Zhaoqing Happy World — China Travel

Although the park itself is brand new, its setting in the greater Zhaoqing area carries unexpected global resonance. Zhaoqing was the first mainland Chinese city reached by the Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci in 1583, six years before he entered Beijing, and the region once hosted one of the earliest European printing presses in Asia. The name "Sihui," meaning "Four Meetings," traditionally refers to legendary gatherings of spirits that brought prosperity to local people. Today, this same crossroads culture draws weekenders — much like stumbling upon a Blackpool-style pleasure garden in a UNESCO-worthy historic landscape. The park's visual anchor is the "Eye of Sihui," a Ferris wheel comparable in spirit to a smaller Singapore Flyer, rising roughly 50 meters above the tree-lined streets of Zhenshan. From the top, visitors enjoy sweeping vistas over the karst-tinged hills of central Guangdong. Below, the grounds split into two zones: a mechanical-ride sector with a family roller coaster, pendulum swing, and pirate ship designed for moderate rather than extreme thrills, plus a non-powered play area with climbing structures and ball pits tailored to children under ten. For Western travelers, the park is best understood as China's equivalent of a small regional fairground — closer in atmosphere to Tivoli's quieter corners or Legoland Billund than to Disneyland. It is a place where local families spend a relaxed half-day rather than a destination requiring elaborate planning. Budget three to four hours on site. Admission runs 120–150 RMB for adults with discounts for seniors and children, and most rides are included without extra fees. Practicalities matter here. The park opens daily from 9:30 to 18:00, with extended hours during Chinese public holidays. Free parking is available beside the Sihui Sports Center, and the drive from central Zhaoqing's Duanzhou District takes 40–50 minutes. The nearest high-speed rail station is Zhaoqing East, about 30 minutes by taxi. Staff rarely speak English, so a translation app such as Pleco or Google Translate is essential. Payment is by WeChat Pay or Alipay only, so arrange mobile payment in advance. The park's drawbacks are part of its charm: minimal shade, punishingly hot summer afternoons, and equipment that lacks the immersive theming of major international parks. Yet these very factors, combined with the off-the-beaten-path location, offer a genuine window into weekend leisure culture for Guangdong's middle-class families. Bring sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and patience with translation apps, and you'll find a cheerful, low-pressure day out that complements rather than competes with the dramatic landscapes of nearby Seven Star Crags.