originally posted on 1/29/2024
Photo: Courtesy of Great Coasters International, Inc. View full-sized image.
In late April of 2022, enthusiasts were just beginning to find their comfort zone again following a global pandemic. ACE members were making plans to get back to their favorite parks or add a few new coasters to their lists. It’s not surprising that keeping track of what was happening in China wasn’t a top priority.
A new park opened in Xiangzhou, Xiangyang. Called Fantasy Valley; it was one of 20 parks under the umbrella of the OCT Group, 17 of which opened since the turn of the millennium. That operator had built many called Happy Valley (nine), but this was the first Fantasy Valley.
Three coasters were on site when the park opened. Two — about which even RollerCoasterDataBase has limited information — are a mine-themed coaster and a water coaster, both by Jinma Rides. The iconic coaster for the park was a Bolliger & Mabillard wing coaster called DaVinci Ride.
Since the park opened, construction has continued on another signature ride. Being built by Great Coasters International, Inc. (GCII), it is expected to open in 2024, adding another woodie to the world this year.
Rendering: Courtesy of Amusement Today. View full-sized image.
Rendering: Courtesy of Amusement Today. View full-sized image.
The coaster is called Mad Racers. Unlike what the name might insinuate, it is not a dual-track, side-by-side racing coaster.
“It is the first-ever wood-and-steel hybrid coaster in China,” said Olivia Hain, public relations, GCII. “It is our first in Asia. The hybrid of wood-and-steel structure makes a superior layout of the ride that has never been experienced before, and guarantees strong visual appeal, high thrills and nonstop fun.”
Photos: Courtesy of Great Coasters International, Inc. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
According to Hain, the woodie will be a part of a themed land called Kunlun Fantasy Land. Kunlun is the most important sacred mountain in Chinese mythology, and above the snow line is a glacier spanning more than 3,000 square kilometers. It is one of the largest glacier areas in China and does not melt at any point during the year.
Mad Racers will have a height of 86 feet and a length of 2,590 feet, making it a modest-sized coaster, but one large enough and long enough to deliver substantial excitement. The top speed will be 49 mph.
Photos: Courtesy of Great Coasters International, Inc. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
Two trains seating 24 riders will traverse the rails.
As shown in the artist’s rendering, the first drop will be a curving plunge. GCII’s trademark banked turns and swooping maneuvers will be the core of the ride’s layout. Throughout the experience, riders will dive through the structure at multiple points, which should be a thrill for citizens of China, where such moments on attractions are uncommon.
As of yet, an opening date has not been confirmed.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News
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