A Dream Encounter with the Smurfs: Shanghai's New Family Getaway

In the childhood of every post-80s and early 90s kid, there were the lively Smurfs, and the song still echoes: 'Over the mountain, across the sea, there lives a group of Smurfs, so cheerful and clever, so mischievous and quick.' And now, a Smurf-themed park—the Shanghai Shimao Smurf Wonderland—has officially opened at the Sheshan National Tourist Resort in Shanghai. As a die-hard Smurfs fan, I dashed over the moment I saw the opening announcement online.

Right next to the Smurf Park is that internet-famous hotel, the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland (a.k.a. the 'Deep Pit' hotel). Honestly, this is the perfect short getaway from Magic City! Full of childhood memories and excitement, I arrived early and caught the grand opening ceremony, with adorable Smurf mascots performing on stage. It was pure nostalgia.

After sneaking a peek at the ceremony, I couldn't wait to dive inside. The Shanghai Shimao Smurf Wonderland actually consists of two parts: the Deep Pit Wonderland and the Smurf Park. This time, my heart was set on the Smurf Park.

This Smurf Park is the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region! It has several zones: the Forest Zone, the Village Zone, Gargamel's Lair, and more. Naturally, the Smurfs are the stars of the whole journey. There's also a 17-stamp challenge—grab a park map at the entrance and collect all 17 stamps to redeem a little gift.

Entering the Smurf zone, I happened upon a float parade. Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Gargamel—they all came out and interacted with visitors. So incredibly cute! The performing cast were super enthusiastic, and if you bring kids, they can even get little balloons to join the fun. It really is a paradise for children. After the parade, of course I had to try every ride. Here are my top picks for must-do attractions—take notes, friends!

First, the Forest Zone, where dense woods shut out the modern world. The first stop: the Forest Maze, which appears in the Smurfs cartoon. Kids can play hide-and-seek here, seeing who catches whom first.

Berry Swing—a 360-degree "mini pendulum" ride just right for little ones. No more height restrictions holding them back!

In the Forest Zone there's also the Magic Mirror Transformation, where your photo gets mapped onto a Smurf body. You can even save it to your phone as a souvenir. It's hilarious, and you get to choose different backgrounds to blend into.

Next, the Village Zone, rumored to hide the park's most thrilling rides. The Berry Roller Coaster: sit inside a berry-shaped car and feel the speed and excitement. Designed with kids in mind, this coaster is pretty mild, but it has its own twist—it spins while running the track! So you get the coaster thrill plus spinning fun, something you won't find outside this park.

Baker's Jam Cups: sit in a jam-cup and help Baker Smurf stir his jam! It's a dizzy delight straight out of a fairy tale.

Painting Magic Brushes give kids and parents a chance to unleash their artistic side and become little painters. Watching your colored elf come alive on screen—isn't that a huge sense of achievement? It adds a high-tech twist to simple drawing; I bet kids could stay here drawing all afternoon.

Smurfette's Garden—the name alone sounds sweet and fresh. Even the ride seats are flower-shaped, with a gentle up-and-down motion perfect for little girls.

In the Smurfs' world, there's one villain: Gargamel. His endless failures always crack kids up, so of course the park has Gargamel's Lair! The first thing you see is the Dark Laboratory, a 'scary' haunted house where fake spiders and crickets jump out now and then. If you're easily spooked, stick with your friends.

Swamp Adventure: use the blaster in front of your seat to shoot simulated berry bullets at 3D-screen villains Gargamel and Azrael. Every hit scores points—see who can rack up the most.

In the Gargamel zone, there's also a mini drop tower for toddlers: Azrael's Jump Tower. For safety, the up-and-down motion is gentle, no danger at all.

After all these challenges, help the Smurfs rescue Smurfette, who's been captured by Gargamel. This ride packs a punch too!

Finally, the Maoxian Zone, with eight edutainment attractions that balance fun and learning. Top recommendation: Wonder Flight, a 180-degree spherical screen with lighting and sound effects, delivering an awe-inspiring cinematic experience.

The Maoxian King 6D Cinema is another tech-packed treat. Through sight, touch, and even smell, you're fully immersed in the animated world, joining the hero on his adventure. Note: these two attractions only open on the hour, so plan your time accordingly.

There's also Journey to the Center of the Earth, an indoor scenic roller coaster. Kids explore a mix of real and virtual, interactive experiences, with videos teaching little geography facts about the Earth's core and crust. Lights, sound, and even mist make learning fun!

The park overflows with colorful attractions—like floating in a sea of flowers and leaves—or the Smurf Theater, where you can meet the Smurfs up close.

Of course, you must bring home souvenirs from the Smurf world. The Smurf Gift Shop sells all kinds of adorable Smurf merchandise. Take a Smurf or one of his friends home with you.

When you're tired or hungry, there's the Smurf Restaurant, offering meals with cute Smurf-themed combos. A great spot to rest your feet.

Everywhere you look, the park brims with fairy-tale charm. Stepping inside feels like leaving reality behind and truly immersing yourself in the Smurf world. The vibrant designs and enchanting beauty let kids play to their hearts' content.

Decorations of flowers and plants abound, as if this is where the Smurfs really live. As a national treasure of Belgium, these white-capped blue Smurfs have charmed the globe for years. The whole park journey tells the story of the Smurfs outsmarting the evil wizard Gargamel, with endless funny tales along the way.

On leaving, I spotted a blue-and-white little train—so dreamy! It connects the Smurf Park and the Deep Pit Wonderland. If your legs are tired, hop on and feel like a little princess for a ride.

If you want to stay near the Smurf Park, there's that internet sensation hotel, the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland—Magic City's most talked-about 'Deep Pit' hotel, a viral hit since its opening. Recently, a 6-meter-tall Smurf balloon snuck in for a photo op. The deep pit plus a giant Smurf balloon—such an Instagram-worthy combo.

The hotel's design is truly unique among Shanghai hotels. Defying conventional architecture that reaches for the sky, it plunges 88 meters down, built into the quarry cliff face. National Geographic called it one of the 'World's Top 10 Architectural Wonders'. And at the bottom of the pit, you can see the Smurf balloon lounging by the poolside, carefree.

With such an adorable Smurf chilling there, I had to take a few perspective-bending photos. Too bad the weather didn't cooperate—I'll visit again on a sunny day!

At the other end of the Smurf Park lies the Deep Pit Wonderland, packed with whimsical rides like the Elf Tree House, Flying Over the Pit, and a glass skywalk offering the best angle to admire this architectural marvel. Don't miss them if you're up for more fun.

Getting there: Take Metro Line 9 to Dongjing Station, then transfer to Bus No. 96 and get off at the Shimao Nano Magic City exit.

Ticket tips: Smurf Park tickets: Adult 149 RMB, Child (discount) 79 RMB, Parent-child combo (1 adult + 1 child) 199 RMB.

If you're visiting Shanghai, don't miss this dreamy Smurf wonderland created just for you. Relive childhood memories and enjoy a weekend getaway like no other with the Smurfs.