Explore Maya Water Park and OCT Happy Elephant Lake: Nanchang’s Urban Eco Escape
Introduction: A New Eco-Cultural Landmark in Nanchang
On the shores of Xianghu (Elephant Lake) in Nanchang’s Xihu District lies a 2,500-acre urban culture-and-tourism complex—OCT Happy Elephant Lake. With 85% green coverage, extensive waterways, five themed parks, and full commercial and entertainment support, it’s both a local leisure hub and a top choice for visitors who want an urban-ecology experience. Families, couples, and friend groups will all find tailored activities here.
1. Core Features and Highlights: Ecotourism + Culture
OCT Happy Elephant Lake positions itself as a new benchmark for urban eco-cultural tourism, blending natural scenery with themed entertainment to create a day-and-night destination.
– Ecological Foundation: Built around Xianghu Wetland Park, the site retains 85% green coverage with surrounding water systems, offering a rare urban “green lung” in Nanchang.
– Themed Parks + Commercial Districts: From an exhilarating waterpark to an artistic commercial street and the soon-to-open central China’s largest aquarium, attractions serve diverse visitor interests.
– Comprehensive Amenities: Shopping centers, upscale hotels, and waterfront promenades ensure comfortable stays, good dining, and easy leisure.
In short: OCT Happy Elephant Lake is an urban eco-cultural complex that mixes nature, entertainment, and commerce—suitable for all ages year-round.
2. Themed Zones and Immersive Experiences
(1) Maya Park: Jiangxi’s First Large Waterpark
Maya Park covers 340,000 square meters and is the province’s first large-scale water-theme park, featuring more than 30 rides that mix thrills and relaxation.
– Top attractions:
– Super Tornado (a must-ride! Four people per raft, a high dive with intense centripetal force).
– Rainbow Slides (family-friendly, six parallel lanes for playful competition).
– Wave Pool (beach-like waves perfect for unwinding).
– Shows & Events: Summer brings electronic music festivals, water DJ shows, and nighttime light displays to raise the energy.
– Queue Tips: Weekends are busy—arrive early or buy a fast-pass to skip long lines.
(2) Sports Park: Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise
Facilities include football and basketball courts, and a skate park—ideal for active visitors and group play.
(3) Wonder & Art Park: Where Art Meets Commerce
An open art-and-commerce street perfect for photos, with creative markets, cafes, and specialty restaurants offering local flavors and design-led shops.
(4) Whale World Aquarium (Under Construction)
Scheduled to open in 2025, this aquarium aims to be the largest in central China and will soon become a major highlight of the complex.
3. Leisure Activities and Signature Experiences
(1) Eco Walks & Cycling
Scenic trails wind through the park for relaxed walks, jogs, or bike rides with wetlands views and birdwatching opportunities.
(2) Waterfront Promenade
Lakefront seating, cafés, and terraces make evenings particularly pleasant—perfect for couples or small groups to unwind and watch the sunset.
(3) Seasonal Highlights
– Summer: Maya Park electronic music festivals and water parties.
– Autumn: Art markets and outdoor music festivals.
– Winter: Light shows and New Year’s events.
4. Atmosphere and Who It Suits
– Visitor Profiles: Families with children (Maya Park), couples (waterfront leisure), friends (sports park and parties), and art lovers (Wonder & Art Park).
– Vibe: Energetic and playful during daytime (waterpark and sports), romantic and relaxed by night (lights and dining streets).
5. Suggested Itineraries
(1) Recommended Stay Length
– Half-day: Maya Park (3–4 hours) + Wonder & Art Park (1 hour).
– Full-day: Maya Park + Sports Park + Waterfront Promenade.
– Future full-day option when Whale World opens: include aquarium for a deep, all-day experience.
(2) Best Scenarios
– Family Trip: Maya Park + Sports Park.
– Romantic Date: Waterfront Promenade + Wonder & Art Park.
– Friends’ Outing: Waterpark + summer electronic music party.
(3) Sample Plan
– Morning: Maya Park.
– Afternoon: Wonder & Art Park for photos and shopping.
– Evening: Walk Xianghu Wetland at sunset.
6. Practical Tips
(1) Tickets & Opening Hours
– Maya Park (summer season): adult tickets around ¥200, children around ¥120.
– Wonder & Art Park: free access.
– Sports Park: some facilities have fees.
(2) How to Get There
– Metro: Line 4, get off at Guanzhou Station and walk about 10 minutes.
– Bus: Multiple lines stop at “OCT Station.”
– Driving: On-site parking is available (about ¥10 per hour).
(3) Payment Methods
WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted; some merchants take international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).
(4) Avoiding Pitfalls
– Avoid peak weekend crowds at Maya Park—visit on weekdays when possible.
– Bring your own swimwear; on-site purchases are more expensive.
7. Local Tips: Hidden Gems
– Best Photo Spots: Art walls in Wonder & Art Park and the waterfront at sunset.
– Off-the-beaten-path: Early-morning walks in Xianghu Wetland—fewer people and beautiful light.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit in Nanchang
OCT Happy Elephant Lake is Nanchang’s ecological oasis and a diverse entertainment, shopping, and leisure compound. Whether you want water fun, sports, photography, or simply relaxation by the lake, this complex delivers. With the Whale World Aquarium coming soon, it will only grow as a top cultural-tourism destination in Jiangxi. Planning a Nanchang trip? Add OCT Happy Elephant Lake to your itinerary!
