Just outside Beijing, an island of sorts awaits curious visitors. Even before reaching the airport, down a long tree-lined road one stumbles upon Crab Island (Xie Dao).

Upon entering the resort, the colorful water park is clearly a big pull for many visitors. A massive wave pool, complete with sand beach is the biggest feature of the park. Families, young couples and groups of friends gather on the sand to relax, play volleyball or catch some rays, before heading into the pristine wave pool. Floating rings are available for 10 yuan (US$1.20) plus at 50 yuan (US$6) deposit. The rings make riding the waves even more exciting and are required for trying out the waterslides next door. The straight-shot or curling slides are both worth a try. The lazy river is a great place to float around and catch your breath after dodging waves at the wave pool or zipping down slippery slides. Shallow wading pools with a plethora of sprinklers are a great place for the little ones to splash and play.

If you are looking to keep out of the sun, grab a swim after the water park has closed, or to get in some real laps in an indoor pool is also available at the resort.

At Crab Island, you can try your luck at fishing in stocked ponds or even indoor pools, try paddle-boating around the lake or even go bowling in the on-site lanes.

But the entertainment facilities at Crab Island are only a small part of the pie, the massive area is mostly covered by fields of fruits and vegetables. Carts will take you out to pick your own green goodies to either eat on the spot or take home and cook up, as a memory of your gardening getaway. If venturing out into the fields for harvesting sounds a bit too strenuous for you on a day off, fear not, fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm can be purchased in stands near the main gate.

A variety of restaurants on site cook up the crops grown at the resort and serve them to you in venues ranging from a Mongolian ger to a huge banquet hall with performances.


Accommodations are also available at the island in the form of Chinese courtyard homes, ranging from slightly rustic to down right luxurious. A choice of more rural rooms with clay kangs for sleeping can make your trip feel like a real adventure into the country. While ornate courtyards with traditional Chinese four-poster beds and modern hotel facilities, with Jacuzzi tubs are also within reach.

A trip to Crab Island is a great way for groups of friends or families to make a quick escape from the city for a day or two of fun in the sun.

To get there: Take bus routes 359, 418, 735 and 825; You can also drive along Jingshun Road to Xiedao Exit and then go forward according to the road signs.

(China Daily July 8, 2005)