A Day Trip to Suzhou Forest World: Where Nature Meets Electronic Music and Roller Coasters

Suzhou Forest World

As one of Shanghai's many backyard getaways, Suzhou was always my favorite place to visit as a child, but as I grew older, I often just passed through without stopping. I remember my first trip to Suzhou—instead of ticking off the trendy spots like Pingjiang Road or the Humble Administrator's Garden, I went straight to Suzhou Amusement Land and had an absolute blast. Years later, things have changed a lot. The old Suzhou Amusement Land Happy World closed back in 2017, and a brand-new park has risen at the foot of Taiyang Mountain: Suzhou Forest World, an entire amusement park themed around the forest.

Driving from Shanghai is the easiest way to get there—just an hour and a half by car. Tickets are 218 yuan, and I couldn't wait to dive in. As safety precautions are still in place, you'll need to wear a mask at the entrance, and your health code and temperature are checked before you go in.

Suzhou Forest World feels different from other theme parks. Everywhere you look is lush greenery, with rides tucked among layers of forest. Surrounded by all this nature, you can still get your thrill on while staying close to the great outdoors.

Right after entering, I spotted the park's tallest attraction: the Courage Tower. But don't worry, it's not scary at all—it's actually an observation tower that gives you a bird's-eye view of the entire park, rising and lowering gently to show off the forest world from above. I highly recommend making this your very first stop. It helps you see at a glance where all the rides you're interested in are located, because the forest world really is huge.

The park is divided into six themed zones: Spirit Tree Plaza, Vine Forest, Misty Forest, Graffiti Forest, Frozen Tundra Forest, and Dark Forest. There are 25 forest-themed shows and attractions, blending diverse forest landscapes so that a lush, green atmosphere fills every corner. Even though Suzhou can be muggy, being in this forest world at latitude 31° north felt incredibly comfortable.

Suzhou Forest World isn't just for big kids like me—it's perfect for families with little ones too. If you want your kids to have fun while soaking up nature, this is the place. Ride roller coasters in a natural oxygen bar, or try the drop tower surrounded by birdsong and flowers. It's the most organic, eco-friendly way to relax, and it gives the amusement park experience a fresh twist.

Since it's a forest world, elements of nature are everywhere: green mountains, clear water, lawns, and lakes. If I didn't tell you, you might think you were just out for a countryside stroll.

When Nature Meets the Amusement Park

Of the park's six forest zones, the one that left the deepest impression on me was Frozen Tundra Forest. What makes it so different? What surprises did it hold? Full of anticipation, I stepped into this mysterious realm. Frozen Tundra Forest features an alpine forest landscape inspired by the natural scenery of Nepal and Mount Everest, one of the ten wonders at latitude 31° north. Pines are the main plants, and snowy peaks create the atmosphere of a frozen tundra—it's a beautifully "chilling" experience.

The most amazing part is probably Frozen Tundra Kingdom. In steamy September, you can feel the thrill of -30°C. It's like stepping into a completely different world.

Inside, you'll need to rent a thick down jacket, or you'll be shivering in no time. Frozen Tundra Kingdom is a true ice-and-snow world. The moment I walked in, a sharp cold hit me, and I got to enjoy a pleasure that people in southern China rarely experience.

Santa Claus arrived with his reindeer, gliding toward us on a sleigh, while snowmen and igloos completed the beautiful, frozen northern scenery that the Frozen Tundra Forest presents so vividly. If you're from the south and can't travel north this year, you can still come to Suzhou Forest World to embrace that -30°C rush.

Beyond Frozen Tundra Kingdom, the zone also features five other attractions: Cliff Hunting Ground, Snowy Peak Heroes, Dark Forest Mystery, and Summit of Everest. Each has an exotic charm and a touch of mystery. What can you see from the Summit of Everest? Come and find out for yourself!

Dark Forest Mystery is actually a haunted house, but a mildly scary one, so don't worry too much. Walk through it with friends for a different kind of ghost-house adventure.

If you prefer outdoor leisure activities, Cliff Hunting Ground and Winterfell Knight offer less intense options like archery and VR games. Whatever kind of fun you're after, Suzhou Forest World has you covered.

Because the park is really big, if you get tired of walking, you can hop on the park's exclusive Green Train. It stops at three stations: Frozen Tundra Forest, Graffiti Forest, and Spirit Tree Plaza. Taking the train around the whole forest world is also a great way to get your bearings.

For thrill-seekers like me, the best zone is Dark Forest, packed with exciting rides. First, the Twister Storm caught my eye with its unique design. This ride looks like three giant picture frames stacked up. Once it starts, those frames spin and flip, and you'll rotate 360 degrees over and over. Watching from below, I could feel my heart race for the riders.

When operating, the flipping frames of Twister Storm were actually kind of spectacular—especially when the three sections split apart, it was a dizzying sight.

If you enjoy that kind of non-stop 360-degree spin, this is the park's most head-spinning attraction. Kids can only ride with an adult, though.

If Twister Storm is just an appetizer, then the main course is Cliffhanger Escape, the park's most extreme roller coaster. It plunges vertically like a cliff drop. Brave souls ride it again and again, and the queue was short, so the experience was fantastic.

Then there's the Snowy Peak Heroes, a colorful drop tower. Unfortunately, it wasn't open when I visited; otherwise, as the second-most thrilling ride, I definitely would have given it a go.

Of course, not everyone is as daring as I am. If you'd rather skip the intense stuff, the forest world has plenty of gentler attractions, perfect for families. Most of these are in Graffiti Forest.

The dreamy carousel lets you live out a princess fantasy—play the runaway princess for a moment.

There's also a Mini Brave Challenge for kids, where they overcome a series of simple obstacles. It gently nurtures a spirit of adventure as they explore.

The Flying Wave spins around while swinging up, down, and sideways. It's mildly thrilling, but feels like soaring through the air, with a breeze on your face that chases all your worries away.

Vine Forest is right next to Graffiti Forest, and it also has many gentler rides suitable for children, like this little roller coaster that even kids dare to ride.

All over the park, you'll see outdoor stages with fixed daily showtimes. Pick up a map at the entrance to see if any performances catch your eye.

Or head into a theater for an immersive show. It's fun and educational, making sure that both big kids and little ones find their joy. And yes, at Suzhou Forest World, everyone is a kid.

Park Facilities

Food is never a worry in the park. Nearly every zone has a themed restaurant, and the food carts dotted around offer a great variety of snacks. I saw plenty of tired adults sitting by these mobile food stands, recharging with tasty treats.

There are also many souvenir and gift shops throughout the park, with the biggest one at the exit. The forest-themed souvenirs are just adorable!

Think Suzhou Forest World is only an amusement park? With the upcoming National Day holiday, it's about to deliver some truly special surprises. Over the seven-day break, the park is hosting an electronic music festival! There'll be dazzling fireworks and a stellar lineup—I heard names like Jane Zhang and Li Sidan, promising to light up the holiday. No wonder I saw stages being set up while I was there. Now I'm suddenly excited for this latitude 31° carnival!

If you visit during National Day, you're in luck: you'll enjoy six hours of nonstop partying. The stage design is high-tech and mechanical, with a hardcore sci-fi feel. Music meets visuals, lights and shadows create a sensory feast, and the forest world transforms into an EDM party. What's more, the presale ticket is only 118 yuan! That gives you access to all the rides, plus starlit evening strolls, an incredible EDM night, and a fireworks show. It's an amazing experience at a great value, so start planning your National Day getaway now!