Shunyi-based Happy Land Arts and Crafts is easy to overlook due to the dilapidated buildings around it. However, behind the grim exterior lies a charming little shop housing pottery wheels and other DIY arts and crafts. At the front, the walls are adorned with photos of birthday services and products while the back store contains a play area.
Husband-and-wife duo Zhu Fenghua and Wang Junying started Happy Land in 2000 as a paint-your-own-pottery center. The business has since grown to offer a wide range of birthday supplies and services for different age groups.
Happy Land can serve as a venue for arts and crafts-themed birthday parties, which costs RMB 80 per child per hour. Onsite activities include pottery, weaving, paper sanding, making sand candles, jewelry, soap, paper or nylon flowers, and painting for both kids and adults. There’s a maximum capacity of 30 people.
The center also offers offsite birthday services for all ages, including bouncy castles, angry birds throwing setups, trains for kids aged 3 and under, and carnival-themed equipment such as a cotton candy machine, pick-up toy machine, and photo booth.
We were struck by the different sizes of bouncy castles, from basic castles (5m*4m) to huge (12m*6m*6.5m) castles with slides and pools at the bottom. Rental prices vary according to size, and they charge a flat fee rather than hourly rates.
Happy Land can also provide live entertainment in the form of magicians, clowns, and traditional Chinese performers. There are also face painting and balloon services available, and tables and chairs for hire.
Prices include English-speaking staff members to help with preparations, hosting, and cleanup. Note that there will be a delivery fee tacked onto the original quote depending on the location of the party.
Happy Land Arts and Crafts Center 乐土工艺坊
Daily 9am-5pm (winter), 9am-6pm (winter). Xibaixinzhuang (near Capital Paradise on the Tianbei Lu side), Houshayu, Shunyi District (8046 4055, 136 6104 5892) 顺义区后沙峪白辛庄村东(名都园的附近)
Photos: VivaXiao Photography Studio
This article originally appeared on p21 of the beijingkids May 2014 issue. Check out the PDF version online at Issuu.com