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5A LevelTheme Parks
Chimelong Safari Park
Chimelong Safari Park
Guangdong · Guangzhou
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Category:Theme Park
Chimelong Safari Park, located in Panyu, Guangzhou, is the largest wildlife theme park in Asia. It integrates animal conservation, science education, and leisure entertainment, housing over 500 species and more than 20,000 rare animals. The park is renowned for its large-scale free-range exhibits and self-drive safari experience.
INTRODUCTION
About This Attraction
Chimelong Safari Park: The Ecological Wonder of Asia's Largest Wildlife Theme Park
Overview
Chimelong Safari Park is situated in Dashi Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, covering an area of approximately 2,000 mu. It is one of the core scenic areas under the Chimelong Group. As the largest wildlife theme park in Asia, the park is dedicated to the principles of "protecting wild animals and promoting ecological education," bringing together over 500 species and more than 20,000 rare animals from around the world. The park pioneered a three-dimensional touring model combining "self-drive viewing" and "aerial cableway," allowing visitors to observe animals' natural behaviors up close and experience the unique feeling of "walking with beasts." Since its opening in 1997, Chimelong Safari Park has received over 50 million visitors, making it one of the most influential family tourism destinations in South China.
History
The development of Chimelong Safari Park can be divided into three stages: the initial stage, the expansion stage, and the upgrade stage.
PRACTICAL INFO
Travel Essentials
Opening Hours
9:30-18:00 (subject to official announcements)
Ticket Price
Weekday adult tickets approx. ¥250, holidays approx. ¥280, discounts for children/elderly (subject to official policies)
How to Get There
Transportation: Metro Line 3, Hanxi Chimelong Station, Exit E, then a 5-minute walk; bus routes include 304, 562, Fan 75, etc.; self-driving can navigate to "Chimelong Safari Park North Gate," parking fee is 20 yuan per visit. Accommodation: Chimelong Hotel (five-star, with ticket packages), Xiangjiang Hotel (four-star, family-themed), and nearby budget hotels such as Home Inn and Hanting, with prices ranging from 200-500 yuan per night.
In December 1997, Chimelong Safari Park officially opened to the public, initially covering about 1,300 mu and mainly featuring traditional cage displays. In the opening year, more than 200 animal species were introduced, including iconic species such as white tigers and koalas. In 1998, the park successfully bred South China tiger cubs, becoming one of the important breeding bases for South China tigers in China.
II. Expansion Stage (2001-2010)
In 2001, the park launched a second-phase expansion, adding themed areas such as "Australian Forest" and "American Jungle" in the self-drive zone, expanding the area to 1,800 mu. In 2004, Chimelong Safari Park introduced giant pandas for the first time and established a giant panda breeding base. In 2007, the park launched the "Aerial Cableway" project, becoming the world's first wildlife park with an elevated view of animal landscapes. In 2009, the white tiger population exceeded 100, setting a world record.
III. Upgrade Stage (2011 to Present)
In 2012, the park was renamed "Chimelong Safari Park" and introduced immersive experience projects such as "Jurassic Forest." In 2015, Chimelong Safari Park was rated as a National 5A Tourist Attraction by the National Tourism Administration. In 2018, the park launched the "Panda Paradise" themed area, equipped with a 4D cinema and interactive amusement facilities. In 2020, Chimelong Safari Park initiated the construction of a smart scenic area, introducing AI-guided tours and animal behavior monitoring systems.
Core Highlights
Chimelong Safari Park is renowned for its "large animal population, innovative display methods, and rich interactive experiences." The core highlights include the following:
Self-Drive Safari Zone: A self-drive route of about 10 kilometers, passing through five continental ecological zones: "Australian Forest," "American Jungle," "Central Asian Desert," "South Asian Rainforest," and "European Mountains." Visitors can observe lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, and other animals in their natural state up close.
Aerial Cableway: A 2.7-kilometer circular cableway with three routes: "Africa Line," "Asia Line," and "Panda Line." The highest point is 30 meters above the ground, offering a unique bird's-eye view of animal habitats.
Panda Paradise: Covering about 30,000 square meters, it is home to the world's only giant panda triplets "Mengmeng," "Shuaishuai," and "Kuku," and features a 4D cinema "Panda Triplets Adventure."
Koala Garden: With over 60 koalas, it is one of the largest koala populations in China. Visitors can observe koalas eating eucalyptus leaves up close.
White Tiger Mountain: Displays the white tiger population bred by Chimelong itself, with more than 100 individuals, the largest in the world.
Jurassic Forest: Uses sound, light, and electricity technology to recreate dinosaur ecology, displaying more than 20 simulated dinosaurs, including a 15-meter-tall Brachiosaurus model.
Africa Discovery: A large animal behavior show theater, featuring daily running scenes of giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and other animals.
Architecture and Art
The architectural design of Chimelong Safari Park emphasizes integration with the natural environment while incorporating regional cultural elements.
Entrance Plaza: Based on African tribal style, built with logs and thatch, with a totem pole about 20 meters high carved with animal totems, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.
Panda Paradise Buildings: Adopting the style of Sichuan folk houses, with green tiles and white walls, echoing the culture of the panda's hometown in Sichuan. The indoor exhibition halls are equipped with constant temperature and humidity systems to simulate the subtropical climate of giant panda habitats.
