Guangzhou Chimelong vs Zhuhai Chimelong: The Ultimate China Theme Park Guide for Families & Thrill Seekers
If you're planning a China travel itinerary, chances are you've already come across videos of Chimelong while scrolling on TikTok, Xiaohongshu or Instagram. That was exactly how I first discovered it too. Between clips of giant pandas, record-breaking roller coasters, massive aquariums and dazzling circus performances, I couldn't quite figure out what Chimelong actually was. Was it a zoo? A theme park? A resort?
After visiting both Guangzhou Chimelong and Zhuhai Chimelong, I realised the answer is... all of the above!
What surprised me most wasn't just the size of the resorts—it was how many locals were there. Everywhere I looked, there were families on weekend getaways, grandparents travelling with grandchildren, groups of friends and couples celebrating special occasions. Unlike many attractions that are popular mainly with tourists, Chimelong felt like a place that locals genuinely love returning to.
If you're wondering whether to visit Guangzhou or Zhuhai, or trying to decide which parks are worth your time, here's everything I learned from exploring both resorts!
What is Chimelong?
Before this trip, I assumed Chimelong was just one large theme park. I couldn't have been more wrong.
Image credit: Chimelong Resort
Chimelong is China's largest integrated resort brand, with two flagship destinations located in Guangzhou and Zhuhai in Guangdong Province. Each resort is made up of multiple attractions, themed hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues and shopping areas, all connected within one massive complex. Think of it less as a single amusement park and more like an entire vacation resort—similar to how people spend several days exploring Disneyland or Universal Studios.
The biggest difference, however, is that Chimelong doesn't revolve around movie characters or blockbuster franchises. Instead, each park offers a completely different experience. One day, you're riding one of China's biggest roller coasters. The next, you're watching giant pandas munch on bamboo, standing in front of an aquarium larger than a football field or ending the evening with an international circus performance.
Because every park is so different, it's easy to spend two to four days here without feeling like you're repeating the same experience!
Why is everyone visiting Chimelong?
Before arriving, I'd mostly seen Chimelong through carefully edited social media videos. They made it look impressive—but I wondered if it would live up to the hype. And it did!
1. It offers something for every age
The younger kids were completely captivated by the animal exhibits, while the adults were just as excited to hop on the thrill rides. Even grandparents could comfortably enjoy attractions like the Safari Train or leisurely stroll through beautifully landscaped parks.
It's rare to find a destination that genuinely caters to toddlers, teenagers, parents and grandparents all at once, but Chimelong manages to do exactly that.
2. It's much more than a theme park
Calling Chimelong a China theme park almost feels like an understatement.
Across both Guangzhou and Zhuhai, you'll find:
- Wildlife parks home to giant pandas, koalas and white tigers
- Thrilling roller coasters and amusement rides
- One of the world's largest marine theme parks
- Spectacular circus performances
- Indoor attractions perfect for rainy days
- Themed hotels that become part of the experience
Every day felt completely different, which is probably why so many visitors stay for multiple nights instead of rushing through everything in a single day.
3. It's surprisingly easy to include in your itinerary
One of the biggest misconceptions I had before planning this trip was that Chimelong would be difficult to get to. In reality, it's incredibly accessible.
- Guangzhou Chimelong is just a short metro ride from Guangzhou city centre, making it easy to visit even if you're already exploring the city.
- Zhuhai Chimelong is equally convenient if you're travelling from Macau or Hong Kong, with many visitors combining all three destinations into one Greater Bay Area itinerary.
If you're already planning a southern China trip, adding Chimelong doesn't require a huge detour—it fits naturally into your itinerary!
Guangzhou Chimelong vs Zhuhai Chimelong: Which one should you choose?
This was easily the biggest question I had while planning my trip. And after visiting both resorts, I don't actually think one is "better" than the other—they simply offer very different experiences.
If I had to sum them up in one sentence:
Guangzhou is where you go for adrenaline and wildlife. Zhuhai is where you go for immersive experiences and marine life.
Here's a quick comparison to help you decide.
Guangzhou Chimelong | Zhuhai Chimelong |
|---|---|
Famous for wildlife and roller coasters | Famous for marine life and immersive attractions |
Home to Chimelong Safari Park and Chimelong Paradise | Home to Ocean Kingdom and Chimelong Spaceship |
Better for thrill seekers and older children | Better for younger families and aquarium lovers |
Ideal for a 3 to 4-day trip | Ideal for a 2 to 3-day trip |
Easy to reach from Guangzhou city | Easy to combine with Macau and Hong Kong |
But if you have enough time... honestly, I highly recommend visiting both! The two resorts complement each other surprisingly well. And since they're connected by China's high-speed rail network, it's entirely possible to experience both in one trip without spending too much time travelling.
