Summer camp programs for youngsters remain a highlight this year at the 2017 Sheshan Summer Carnival in the Sheshan National Tourist Resort of Shanghai.
The annual summer event held near Sheshan Mountain in Shanghai's Songjiang district will be held for the fourth time since 2014 from June 24 to Aug 31.
Six summer camp programs will take place during the carnival period, to encourage children to go outdoors and explore the beauty of summer.
The carnival organizers said that the summer camp programs, a key part of the annual carnival, have been growing more popular among parents in recent years.
"Parents see those camp programs as important platforms to expand children's knowledge, promote child-parent relationships and strengthen children's independence," said Zhou Yan, deputy director of the Sheshan National Tourist Resort.
This year, several themes have been designed so children of different ages can choose the most suitable programs, according to Zhou.
The Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, home to thousands of plants, will arrange a summer camp program named "Fantastic Night in Chenshan" between late June and early August. The program will give kids more knowledge about nature through games, workshops and night trips in the garden.
A star-themed program will be held every weekend in the Shanghai Sheshan Forest Hotel until Aug 31. Parents and kids will work together to set up tents, view the scenery at sunset and gaze at the starry sky at night.
Huang Yuzhou, CEO of Ant Child-Parent, the organizer of the camp, revealed that almost all seats for this summer camp program, scheduled before August, have been reserved.
"Children will have the chance to see a meteor shower in August, and we will invite astronomers to teach kids," Huang said.
The Tianma Country Club in the resort will hold its own summer camp featuring multiple sports activities, including golf, swimming, horsemanship and tennis from June 26 to Aug 18, brightening this summer up for children of all ages. The program will also host baking and drawing classes.
Figures from local authorities show that more than 10,000 people participated in summer camp programs at the Tianma Country Club in 2016, an increase of 7.14 percent year-on-year.
Other highlights of the carnival
Apart from the summer camp programs for younger attendees, the carnival organizers also planned a series of exciting outdoor and indoor activities for adults.
The Playa Maya Water Park, known for its quality facilities, opened to the public on June 16.
In addition to the park's exciting rides, seven water-themed entertainment activities including foreign-styled stage performances, music galas and pub activities will bring a completely different summer experience to visitors.
Ticket prices for the water park during its trial operation, between June 16 and 30, will be 99 yuan ($14.57) per person per day. The price will return to the regular admission price of 220 yuan per person on July 1 until Sept 3.
The Shanghai Happy Valley, which neighbors the Playa Maya Water Park, will become another key gathering place for people who want to enjoy a refreshing summertime.
More than 100 Chinese and foreign actors will stage more than 60 performances each day during the summer carnival.
Robot and drone shows will also be held to serve fans' growing demand.
Meanwhile, an 18-minute, large-scale live water show will be staged in the park again this year.
A number of restaurants have launched special set meals to satisfy people's needs. A barbeque party, a beer carnival and many seasonal foods will be available. Sheshan Sofitel Hotel has launched a French gourmet tour.
Hotels have prepared to serve people who would like to take a rest inside the resort after spending a whole summer day outdoors. Accommodation packages and discounts will be offered to clients who can show tickets to scenic spots in the area.
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Tourists play with squirt guns at the Playa Maya Water Park in the Sheshan National Tourist Resort in Shanghai. [Photo provided to China Daily] |
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Left: Visitors rejoice during a night parade in Shanghai Happy Valley. Middle: Summer camping is a highlight at the Sheshan Summer Carnival. Right: Kids learn about plants during a night trip held at the Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden. [Photo provided to China Daily] |
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