BEIJING, June 30 -- Ice cream is probably not the ideal way to help kids fight the scorching heat this summer, but a taste of something more exciting might just be the answer to a cool vacation.
So why not take a trip to the Hangzhou International Children's Games Festival for loads of water entertainment.
The festival, introduced from Taiwan, opens to the public on Saturday and features a charming water world divided into four theme sections - octopus paradise, jellyfish world, crab path and sea horse dancing.
In octopus paradise, kids are guaranteed to get wet and have fun. Upon entering you immediately meet an orange octopus with eight water-spraying claws which create a waterfall certain to give you a quick shower.
But that's just the warm-up. A 12-meter-wide slide provides plenty of thrills as crowds of people rush down into the pool at the same time.
And if a water fight is what you want, this is the place. Just make sure you duck when someone yells "fire."
If octopus paradise leaves you in need of a rest, head for jellyfish world where you will find a water bed made up of four pillars with a cute jellyfish head at the top of each.
There is quite a lot of rolling even if you are trying hard to stand still, so remember to keep your balance or the waves will toss you into the pools.
For kids, it is a great builder of confidence and courage to overcome difficulties.
Next, move on to the crab path where a huge crab spreads its claws to form an entrance and exit for guests between a 22.5-meter pathway. The path is actually a maze dotted with lots of water-spraying spouts designed to not only soak but also confuse you.
Great games can also be played here. Kids can separate into groups to compete to see which team can negotiate the path the fastest. But remember to take your goggles and earplugs.
Finally, after all that fun, there is the relaxing sea horse dancing area.
The blue sea horse, Ji Ji, the mascot of the festival, invites you to swing your body to the rhythm of the water. There is a music and light show to go with the water fun and a group dance may end your intimate water experience.
Average depth of the water garden is about 35 centimeters, so it is very safe for children.
"We have four recycling water pumps providing clean tap water and the sanitary authority does daily inspection on water quality," says Lu Zhong, executive director of the festival and head of the project developer, Jindou Group.
The festival offers more than just wet and wild fun. Once you put on dry clothes, there are thousands of toys from Taiwan on display or DIY toys to try.
And 20 troupes from home and abroad will perform during the festival, such as magic, dancing and playing traditional music.
The festival is expected to welcome 800,000 visitors from Saturday to August 31. "All the ticket earnings will be donated to quake-hit Sichuan Province for school buildings," says Lu, whose company has already donated 10 million yuan (1.46 million U.S. dollars).
(Source: Shanghai Daily)