Guangzhou Chimelong: Safari Adventures, Thrill Rides & More
What I loved about the Guangzhou Chimelong resort was how different each attraction felt. One morning, I was surrounded by thousands of animals at a world-class safari park. The next day, I was screaming my way through some of China's most thrilling roller coasters. This makes it especially appealing if you're travelling with a mixed group where everyone has different interests.
The Guangzhou resort is home to four main attractions:
Here's what I experienced at each one and which travellers I think they'll suit best.
1. Chimelong Safari Park (Guangzhou)
If you only have time to visit one attraction in Guangzhou Chimelong, I would make it Chimelong Safari Park.
This was actually the attraction I was most curious about before my trip. I had seen countless photos of pandas and white tigers online, but I wasn't expecting the park to be this impressive in real life.
The biggest surprise was the scale. This isn't your typical zoo where animals are kept behind small enclosures. Chimelong Safari Park is designed around large, natural habitats, allowing visitors to see animals in environments that feel much closer to their natural surroundings.
Best for: Families, animal lovers, first-time visitors
Tickets prices:
- Adult ticket: From $54.15
- Child/ senior tickets: From $38.09
Must-see attractions at Chimelong Safari Park
A. Giant Panda Centre
Of course, no visit to Chimelong Safari Park is complete without seeing the giant pandas!
The panda area was one of the busiest spots in the park, and I quickly understood why. Watching these adorable creatures eat, climb and nap in person was one of the highlights of my entire China travel experience.
Klook Tip: visit earlier in the day when the pandas are usually more active so you get the chance to see them playing around!
B. Safari Train
This is the attraction I would prioritise. The queue can get longer later in the day, so I recommend heading here early if possible.
The ride takes you through different animal zones and gives you a completely different perspective compared to walking around the park. I highly recommend sitting on the right side of the train for the best views!
Klook Tip: You may want to consider topping up for the fast pass and skip the queue as the queues can stretch up to 1hr during peak times.
C. White Tiger Habitat
The white tigers are one of Chimelong's most iconic attractions. Seeing these rare animals up close was incredible, especially because they are much larger and more impressive than they appear in photos.
D. Cable Car
After hours of walking, the cable car was a welcome break. It offers a bird's-eye view of the park, and it's a great way to appreciate just how massive Chimelong Safari Park actually is.
How long should you spend at Chimelong Safari Park?
I would recommend dedicating a full day. When I first planned my itinerary, I thought half a day would be enough. I was completely wrong. Between the animal exhibits, shows, feeding sessions and walking time, you can easily spend 6–8 hours here.
2. Chimelong Paradise
After spending a day surrounded by animals, Chimelong Paradise showed me a completely different side of Guangzhou Chimelong. If Chimelong Safari Park is about exploration and discovery, Chimelong Paradise is pure adrenaline.
As one of the most famous Guangzhou theme park attractions, Chimelong Paradise is known for its impressive collection of roller coasters and high-energy rides.
I have visited many amusement parks before, but what stood out here was the variety. There were intense thrill rides for adrenaline junkies, but also plenty of family-friendly attractions for visitors who prefer something more relaxed.
Best for: Thrill seekers, teenagers, couples and ride lovers
Tickets prices:
- Adult ticket: From $45.35
- Child/ senior tickets: From $31.65
Must-ride attractions at Chimelong Paradise
A. Launch Coaster
This was easily one of my favourite rides. The feeling of being suspended before dropping down at high speed is terrifying—but in the best possible way. If you're a roller coaster fan, this should definitely be at the top of your list.
B. 10 Inversion Roller Coaster
As the name suggests, this ride features multiple inversions and is designed for serious thrill seekers! I would recommend saving this for after you've warmed up with some smaller rides first.
C. Motorbike Launch Coaster
This was one of the most unique rides in the park. Instead of sitting in a traditional coaster car, you ride in a motorcycle-style seat and experience a fast launch that immediately gets your heart racing!
D. Giant Frisbee
Image credit: Chimelong Resort
A classic thrill ride that combines height, speed and spinning. I personally found this one harder on the stomach than some of the roller coasters!
Who should visit Chimelong Paradise?
I'd recommend it for:
- Teenagers looking for exciting rides
- Couples who enjoy amusement parks
- Groups of friends
- Adults who want a more traditional theme park experience
If you're travelling with toddlers, this might not be the main highlight of your trip, as some of the biggest rides have height restrictions.
How long should you spend at Chimelong Paradise?
