Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park

Welcome to the Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park, a place where nostalgia, kitsch, and the complexities of international copyright law collide in a uniquely Chinese fashion. Established on September twenty-eighth, nineteen…

We begin our tour at the South Gate, the primary entrance for those arriving by car or subway. As you enter, the scale of the park’s early ambition is immediately apparent. …

As you move deeper into the park, you will encounter the structure that sparked a global media firestorm: the Cinderella-style castle. In two thousand and seven, this castle was surrounded by characters that looked remarkably…

To reach the North Park, you must cross over a road via a bridge that claims to be a replica of London’s Tower Bridge—though as one traveler remarked, 'it could have fooled me.' The North Park is where most of the high-thrill…

One of the relatively newer and more modern attractions in the park is 'Feiyue Zhongguo,' or 'Fly Over China,' located in the North Park near the Ferris wheel. This is a flight simulation theater, similar to Epcot’s 'Soarin','…

Standing at the center of the park is the massive Ferris wheel, a landmark that can be seen from the West Fifth Ring Road. This wheel offers a slow, panoramic ascent that provides the best views of the Shijingshan district and…

As we conclude our walk through the park, it is worth considering its status as a state-owned enterprise. Shijingshan is owned and operated by the local district government, which explains its unique atmosphere. …

Our journey through the Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park comes to an end. We have navigated the South Gate's 'Flying City,' explored the controversy of the Cinderella Castle, and felt the mechanical roar of the North Park’s…