese Tourism group are located. And the Shenzhen Tourism Bureau is helping to promote a series of events at the parks, such as an 'International Magic Show' at the Happy Valley park next month. Here are the best we found.
WINDOW OF THE WORLD
9:00AM - 9:30 PM
(86-755) 2660-8000
Overseas Chinese Town, Nanshan District