A full day is definitely ideal. However, if you're mainly interested in the major roller coasters, you can cover the highlights in around half a day.
3. Chimelong Birds Park
After the excitement of Safari Park and Chimelong Paradise, Chimelong Birds Park felt like a completely different experience. It's quieter, more relaxing and perfect if you want a break from large crowds.
The park is home to thousands of birds from around the world, with beautifully landscaped walking paths, wetlands and interactive experiences. I particularly enjoyed how peaceful it felt compared to the bigger attractions.
Best for: Young children, nature lovers and slower-paced days
Tickets prices:
- Adult ticket: From $18.90
- Child/ senior tickets: From $13.55
Highlights at Chimelong Birds Park
- Flamingo areas
- Bird performances
- Pelican feeding
- Wetland landscapes
- Interactive animal encounters
Who should visit?
I'd recommend Birds Park for:
- Families with younger children
- Travellers who prefer nature experiences
- Visitors with extra time in Guangzhou
If you're only visiting Guangzhou for two days, I would highly recommend to prioritise Safari Park and Paradise first.
4. Chimelong International Circus
One thing I didn't expect was how much I enjoyed the Chimelong International Circus! After spending a full day exploring the parks, ending the night with a spectacular performance was the perfect way to wind down.
This isn't a small circus show—it feels more like a Broadway-style production with massive sets, lighting effects and incredible performances.
The show features:
- Acrobatics
- Aerial performances
- Motorbike stunts
- Dance performances
- Special effects
The motorcycle stunt segment was especially unforgettable. Watching performers race around inside a giant sphere at incredible speeds was one of those moments where everyone in the audience held their breath.
Best for: Families, couples and evening entertainment
Tickets prices:
- Regular seat ticket: From $60.29
- First class seat ticket: From $74.65
Should you watch the circus?
Definitely. Even if you're not a huge circus fan, I think it's worth adding to your itinerary. It works especially well after visiting Safari Park or Chimelong Paradise because you can simply relax and enjoy the show without worrying about more walking.
Where to stay at Guangzhou Chimelong
One of the best decisions I made was staying close to the resort. Because the parks are so large, having a hotel nearby makes a huge difference. You can take breaks during the day, avoid long commutes and easily return for evening performances.
Here are the hotels I'd recommend:
1. Chimelong Panda Hotel
Best for: Families with children
This is probably the most iconic Chimelong hotel. The panda-themed rooms immediately put you into the holiday mood, and children will love the playful designs throughout the hotel.
What guests liked:
- Cute panda-themed rooms
- Family-friendly facilities
- Convenient access to the parks (shuttle service available)
If you're travelling with kids, this would be my top pick.
2. Chimelong Hotel
Best for: First-time visitors
The flagship Chimelong hotel offers a more classic resort experience. It is spacious, comfortable and conveniently located near the main attractions.
I'd recommend it for travellers who want convenience without needing an overly themed experience.
My final thoughts on Guangzhou Chimelong
After visiting, I understood why so many locals return to Guangzhou Chimelong year after year. It's not just a theme park—it's a complete experience that combines adventure, wildlife and entertainment.
For first-time visitors, I would prioritise:
- Chimelong Safari Park
- Chimelong Paradise
- International Circus
The combination of seeing giant pandas in the morning, riding thrilling coasters in the afternoon and watching a world-class performance at night is what makes Chimelong such a memorable travel destination.
Exploring Zhuhai Chimelong: Home to Ocean Kingdom, Spaceship & One of China's Most Spectacular Resorts
If Guangzhou impressed me with its wildlife and roller coasters, Zhuhai Chimelong won me over with its scale, attention to detail and immersive experiences. Everything here feels grand—from the resort hotels and beautifully themed walkways to the enormous aquariums and evening performances.
If you're travelling with younger children or simply love marine life, I can see why so many families choose Zhuhai over Guangzhou.
The Guangzhou resort is home to three main attractions:
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1. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom
This was the attraction I had been looking forward to the most—and somehow, it still exceeded my expectations. I'd seen countless videos of Ocean Kingdom online, especially the famous Whale Shark Aquarium, but nothing compares to seeing it in person.
Walking into the park, you're immediately greeted by colourful themed zones, lively music and beautifully designed architecture. Unlike some theme parks where you have to rush from ride to ride, I found myself slowing down to take everything in.
Ocean Kingdom strikes a really nice balance between rides, animal encounters and entertainment, which means there's always something happening no matter where you are in the park.
