Shawn's Asia Adventures! TRs From SE Asia, China & Japan

by **packfanlv** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:11 am

Mostly because I won't have much time over the next two weeks and partly because TPR will be visiting these parks shortly, I have decided to combine all three of the major Beijing parks into this super update. (In 3 Parts) Since TPR will cover them in great detail I'm sure, I will try to stick to the major points and give my opinions of Sun Park, Beijing Shinjingshan Amusement Park & Happy Valley Beijing!

In a week or two look for a few more updates from China including a couple of parks in Shanghai and what remains of Mongolia's only roller coaster! Also look for an Olympic trip report including pictures from our patronage at seven of the Olympics finest events! After that it is on to Japan and a few of those parks that you have seen mentioned here numerous times before.

As always keep the comments coming. I really appreciate the feedback. (Please note that these pictures were taken several weeks apart during different visits to Beijing!)

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Part 1: Sun Park (Chaoyang Park)

This park is located in the eastern part of Beijing and in addition to be a huge public park, it has loads of amusement rides and even a science museum. The name may also be familiar to you since it also houses the Beach Volleyball venue for the 2008 Olympics.

We really enjoyed the atmosphere and rides at this park. While it doesn't have anything life shattering, it was quite an enjoyable place to spend the afternoon. Now on to the trip report. Enjoy!

by **packfanlv** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:44 am

Part 2: Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park

Beijing Shinjingshan Amusement Park gained fame last year when they were shown using knock off Disney characters. I am happy to report that on our visit there were no characters around, only the Cinderella Castle that sits in the back of the park.

As for the park itself, it houses 9 coasters (With a tenth almost ready to open) and all of them are crap! The park also has no unlimited ticket so each ride must be purchased individually. This lead to me paying quite a bit to ride the coasters and nothing else.

The park sits on two sides of real train tracks and the front seems to be quite a bit more run down than the back. Also there is a new section of the park in the back that is quite nice, but very cheaply done. It is quite obvious that this park has had a monopoly for some time and they are now trying to compete wit Happy Valley by building these new sections.

The other thing that makes this park noteworthy is that it houses a fake Vekoma SLC. That ride was horrible. The first half was so rough and the second half the train meandered slowly through the track. Quite an experience! Anyway I hated this park, but what the heck I picked up 9 credits! Enjoy.

(Look for Part 3: Happy Valley Beijing in a couple of days!)

by **larrygator** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:16 am

Shawn - thanks for the update. I have added many of your pictures to the TPR Park Index.

I'm sure those going to China next week will find this useful and informative.

by **OldJJman** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:16 pm

Once again Shawn, great up date!

The information you're giving will be very useful when we get into China next weekend. It will probably save lives at some point!

I know that Elissa is LOVING the news about all of the parks having the spinning mice! She loves 'em!

JJ

by **dino** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 3:45 am

packfanlv wrote: Along the exit path a gate is left wide open that leads right under the coaster. (You wouldn't see this in the U.S.)

Wow, I can't believe that ::shock::

. You could just wander right up to the coaster. I guess people in beijing are just more trustworthy. Great update BTW.

by **revilolee** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 6:17 pm

Wow, just now reading this. Great TR's Shawn. Looks like you're having a blast. Keep up the great work

!

by **packfanlv** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 10:26 pm

We have been back home for a bit now and I thought I would try to finish out this thread with a couple of parks not seen on this site before. First off I have what's left of Nairamdal Park in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia which housed Mongolia's only known roller coaster.

I first heard about this park in an online blog post while doing research on Mongolia. I then found more information in the Lonely Planet, but ultimately discovered that I made it to Mongolia about a year to late to experience this special place. The Lonely Planet describes Nairamdal Park as Mongolia's version of Disneyland. Even though it is now defunct, judging from what I saw, they were stretching a bit with that description. I hope you enjoy!