Happy Valley Shenzhen欢乐谷
Happy Valley sits in the Overseas Chinese Town area of Nanshan District, next door to Window of the World and Splendid China. Opened in 1998 and covering about 350,000 sq m, it is Shenzhen's best-known large theme park, combining thrill rides, live shows and themed entertainment. Built on the ideas of motion, fashion, fun and fantasy, its 10 themed zones hold more than 100 rides and attractions, making it the first choice for weekend fun among the city's young crowds and families.
Shenzhen · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Happy Valley Shenzhen worth visiting?
Shenzhen's best-known amusement park, home of the Snow Dragon coaster — once Asia's longest — across 10 themed zones. Tickets about CNY 230; a hit with families and young travelers.
Quick facts
| Ticket | CNY 230 (adults); children under 1.1 m free (with an accompanying adult) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 09:30-22:00 (slightly adjusted on holidays; night session from 16:00) |
| Recommended duration | 6-8 hours recommended |
| Best time to visit | Any season; summer evenings bring the night session and shows; holidays add themed events |
| How to get there | Metro Line 1 or 2 to Window of the World station, Exit A, then about a 10-minute walk; many bus routes serve the Happy Valley stop |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Opened | 1998 |
| Themed zones | 10 |
| Rides and attractions | Over 100 |
| Location | Overseas Chinese Town, Nanshan District |
| Ticket | CNY 230 |
What to expect
Happy Valley lies in the Overseas Chinese Town area of Nanshan District, beside Window of the World and Splendid China as part of the same OCT group. Opened in 1998 and covering about 350,000 sq m, it is Shenzhen's best-known large amusement park. Themed on motion, fashion, fun and fantasy, it holds 10 themed zones — Spanish Square, Fantasy Castle, Cartoon City, Adventure Hill, Gold Mine Town, Shangri-La Forest, Sunshine Coast, Hurricane Bay, the Yajia Stage and Space Shot. More than 100 rides span everything from white-knuckle thrill machines to gentle family attractions for visitors of every age.
The park's signature rides include Snow Dragon (a suspended coaster, once Asia's longest), Perfect Storm (a 360-degree spinning coaster), UFO (a free-fall ride), Discoverer (a spinning river run) and Peak Time (a launched coaster). Snow Dragon is the park's crown jewel — about 1.2 km long and reaching some 90 km/h, it was Asia's longest suspended coaster when it opened. Live shows run all day, from exotic dance and acrobatics to magic; after dark there is a large luminous parade and a laser and fireworks show.
Plan ahead: check the day's show schedule on arrival. Wear comfortable shoes — the park is huge and most rides mean standing in line. Thrill rides have height limits (generally 1.4 m and above), and visitors with heart conditions, high blood pressure or neck problems should skip the most intense ones. Bring some snacks and water, and buy tickets ahead for holidays, when the crowds are enormous.
How to get there
Shenzhen Metro Line 1 or 2 to Window of the World station, Exit A, then about a 10-minute walk. Buses 46, 49, 66, 101, 113 and more stop at Happy Valley. From Shenzhen North railway station, take Line 4 to Convention & Exhibition Center and transfer to Line 1, about 40 minutes in all.
Best photo spots
- The Snow Dragon suspended coaster
- The Perfect Storm 360-degree coaster
- Cartoon City
- The illuminated night parade
- The Shangri-La Forest zone
Tips
- Download the official app ahead of time for queue times and show schedules
- Holidays are mobbed — come on a weekday or in low season if you can
- Many rides have height limits; parents with kids should check each ride's requirements
- In summer, pack sun protection and plenty of water
- Parking is pricey — the metro is the better bet
Scams to avoid
- Scalpers nearby may sell fake tickets — buy through official channels
- Watch your belongings if strangers strike up conversations in line
Frequently asked questions
What ages is Happy Valley suitable for?
Low-thrill areas like Cartoon City suit children aged 3-8; the big thrill rides require 1.4 m and above. Each ride has its own rules — check the official site or app.
How long can I spend here?
Plan on 6-8 hours. With so many rides, plus queues and shows, a full day is needed to see it properly.
Are Happy Valley and Window of the World the same place?
No, but they are next door to each other. Happy Valley is an amusement park; Window of the World is a miniature-landmark theme park.
Does admission cover all the rides?
Entry includes most attractions, but a few (such as the haunted house and VR experiences) may charge extra.
Read next
Other things to do in Shenzhen
Dameisha Beach Park
Shenzhen's most famous beach: about 1,800 m of sand, free to enter, with parking reservations required in peak season. Metro Line 8 to Dameisha Station Exit A. Allow 3-6 hours; best June to September.
Longgang Waterfall
A natural waterfall in eastern Shenzhen, about 30-40 m high and fed by Qiniang Mountain. Free and open all day, fullest June-September; allow 2-4 hours via bus E11 and M232.
Meilin Temple
One of Shenzhen's oldest temples, founded in the Tang dynasty over 1300 years ago; free entry 08:00-18:00, about 15 minutes on foot from Meijing Station on Metro Line 9.
Coastal Farmland (Haishang Tianyuan)
Shenzhen's largest eco-agriculture park, pairing farmhouse fun with water activities. Admission about CNY 60 — fishing, fruit picking and hands-on farm experiences for the whole family.
Nanshan Book City
One of Shenzhen's largest bookstores at about 20,000 sqm, mixing reading, creative goods, coffee and exhibitions; free entry, open 10:00-22:00, no minimum spend to sit.
Splendid China & Chinese Folk Culture Village
One of Shenzhen's best-known theme parks: miniature landmarks plus ethnic folk shows. Tickets about CNY 220 — tour China's famous sights in a day, with lively village performances. Great for families.
Shenzhen Safari Park
Shenzhen's only large safari park, rich in species, with a vehicle zone for close-up animal encounters. Admission around CNY 180; a firm favorite for family trips.
Sea World Shenzhen
Shenzhen's waterfront leisure landmark around the Minghua cruise ship; free entry, bar street from about 11:00 to 02:00, on Metro Line 2 at Sea World Station.
Shenzhen Bay Park
Shenzhen's most beautiful waterfront park — free entry, about 15 km of coastline for cycling, birdwatching and gazing across at Hong Kong. Superb sunsets and a hugely popular photo spot.
Shenzhen Museum
Shenzhen's largest comprehensive museum, free with ID or reservation, covering ancient history and the reform era — the best single introduction to the city, past and present. Allow 2-3 hours.
Window of the World
One of Shenzhen's best-known theme parks: a miniature world of scaled-down landmarks — the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, pyramids and more. Tickets about CNY 220; great for families.
Overseas Chinese Town East (OCT East)
Shenzhen's best-known hillside resort park, pairing Knight Valley thrill rides with Tea Stream Valley tea gardens. Entry from CNY 200; the forest train is the signature ride — good for families.
Xili Lake
Shenzhen's largest man-made lake, ringed by a roughly 30 km greenway made for cycling, with birdwatching and fishing along the way. Free to enter, next door to Shenzhen Safari Park.