Sun and fun: time to get out and enjoy the leisure season

Ti Gong

Summer is such a great season to get out and enjoy life. From sports to picnics, from camping to a cool dip in a pool, leisure time invites so many interesting opportunities.

In celebration of the season, the Songjiang District is staging its annual Summer Carnival through the end of August. Its activities are numerous and varied. Something for everyone of every age.

Tianma Hill Resort, for one, has opened a July-August a hiking route that tests climbers’ physical fitness, takes them past ancient towers to explore and teaches them a bit about protection of wild birds before they reach the top of the hill.

Students are admitted free to the trail, but younger children are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Through August 18, the Tianma Hill Village Club is offering six summer camp themes for children: golf, tennis, skating, swimming, football and horse riding.

Shanghai Chenshan Botanic Garden is holding a “Magic Summer Camp” from July to the early August. It includes a night safari in the conservatory, and lessons in plants and horticultural crafts.

Every Saturday night through the end of August 31, the Sheshan Hill Forest Hotel is turning its rooftop terrace into a campsite, where couples and families can put up tents and sleep under the stars. The hill is one of the few areas of Shanghai where clear night skies are common.

Students are invited to follow the “Path of the Brave” in the eastern area of Sheshan Hill. They are given maps and asked to find the plants and architectural structures marked there. Every Saturday, a special class is held showing people how to make desserts.

Virtual reality technology plays a part in the Summer Carnival. Wearing a special headset, viewers can observe animals close up, fly among the mountain peaks and be whisked through stunning landscapes, all within 10 minutes.

Songjiang-based Maya Water Park is the refreshing spot to head for on hot summer days. The park has 20 water-based attractions offering thrills and spills. More than 100 water games have been specially designed for families with children.

The park’s central island has been turned into a water stage for evening performances of "Crazy Maya,” which include exotic dances and water pistol fights. The show is accompanied by barbecue snacks and cold beer for audience members.

Happy Valley is holding its annual summer carnival through August 27, with more than 100 amusement attractions and 60 stage performances.

Technology is everywhere this summer. On weekends, lines of drones will buzz the skies as part of a series of air shows.

Magic shows, bubble shows, clowns, sea lion performances, 5D movies are on tap every night during the Summer Carnival.

The Sofitel Sheshan Oriental Shanghai, Sheshan Hill Forest Hotel and Lansun Villa are offering various discounts in conjunction with tourism attractions during the carnival.