Best for: Families, marine life lovers and first-time visitors
Tickets prices:
- Adult ticket: From $71.25
- Child/ senior tickets: From $50.45
Must-see attractions at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom
A. Whale Shark Aquarium
If there's one attraction you absolutely can't miss, it's this. Standing in front of the giant viewing window, I honestly lost track of time. Watching whale sharks, manta rays and countless other marine creatures glide gracefully through the enormous tank was mesmerising. Even after seeing photos online, the sheer size of the aquarium took me by surprise.
My advice? Don't rush through this area. Find a seat, stay for a while and simply enjoy the experience.
B. Penguin Pavilion
Another favourite of mine was Penguin Pavilion. Watching hundreds of penguins waddle, swim and interact with each other was surprisingly entertaining, and it's easy to see why this is such a hit with families.
If you're travelling with younger children, expect to spend quite a bit of time here.
C. Polar Adventure
This area combines indoor rides with polar-themed exhibits, making it a nice break from the outdoor heat. It's also one of the busiest sections of the park, so I recommend heading here earlier in the day if there are specific rides on your list.
D. Dolphin & Beluga Exhibits
One thing I appreciated about Ocean Kingdom is that it isn't just about thrill rides. There are plenty of opportunities to slow down and learn about marine life through the various exhibits and presentations. Whether you're watching playful dolphins or graceful beluga whales, it adds another layer to the experience beyond just amusement park attractions.
E. Don't miss the night show
If you're tempted to leave before sunset, don't. The evening spectacular is one of the highlights of the entire park. Depending on the season, you can expect a combination of fireworks, drone displays, fountains, projections and music that brings the whole resort to life. After a full day of exploring, it was the perfect way to end the evening.
Our tips for Ocean Kingdom
After spending a full day here, here's what I'd do differently:
- Arrive before the park opens.
- Head to the popular rides first while queues are shorter.
- Take breaks during the afternoon, especially if you're visiting in summer. Visit the penguin or whale shark exhibits, these are fully air-conditioned!
- Stay until the night show—it's absolutely worth it.
2. Chimelong Spaceship
If Ocean Kingdom is Zhuhai's biggest attraction, then Chimelong Spaceship is undoubtedly its newest showstopper. I'll admit—I wasn't entirely sure what to expect before visiting. Was it an aquarium? A science museum? A theme park?
The answer is a little bit of everything.
As one of the world's largest indoor theme parks, Spaceship blends futuristic storytelling, interactive exhibits, family-friendly rides and marine life into one enormous attraction. Because it's fully indoors, it's also the perfect place to escape the summer heat or rainy weather.
Highlights
- Immersive space-themed environments
- Interactive family rides
- Marine animal exhibits
- Educational experiences
- Large indoor play areas
- Spectacular architecture
Best for: Families, rainy days and anyone who loves immersive attractions
Tickets prices:
- Adult ticket: From $63.99
- Child/ senior tickets: From $44.25
Must-see attractions at Chimelong Spaceship
A. Orca Stadium
One of the biggest highlights of my visit was seeing the orcas up close. Watching these magnificent animals glide effortlessly was genuinely mesmerising. The viewing area is spacious, so I never felt rushed, and it's well worth spending a little extra time here instead of simply walking through.
If you're travelling with children, this will almost certainly become one of their favourite stops.
B. Fairyland of Coral
The Coral Aquarium is bursting with colour, showcasing vibrant coral reefs and hundreds of tropical fish species from around the world. Compared to the larger marine exhibits, this area feels more intimate and gives you a chance to appreciate the incredible diversity of underwater ecosystems.
C. Ocean-themed Interactive Zones
One thing that really impressed me about Chimelong Spaceship was how interactive it is.
Throughout the park, you'll find hands-on exhibits, digital games and immersive installations where children (and adults!) can learn about space exploration, marine conservation and technology through play.
These areas are perfect if you're travelling as a family, especially with younger kids who enjoy exploring at their own pace.
D. Ocean Playground
Unlike Chimelong Paradise in Guangzhou, Spaceship isn't centred around adrenaline-pumping roller coasters. Instead, you'll find dozens of gentle rides, simulator experiences and immersive attractions that families can enjoy together. It makes the park feel much more inclusive, especially if you're travelling with grandparents or younger children.
How long should you spend at Chimelong Spaceship?
I initially thought half a day would be enough, but I ended up staying from late morning until early evening. Between the rides, marine exhibits, interactive experiences and photo opportunities, there's far more to explore than I expected.
I'd recommend setting aside an entire day, especially if you're travelling with children.
My tips for visiting Chimelong Spaceship
After spending the day here, these are the things I'd recommend:
- Arrive early to enjoy the most popular attractions before queues build.
- Don't rush through the marine exhibits—they're just as impressive as the rides.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the park is much bigger than it looks.
