Shanghai Sheshan National Tourism Resort

As the only natural forest resource in Shanghai, Sheshan National Tourist Resort in Songjiang district has been luring visitors to its 64 sq km of unique scenery since 1995.

Although Shanghai is famously flat due to its proximity to the Yangtze River Delta plain, Sheshan prides itself on its dozen or so hilltops - the largest measuring 99m above sea level - which give the area an undulating landscape that distinguishes it from the rest of the city.

Of these, East and West Sheshan hills are the most popular. At 74 m, the former features widespread forest and Mao bamboo camphor while providing memorable views of the Pudong Oriental Peal Television Tower, Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center on clear days.

Nearby West Sheshan Hill has accommodated Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity and Catholicism in past years, with the Sheshan Cathedral perched at the top of its 98-m peak ranking some 85 years ago as the largest cathedral in the Far East. The Shanghai Astronomical Observatory and Seismic Station are also located on the mountainside.

Besides showcasing the city's natural beauty, the resort houses some of the city's best hotels, including Le Meridien and Sofitel.

Sheshan International Golf Club

Sheshan Golf Club boasts a 7,143-yard course, modern driving range and first-rate instruction facilities including 2D and 3D Motion Capture Systems and a Golf Club Technology Center where clubs can be custom-fit to individual preferences. It is located 30 km from People's Square in downtown Shanghai.

As Shanghai's first exclusive private golf club, Sheshan offers courses that are tailor-made for players of all levels. More than just a holiday resort, the club also hosts the WGC-HSBC Champions (Nov 5 to 8) and other high-profile events. Newly upgraded to the WGC series, and now boasting a total purse of $7 million, this year's HSBC Champions will serve as the largest prize-money tournament in Asia and the first WCG event to be held outside of the United States.

Sheshan International Golf Club, New Linyin Avenue

上海佘山国际高尔夫俱乐部, 佘山林荫新路

Tel: 5779-8088

How to drive there:

Yan'an Elevated Expressway-A9 Highway, Zhao Xiang,

Sheshan Exit Jiasong South Road New Linyin Avenue

Huhang Highway, Songjiang Exit Jiasong South Road New Linyin Avenue

Happy Valley Amusement Park

Adventure-seekers in Shanghai looking for a sure-fire way to get their hearts pumping and adrenaline racing need look no further than the city's largest-ever amusement park.

After a long wait, Shanghai Happy Valley in Sheshan National Tourist Resort formally opens its doors to thrill-seekers today. At 900,000 sq m, it is 10 times bigger than Jinjiang Amusement Park in Minhang district to rank as the largest amusement park in eastern China.

Its free-fall coasters are the main attractions. It also presents China's first 4K theater, exciting reality shows and a nocturnal boat parade.

The featured Driving Coaster is China's first free-fall roller coaster. It takes riders on a 60-m journey upwards, the equivalent of 20 stories, then leaves them hanging there for a gut-wrenching three seconds before shooting them back to down to earth at break-neck speeds of 120 km/h.

The Fireball adds a touch of nostalgia as it is China's first wooden roller coaster. The 1,200-m-long ride required more than 120,000 pieces of wood and 80,000 rivets during its construction. It looks set to win the hearts of riders looking for a rough ride and prolonged "airtime" - accomplished by the pull of negative forces at the top. During its trial operation from Aug 8, visitors had to wait four hours before they could get a ride due to its soaring popularity.

Some 3 million visitors are expected to visit the park during its first year, with over 60,000 people already having registered for an annual pass to the park's 100-plus rides, games and performances, including 3D and 4D shows.

Shanghai Happy Valley

No 18 Linyin Road, Sheshan (inside Sheshan National Holiday Resort)

松江区佘山林荫大道18号，佘山国家度假区内

Tel: 5779-9123

Hours: 9:30 am - 7 pm (daily)

Price: 200 yuan per person (Sept 13 onwards)

No admission charge for children under 1.2 m. Those between 1.2 m and 1.4 m will receive a 50-percent discount.

Annual pass: 428 yuan

Transportation: Visitors can take Subway Line No 9 to Sheshan Station. Shanghai Happy Valley buses are also available here. It is a 10-minute ride to the park gate.

Shanghai Astronomical Observatory

Want to take a closer look at one of the largest telescopes in East Asia and know more about China's modern history of astronomy? All of these are available at Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO).

Established in 1962 following the amalgamation of the former Xu Jiahui and Sheshan observatories that were founded by the Catholic French Mission in 1872 and 1900 respectively, SHAO sits on the top of Sheshan hill.

A 40-cm double astrograph was built in 1900 at a cost of 100,000 French francs to stand as the largest telescope in East Asia at that time. It is one of only a few telescopes to have since observed Halley's comet both in 1910 and 1986.

In the 1980s, SHAO built a 25-m radio telescope, which was used as a station for the VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) network. It also built a 1.56-m optical telescope and a 60-cm satellite laser-ranging system.

These three facilities are still in frequent use today in the research fields of astrophysics, astrometry, geodynamics and satellite positioning. SHAO also has a variety of guest programs that attract accomplished scientists from all over the world.

Apart from its outstanding scientific achievements, SHAO has built an astronomy museum and library as part of the government's public education program.

Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, 80 Nandan Road

上海天文台, 南丹路80号

Tel: 6438-6191

Hours: Open from 9 am to 4:30 pm (Monday to Friday)

(China Daily 09/12/2009 page14)