“Dragon Palace awaits!” It was once the cry that echoed across Beijing. Jiulong Amusement Park, nearly forgotten, has been unexpectedly revived in recent years. This legendary park’s resurrection might surprise its former fans.
Jiulong gained popularity on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu. It became a “holy land for urban exploration” attracting many people. They created “post-apocalyptic” photo shoots.
Similar to Beijing Amusement Park, Jiulong Amusement Park was a Sino-Japanese joint venture. It was backed by the Beijing Ming Tombs Reservoir Comprehensive Development Company. The park leveraged the reservoir’s unique geographical advantage. Jiulong was themed around “dragon” and “water” concepts. The island in the lake’s center was its most iconic feature. The 1958 science fiction film “Ballad of the Ming Tombs Reservoir” best represents Jiulong Amusement Park. Imagine the floating carousel on the water. It seems both magical and absurd now.
Jiulong Amusement Park was officially described as a “large underwater observatory-style amusement park with Disney characteristics.” When it first opened, it enjoyed immense popularity. Even on weekends, roads outside the reservoir became congested. Out-of-town tourists visiting Beijing included the “Dragon Palace” on their itinerary. They visited after touring the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Summer Palace.
Xiao Wang, a local Beijinger from the 1980s, remembers the Dragon Palace. It was the most expensive and impressive attraction. He recalls being scared to tears as a child. He felt that its style resembled a circus more than an amusement park. The Jiulong Aquarium was some people’s earliest introduction to science. Children growing up in the 1980s entered the exhibition hall. They saw a world map of aquatic life spread before their eyes. They witnessed various tropical fish swimming in aquarium tanks. They felt the excitement of “crossing the Great Wall and reaching any place in the world.”
Jiulong Amusement Park offered many attractions. There was the Underwater Dragon Palace and the Aquarium. There was also the Tetele Cinema and Dinosaur Valley. For thrilling games, there were F-1 cars. The Underwater Dragon Palace was a famous themed garden. High-end technology created a mythical destination. This was a must-visit spot.
The Science Fiction Adventurous Theater was a fully computerized dynamic theater. It was imported from the United States. It had a seating capacity of 100 people. The movable seats moved according to the movie’s actions. Audiences experienced the feel of speeding in a spaceship.
Eventually, Jiulong Amusement Park closed its doors. Now, it lies overgrown with weeds. Stranded boats, dusty landscapes, and intercepted signs remain. They guard the childhood secrets of a generation. The decaying Dragon Palace has become a popular destination. It is a fitting destination for an abandoned amusement park. Now, the park is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with an admission of 10 RMB. You can take bus No 912 from Andingmen to get there directly.