Chimelong in Panyu, Guangzhou, is a cluster of theme parks and a zoo: Safari Park, Happy World, