LivingShanghai.Com

HappyValley fills a void for both local and visiting adrenaline junkies. With over a hundred attractions the park is a legitimate option if you are bored with Shanghai's club scene. The most popular ride is a monster wooden roller coaster strangely named 'Fireball' (top speeds 56mp/h).

Tourists wanting to get outside the city can make the 22 mile trip to the Shanghai Wild Animal Park. The park features over 200 species and two different options for viewing them. Visitors can choose to walk through the exhibits housing the gentle animals or can take a bus to view the carnivores. There is also a performance zone, a bird zone and an animal kindergarten.

The Shanghai Zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals, including 600 endangered creatures like the giant panda, the golden-haired monkey, and the South China tiger. The safari-like park has almost 600 species of trees planted on its expansive green lawns. Be sure to take in the zoo's Swan Lake, whose reeds provide refuge for pelicans, wild geese and other birds. The zoo also has amusement, learning and leisure zones.

The Shanghai Botanical Gardens cover over 200 acres (81 hectares) and are home to a variety of flora and fauna including a collection of spectacular orchids. Tickets are 15rmb unless you're interested in the Bonsai Garden in which case you'll have to pay extra.

The Shanghai Wild Animal Park is home to more than 10,000 animals found at home and abroad. Among its best-loved creatures are the giant panda and the snub-nosed monkey. The park is divided into two sections - a pedestrian section and a part that is served by bus. There is an animal performance area that stages shows involving tigers, lions and sea lions.