- Take time to explore the interactive zones, even if you're travelling without children. Some of them are surprisingly fun for adults too.
- If you're visiting during summer or on a rainy day, this is easily one of the most comfortable parks to spend the entire day in thanks to its fully indoor setting.
3. Chimelong Hengqin Theatre
After watching the circus in Guangzhou, I wasn't sure whether the Zhuhai version would feel repetitive. Thankfully, it didn't.
The performances, staging and atmosphere were all slightly different, making it well worth watching if you're staying in Zhuhai. Much like the Guangzhou show, expect breathtaking acrobatics, elaborate costumes, stunning lighting effects and incredible athletic performances.
It's another fantastic way to end your day after exploring the parks.
Best for: Families, couples and evening entertainment
Tickets prices:
- Regular seat ticket: From $51.29
- First class seat ticket: From $60.65
Where to stay in Zhuhai Chimelong
Similar to Guangzhou, staying inside the resort makes a huge difference. Not only do you avoid long journeys back to the city, but you'll also be much closer to the parks for early entry and evening shows.
Here are the hotels I'd recommend.
1. Chimelong Penguin Hotel
Best for: Families and first-time visitors
If you've seen photos of Zhuhai Chimelong online, chances are you've already seen Penguin Hotel. It's colourful, family-friendly and located just steps away from Ocean Kingdom.
What guests loved:
- Penguin-themed rooms
- Easy access to the park
- Great family atmosphere
If I had to recommend just one hotel in Zhuhai, this would be it.
2. Chimelong Spaceship Hotel
Best for: Visiting Spaceship
One of the resort's newest hotels, Spaceship Hotel perfectly matches the futuristic design of the nearby attraction. If you're planning to spend most of your time at Spaceship, this is the most convenient place to stay.
P.S. Head to B1 level for direct entry to Chimelong Spaceship park!
3. Hengqin Bay Hotel
Best for: Luxury travellers
For travellers looking for a more premium stay, Hengqin Bay Hotel offers spacious rooms, beautiful waterfront views and resort-style facilities. It's ideal if you're planning a slower-paced holiday.
Is it worth visiting both Guangzhou and Zhuhai?
Before my trip, I actually considered choosing just one resort. Now that I've experienced both, I'm really glad I didn't. Although they're both part of the Chimelong brand, they feel completely different.
- Guangzhou focuses on wildlife and thrills.
- Zhuhai focuses on marine life, immersive attractions and family-friendly experiences.
Rather than competing with each other, they complement each other. If you have at least four or five days, I'd absolutely recommend including both in your itinerary.
Our Suggested Chimelong Itinerary
Type of Trip | Suggested Itinerary |
|---|---|
2 Days 1 Night (Short Trip) Best for: Travellers visiting from Hong Kong or Macau | Day 1 Ocean Kingdom Night show Stay at Penguin Hotel Day 2 Chimelong Spaceship Return home |
3 Days 2 Nights (Guangzhou only) | Day 1 Chimelong Safari Park Day 2 Chimelong Paradise International Circus Day 3 Birds Park Explore Guangzhou city |
5 Days 4 Nights (Recommended) If you have the time, this is the itinerary we highly recommend! | Day 1 Arrive in Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park Day 2 Chimelong Paradise International Circus Day 3 Travel to Zhuhai Explore the resort Day 4 Ocean Kingdom Night show Day 5 Chimelong Spaceship Return via Zhuhai, Macau or Hong Kong |
This gives you enough time to enjoy each park without feeling rushed.
My biggest tip before you go
If there's one thing I underestimated, it was just how huge Chimelong is. On my first day alone, I clocked well over 20,000 steps without even realising it. Each park covers an enormous area, and you'll likely spend most of the day walking between attractions.
My advice? Wear comfortable shoes, arrive early and don't try to squeeze everything into one day. Chimelong isn't the kind of destination you rush through. It's one that's best enjoyed at a slower pace, giving yourself time to watch the animal feedings, catch the live performances and soak in the atmosphere between rides.
Final thoughts: Is Chimelong worth visiting?
Before this trip, I honestly thought Chimelong was just another stop on my China itinerary. Instead, it ended up becoming one of the biggest highlights of my entire trip.
If you're looking for the best Guangzhou theme park, Chimelong Paradise and Chimelong Safari Park are hard to beat. And if marine life, immersive attractions and spectacular evening entertainment are more your style, Zhuhai Chimelong should definitely be on your list.
So if you're planning your next China adventure, do yourself a favour and don't just squeeze Chimelong into your schedule. Give it the time it deserves. Chances are, you'll leave wondering why more international travellers aren't talking about it already!
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