Shanghai has fun in the sun

Colorful pinwheels are everywhere at Shanghai Happy Valley during its Spring Outing Festival.[Photo/China Daily]

Kites dance in the spring breezes while pinwheels spin in the 90-hectare wonderland of Shanghai Happy Valley.

Some 300,000 of the pinwheels are displayed in the city's largest theme park, delighting tourists with their vibrant colors at the valley's Spring Outing Festival that will run through May 1.

Liang Jun, who is regarded as the king of pinwheels in Beijing, teaches visitors how to make them at the Pinwheel House in Lakeside Square. In the Pinwheel Story Garden, visitors can hear interesting tales about pinwheels and their origins.

The history of Chinese pinwheels goes back about 3,000 years, when they were widely used on farms during harvest season because the bright colors and sounds scared away birds from the crops.

The pinwheel then became a traditional Chinese toy and it was widely believed that when a pinwheel rotates it brings happiness and luck to all those who see it.

Meanwhile, at Shanghai Happy Valley, kites shaped like animals fly in the sky, while colorful balloons are made into houses and even forests for people to walk around in.

Additionally, drum performances are part of the daily pageants: The Chinese dragon drum is grand and powerful, while the African drum is lively and cheerful. In another performance, a Hubei drum combines with folk rap to tell popular stories from the province.

From April 29 to May 1, the annual China Joy Cosplay contest will present comic book inspired performances, and each day four animation-themed plays will be presented in the park's Arthur Palace.

Located about 40 km west of downtown Shanghai, Shanghai Happy Valley is renowned for beautiful scenery and rides such as the Diving Coaster and Shoot the Chute.