Aerial Cableway Station: Designed as a "tree house" shape, with a steel frame covered with simulated bark, blending with the surrounding vegetation. The cable car cabins have transparent glass floors to enhance the viewing experience.
White Tiger Mountain Exhibit: Mimics the rocky terrain of the Indian subcontinent, using artificial rocks, waterfalls, and pools to create the natural environment of white tigers. The highest artificial rock reaches 12 meters and features an observation platform.
Jurassic Forest: The entrance is designed as a "time tunnel," with dim lighting and dinosaur roar sound effects to create a prehistoric atmosphere. The dinosaur models are made of silicone with realistic skin textures, and some are movable.
Cultural Value
Chimelong Safari Park has significant value in animal conservation, science education, and cultural exchange.
Animal Conservation: The park participates in multiple endangered species protection programs, including South China tigers, giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and white rhinos. As of 2023, it has successfully bred over 50 South China tigers, more than 10 giant pandas, and over 30 koalas. The park has an animal hospital and breeding center equipped with advanced equipment such as CT scanners and blood analyzers.
Science Education: The park holds an annual "Animal Science Month" event, offering lectures and keeper experience courses for primary and secondary school students. In 2022, the park was rated as a "National Science Education Base" by the China Association for Science and Technology.
Cultural Exchange: Chimelong Safari Park has established cooperation with zoos in Australia, South Africa, the United States, and other countries, conducting animal exchanges and scientific research. For example, koalas were introduced from Australia in 2006, and white rhinos from South Africa in 2013.
Practical Information
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:30-18:00, weekends and holidays 09:30-18:30 (subject to daily announcements).
Ticket Prices: Adult ticket 300 yuan, child/senior ticket 210 yuan, self-drive ticket 350 yuan per car (tickets for occupants not included).
Address: No. 593, Dashi Section, National Highway 105, Dashi Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province.
Official Website: www.chimelong.com
Visitor Service Center: Provides wheelchair and stroller rental, lost and found, and medical emergency services.
Tour Tips
Recommended Route: Morning: Self-drive safari zone (about 2 hours) → Noon: Lunch at Panda Paradise → Afternoon: Aerial cableway (about 40 minutes) → Walking area (Koala Garden, White Tiger Mountain, Jurassic Forest).
Best Time: Animals are most active from 9:30 to 11:00 in the morning; avoid weekends and holidays to reduce queue times.
Notes: In the self-drive zone, do not get out of the car or open windows; in the walking area, do not feed animals; it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as the park is large.
Dining: The park has Panda Restaurant, Koala Restaurant, etc., offering Chinese and Western fast food, with an average cost of 60-100 yuan per person.
Nearby Attractions
Chimelong Safari Park is located in the core area of Guangzhou Chimelong Tourist Resort, and the following attractions can be visited nearby:
Chimelong Paradise: A 10-minute walk away, featuring roller coasters such as the Vertical Coaster and the Ten-Loop Coaster, suitable for thrill-seekers.
Chimelong Water Park: Open in summer, featuring the world's largest wave pool, and has been rated as the "World's Best Water Park" for many consecutive years.
Chimelong International Circus: Performed every night at 19:30, gathering circus elites from around the world, with a show duration of about 80 minutes.
Canton Tower: About 20 kilometers away, accessible via Metro Line 3, where you can climb the tower for a panoramic view of Guangzhou.
Best Season
Guangzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate, warm and humid all year round, suitable for visiting Chimelong Safari Park.
Spring (March-May): Temperatures 15-25°C, less rainfall, animals are active, and it is the best season to see animal cubs.
Autumn (September-November): Temperatures 20-30°C, cool weather, avoiding summer heat and rainy season, making it the best season to visit.
Winter (December-February): Temperatures 10-20°C, need to keep warm, but animals are more active in low temperatures, especially white tigers.
Summer (June-August): High temperature and rainy, temperatures 30-35°C, the park has mist cooling facilities, but it is recommended to bring rain gear.
Transportation and Accommodation
Transportation: Metro Line 3, Hanxi Chimelong Station, Exit E, then a 5-minute walk; bus routes include 304, 562, Fan 75, etc.; self-driving can navigate to "Chimelong Safari Park North Gate," parking fee is 20 yuan per visit.
Accommodation: Chimelong Hotel (five-star, with ticket packages), Xiangjiang Hotel (four-star, family-themed), and nearby budget hotels such as Home Inn and Hanting, with prices ranging from 200-500 yuan per night.
Travel Tips
Recommended Route: Morning: Self-drive safari zone (about 2 hours) → Noon: Lunch at Panda Paradise → Afternoon: Aerial cableway (about 40 minutes) → Walking area (Koala Garden, White Tiger Mountain, Jurassic Forest). Best Time: Animals are most active from 9:30 to 11:00 in the morning; avoid weekends and holidays to reduce queue times. Notes: In the self-drive zone, do not get out of the car or open windows; in the walking area, do not feed animals; it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as the park is large. Dining: The park has Panda Restaurant, Koala Restaurant, etc., offering Chinese and Western fast food, with an average cost of 60-100 yuan per person.
