There is surely no better way to cool off on a hot summer's day than with a plunge down a water slide. The Playa Maya Water Park, which opened on June 21 in Shanghai, has some of the world's top aquatic amusement facilities to create a cool fun oasis for visitors.
Playa Maya, the sister park of Shanghai Happy Valley, was built by Shanghai OCT Co at a cost of more than 400 million yuan. Located in the scenic Sheshan National Tourist Resort on the city's west side, the largest open-air water park in East China – at about 120,000 square meters – has nearly 40 aquatic amusement facilities.
The biggest attraction is the Caribbean Beach, a nearly 20,000-sq-m pool that produces waves as high as 3.5 meters, and said to have the world's highest man-made waves.
The Big Octopus Slide, with eight rainbow-colored water slides stretching down from a 17.6-meter-tall tower, is sure to make you scream when you dash down to the pool at high speed. The Bumble Bee, a double-track roller coaster, swoops visitors above the water four times.
At the Giant Beast Bowl, you will swirl in water and slide for 123 meters before arriving at the bottom of the bowl.
Most of these exciting facilities are only suitable for visitors taller than 1.3 meters and who weigh no more than 90 kilograms. The park says its water sanitation system recycles and sanitizes about 21,000 cubic meters of water every four to six hours.
In addition, the park will offer cultural performances with special stage technology, such as a laser water curtain and wave making.
This year, to offer a better water entertainment experience for visitors, Shanghai Playa Maya Water Park opened early on June 21. From June 21 to July 4, the park will offer a discount ticket at 120 yuan ($19.2) / person.
From July 5, Shanghai Playa Maya Water Park will enter its formal operational stage, with a full day ticket costing 180 yuan, and a night ticket at 140 yuan. In addition, the second Summer Waves Music Festival will be held in the water park where stars and singers will offer visitors a fantastic visual feast.
Moreover, a colorful exotic dance carnival, including a rock band, Brazilian samba, and Mayan ritual dances welcome the tourists.
With the summer of 2014 being the World Cup season, Shanghai Playa Maya Water Park will host "Water World Cup”-themed fun athletic activities such as a water polo competition and canoeing to add zest during the summer.
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| Playa Maya Water Park |
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| Playa Maya Water Park |
