On April 2, a unique Family Fun Marathon was held at Happy Valley theme park in Yongchuan, Chongqing. The 5-kilometer route attracted nearly 300 families from across the country, with around 1,000 participants in total.
The participating families included not only parents with children, but also grandparents with grandchildren. During the run, most families showed great enthusiasm, cheering each other on as they sprinted toward the finish line. Some parents considered giving up midway but were encouraged by their children to complete the race. Other families, upon reaching the walking area of the Animal World, were so captivated by the animals that they stopped to take photos, feed them, and play with them...
In the end, a 12-year-old boy and his family won the championship with a time of 24 minutes, receiving prizes such as an annual pass, entrance tickets, and a two-river hotel experience voucher provided by the scenic area. All participants received custom medals for the marathon.
The winners shared that taking part in such an event with their children was incredibly meaningful and rare. The activity not only helped children develop qualities like overcoming challenges, teamwork, and perseverance, but also made them more optimistic and confident—an invaluable life experience and treasure.
It is understood that Happy Valley used this Family Fun Marathon to kick off the Animal Olympics, themed “I Have One More Ring Than the Olympics.” The upgraded animal exhibits offer more entertaining and interactive ways for visitors to get close to the animals.
The team events of this year’s Animal Olympics will take place in the driving area of the Animal World, where visitors can watch groups of emus racing and chubby black bears competing in tree climbing.
In the walking area of the Animal World, events such as the bar jumping of the helmeted guineafowl, obstacle running by monkeys, all-around gymnastics by chimpanzees, parrots walking on a tightrope, and white tigers on plum blossom piles will offer visitors a refreshing experience.
Entering the Animal Kindergarten in Happy World, programs like “Teddy dogs skipping rope with people, miniature horse-drawn carts, and mynah birds hosting shows” will bring visitors into a fun and interactive experience zone. Meanwhile, distinctive leisure exhibition areas such as the Colorful Parrot Garden, Pigeon Garden, Pelican Wharf, and Peacock Garden will also be presented along the lakeside road.
In terms of themed performances, this year’s Animal Olympics weaves together the Olympic dream story of Happy Dodo, the chairman of the Animal Olympics organizing committee, combining human performances with animal acts to take visitors on an exciting journey through the Animal Olympics. A “parade of animal floats” featuring over ten types of animals—including alpacas, pelicans, parrots, peacocks, and bears—will showcase the Olympic spirit. A performance themed “Happy Forward Rush” will be held as a carnival party on the Happy Little People stage.
The park’s Royal Circus not only features exquisite equestrian performances and black bear acts, but has also added interactive shows with monkeys, goats, and other animals. The Dolphin Alliance live-action show combines with Olympic aquatic events, continuing timeless classics such as sea lion volleyball and dolphin high jumps. Additionally, surprise prizes will be given on-site.
It is reported that the Animal Olympics will run from April 2, during the Qingming holiday, through May 15, encompassing the May Day holiday, making it a perfect choice for family outings on holidays and weekends.
From April 2 to 4, the single-day adult ticket price at Happy Valley is 230 yuan. More ticket options are available for purchase via the Happy Valley official website or WeChat public account.
Transportation to Happy Valley: Option 1 – Take a direct bus from four major bus stations in Chongqing: Chenjiaping, Caiyuanba, Nanping Sikilou Hub, and Longtousi, to Yongchuan, then transfer to bus routes 203/303/501 to reach the park.
Option 2 – Take a high-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Yongchuan East Station (train fare: 36 yuan), then transfer to bus 303 to reach the scenic area (free shuttle buses are available on holidays; inquire at the Happy Valley information desk at the high-speed railway station).
Option 3 – From Yongchuan 25th Team Bus Station, Passenger Transport Center, Yongchuan East Station, or within the urban area, take bus routes 203/501/303 directly to Happy Valley. Bus fare: 2 yuan.
Option 4 – From Hongqihegou Tourist Distribution Center, take an 8:20 direct shuttle bus to Happy Valley. Fare: 37 yuan.
Option 5 – Departing from Chongqing Jiangbei Airport, you can take an airport shuttle bus directly to Yongchuan (departures at 9:30, 10:30, 11:20, 12:30, 13:20, 14:20, 15:35, 16:30, 17:40, 18:40, 20:00, 21:50), or take Metro Line 3 to Chongqing North Station, then transfer to a bus or high-speed train to Yongchuan.