Escape to Shenzhen's Alpine Wonderland at Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town East in China

Nestled in the verdant hills of Dameisha, Shenzhen, lies a truly unique destination that transports visitors from the bustling Chinese metropolis to a serene Swiss mountain resort – Overseas Chinese Town East (OCT East). More than just a theme park, this sprawling 9-square-kilometer (3.5 square miles) ecological resort is a world unto itself, centered around the luxurious 5-star Interlaken Hotel and Village and encompassing two distinct theme parks: the adventurous Ecoventure Valley and the tranquil Tea Stream Resort Valley.






As a Time Magazine article aptly put it, Shenzhen's Interlaken offers a "little taste of Europe closer to home," a testament to the vision of its developer, Shenzhen OCT Sanzhou Investment, who invested nearly $450 million into this ambitious project. The resort's commitment to authenticity is evident, from the Gothic cathedral lobby of the 300-room Interlaken Hotel to the inclusion of an Austrian chef and even past alpine songfests featuring yodelers. As one hotel event manager noted, "All of our guests say they forget they're not in Europe."





Entering the resort, particularly through the Ecoventure Valley (also known as Knight Valley), visitors are immediately greeted by breathtaking natural beauty and thrilling attractions. The park is divided into five main themed areas, each offering a different experience: the Breakers Lagoon, the charming Seafield Village, the lush Rapids Forest, the exciting Adventure Canyon, and the panoramic Peak Highland.





One of the most striking first impressions in Ecoventure Valley is the Giant Waterfall, a magnificent cascade that holds the title of the largest seashore waterfall in China. Its sheer size and the মist rising from its base create a truly spectacular sight.





Venturing into Seafield Village feels like stepping into a quaint European town. This area is designed with a delightful blend of architectural styles, featuring a Sky Strip, the Seafield Theater, a Wine Experience House, a Self-brewery House, a Lakeside Food Court, and charming town inns. The village's ambiance is further enhanced by characters, some inspired by the resort's "Tea Show," who wander the streets, adding to the immersive experience. Seafield Village is particularly noted for its American-style design with a focus on wine culture, featuring buildings of log and brick and bronze sculptures depicting the winemaking process, evoking the feel of a 19th-century Napa Valley village.





Ecoventure Valley is also home to exhilarating rides that leverage the natural mountainous terrain. Thrill-seekers can brave the Wood Coaster (Mountain Flyer), Asia's first mountain wooden roller coaster, offering a thrilling ride with screams echoing through the valley. The Yunhai Cable Car provides a more serene, yet equally stunning, experience, offering panoramic views of the Dameisha coastline and the surrounding mountains as it ascends to the higher reaches of the park. For those looking to cool off, the Water Park within Ecoventure Valley offers a variety of aquatic fun. Other notable attractions in this park include the Rapids Forest for a wild water adventure, and the Peak Highland, accessible via the cable car or the scenic Jungle Funicular, offering breathtaking vistas and attractions like the dramatic Cliff Booster and a glass observation deck for unparalleled views. The park also features shows like "Roaring Flood," a live-action stunt performance, adding a dynamic element to the visit.





In contrast to the adventure of Ecoventure Valley, the Tea Stream Resort Valley offers a more tranquil and culturally rich experience. This valley is a celebration of tea culture and natural beauty, featuring areas like Interlaken Town, the vibrant Wetland Garden, the historic Chaweng Ancient Town, and the sprawling Sanzhou Tea Garden. Interlaken Town mirrors its Swiss namesake with charming European architecture and a serene lake, creating a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls. The Wetland Garden is a riot of color throughout the year with seasonal flowers, while the Sanzhou Tea Garden offers a peaceful landscape of tea plantations.





A highlight of the Tea Stream Resort Valley is the Forest Train, a charming vintage railway that winds through the mountains and forests, connecting different areas of the resort and offering scenic views along the way. Within Tea Stream Valley, visitors can also explore Chaweng Ancient Town, immersing themselves in traditional Chinese tea culture. This area provides an elegant environment to learn about and appreciate tea, with opportunities to witness tea art performances and sample local tea-infused delights. Performances like "Heavenly Zen" in the Tea Stream Resort Valley are known for showcasing Chinese tea culture through dance and artistry.





The blend of European and Chinese themes is a defining characteristic of OCT East, creating a unique and sometimes surreal atmosphere. While some compare it to a "Chinese Disneyland" for its scale and themed environments, OCT East distinguishes itself by integrating its attractions with the stunning natural landscape of mountains and the sea. The resort successfully creates different immersive worlds, from the alpine charm of Interlaken Town to the rustic feel of Seafield Village and the traditional elegance of the Ancient Tea Town. This ambitious fusion of cultures and landscapes, combined with a range of attractions from thrilling rides to serene gardens and cultural performances, makes OCT East a truly memorable destination offering a diverse holiday experience.