For some quiet fun
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E-mail China Daily, November 15, 2013
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The trailer park gives travelers a different experience. |
The park has the highest "speed racer" in Asia, where a carriage is pushed up both ends of a U-shaped track and let down suddenly and repeatedly. Its other major attractions are the swinging Pirate Ship, shriek-inducing spinning roller coaster, suspended looping coaster and an adventure section called In Somalia.
While teenagers enjoy the theme park, the Florentia Village next to it is a draw for women of all ages - and not just because of the hint of Italian romance. Strolling in the village is to be transported through time and space. Modeled after Venice, it has a river that cuts through the middle, gondolas parked at the shore, photogenic drawbridges and a central plaza with spouting fountains specially made to look ancient and Italian.
But it's really a hub of outlet shops that include everything from Burberry, Prada and Jimmy Choo to Gap, Tod's and Diesel. It's a one-stop shopping destination, with a wide range of shops for each family member, and food outlets, playgrounds for children and alleyways good for holding hands.
The general image it aims for is displayed on its posters: Michelangelo's David in designer jeans, one arm holding several shopping bags and the other pointing triumphantly at the village, a shopping haven with exotic taste.
The popularity of Florentia Village and its 200 brands is proven by the almost-packed parking lot. Judging by the license plates, some 70 percent visitors come from Beijing.
It's more than an hour's drive away from the capital, but here is the perk: The outlet village is right across the street from the rail station.
Besides, phase two of the village is under construction. More brands and discounts are expected within the coming year.
The village closes at 8 pm in winter, and leaves more than enough time to get a pack of Wuqing's signature salted peanuts, amble over to the railway station, and hop on the last train for Beijing. It leaves at a quarter to nine.
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