Guangzhou is a massive, humid, neon-soaked sprawl. If you're here, you've probably heard of the Chimelong Tourist Resort. Most people just call the whole thing "the amusement park," but that's kinda like calling the ocean a swimming pool. It is actually a cluster of massive parks—Paradise, Safari, Water Park, and Bird Park—plus a circus that looks like something out of a fever dream.
Honestly, if you just show up and head for the roller coasters at Chimelong Paradise, you’re missing the point. Everyone goes for the 10 Inversion Coaster. It’s the famous one. But let’s be real: after waiting 90 minutes in the Guangdong heat, your legs hurt from the cramped seats and your brain is scrambled.
The real magic of Chimelong isn't necessarily the steel tracks. It’s the sheer, ridiculous scale of the Safari Park and the world-class production of the International Circus.
Chimelong Amusement Park Guangzhou: The Safari Mistake
Most tourists enter the Safari Park, see the pandas, and think they're done. Wrong.
This place is over 1,300 acres. That is a lot of walking. If you enter through the South Gate like everyone else, you’re basically walking uphill against the crowd all day. Pro tip: Start at the North Gate.
Why? Because that’s where the "Safari on Wheels" tram starts. It’s included in your ticket. You sit on a little train that winds through the "African Prairie" and "Asian Desert" zones. You’ll see giraffes just wandering around and tigers lounging on rocks. It takes about 30 minutes, and it saves your energy for the walking sections later.
Don't ignore the sky
Once you finish the tram, look up. The cable car (also included in the ticket) is probably the best thing in the park. It has a transparent floor. You’re floating over prides of lions and flocks of flamingos. It’s quiet, there’s a breeze, and it’s the only time you’ll feel truly "away" from the crowds.
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The panda triplets—Meng Meng, Shuai Shuai, and酷酷 (Ku Ku)—are the celebrities here. They’re the only surviving panda triplets in the world. They have their own massive pavilion. It’s air-conditioned. Honestly, sometimes I go in there just to stop sweating for ten minutes.
The Circus That Never Sleeps
If you only do one thing at the resort, make it the Chimelong International Circus. Forget whatever you think a circus is. This isn't some sad tent with a guy in a top hat. This is a 8,000-seat arena with 300 performers from across the globe.
The show starts at 7:30 PM. People start lining up at 6:00 PM.
Is it loud? Yes. Is it chaotic? Absolutely. There are motorcycles flying inside metal spheres and acrobats doing things that don't seem physically possible.
Where to sit for the best view
Most people think the front row is best. It’s not. The stage is huge and often uses the air space. If you sit too close, you’ll leave with a neck cramp.
Aim for the middle sections, specifically the VIP or First Class seats if you can swing the extra ¥200. The "Gold" seats in the center offer the best panoramic view of the aerial acts. Also, sit near the aisles. The performers often parade through the stands, and it makes the whole experience feel way more interactive.
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Surviving the Heat at the Water Park
The Chimelong Water Park is only open from late April to October. If you go in July, be prepared for "people soup." It is incredibly popular because Guangzhou summers are basically living inside a steamer basket.
The star here is the "Rocking Giant Wheel." It’s the world’s first 360-degree rotating slide. You basically feel like you’re in a washing machine that someone threw off a cliff.
- Wear a one-piece: If you’re doing the high-speed slides like the "Tornado," bikinis have a habit of disappearing.
- Get the wristband: You can load money onto a waterproof wristband so you don't have to carry your wallet.
- Weekday or bust: Never, ever go on a Saturday. You will spend 2 hours in line for a 30-second slide.
Logistics: How Not to Get Stranded
Getting to Chimelong is actually easy, which is rare for a place this big. Take Metro Line 3 or Line 7 to Hanxi Changlong Station. Take Exit E. There’s a free shuttle bus that runs in a loop between the metro, the hotels, and all the parks.
Don't bother with taxis from the city center unless you want to sit in Guangzhou’s legendary traffic. The metro is faster and costs about ¥6.
The Food Situation
Inside the parks, food is expensive and mostly mediocre. We’re talking ¥80 for a basic plate of rice and meat. The resort is pretty strict about "no outside food," but they usually don't care about a few small snacks or a water bottle. Just don't try to bring in a whole bucket of KFC or instant noodles that need hot water.
If you're staying for the circus, eat a big late lunch before you enter the resort. There are plenty of malls near the Hanxi Changlong metro station with much better (and cheaper) Cantonese food.
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Is Chimelong Paradise Actually Worth It?
Let's talk about the actual amusement park part. Chimelong Paradise has world-class rides, but it’s showing its age a bit. The 10 Inversion Coaster is a classic, but it’s a rough ride. Your head will bounce between the restraints.
The Dive Coaster is much smoother. It holds you over a 90-degree drop for a few seconds before letting go. It’s a genuine stomach-dropper.
But here’s the thing: Chimelong has been pouring a lot of money into their new park in Qingyuan lately. Some regulars have noticed that Paradise isn't getting as many new toys as it used to. If you're a "thoosie" (a roller coaster enthusiast), you'll have a good time. If you're a casual tourist, the Safari Park is a much better use of your money.
Ticket Prices and Bundles
Expect to pay around ¥250 to ¥350 for a single park ticket.
If you’re doing more than one park, buy a combo.
A 2-day pass for Safari + Paradise is usually the best value.
Check apps like Meituan or Trip.com for "Night Tickets." These are often cheaper and let you enter after 3:00 PM or 5:00 PM when the sun isn't trying to kill you.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
To make the most of your time at the resort, you need a strategy. This isn't a place where you can just "wing it" and have a relaxing day.
- Download the App: The "Chimelong" app shows real-time wait times for rides and show schedules. It’s mostly in Chinese, but the map is intuitive enough to navigate.
- Bring your Passport: Since 2024, security and ticket checks have become more integrated with ID systems. You’ll need it to pick up "Overseas Tourist" discounted tickets.
- The Humidity Hack: Wear moisture-wicking clothes. Cotton is okay, but once it gets wet from sweat or a splash ride, it stays wet and heavy all day.
- The Morning Sprint: If you’re at Paradise, run to the 10 Inversion Coaster or the Dive Coaster first thing. If you’re at Safari, go straight to the small train at the North Gate.
- Check the Weather: If there’s even a hint of lightning, they shut down the outdoor coasters immediately. They don't give refunds for weather, so check the forecast before you tap your card at the gate.
The resort is a weird, loud, exhausting, and brilliant piece of Guangzhou. It represents the "more is more" philosophy of Chinese tourism. Even if you aren't a "theme park person," the sheer scale of seeing 500 different species of animals or a circus with a literal wall of fire is worth the trip. Just remember to start at the North Gate. Your feet will thank you.
To get started, check the official Chimelong website for the current month's "Night Session" schedule, as these evening events often feature unique drone shows and fireworks that aren't advertised on standard daytime tickets.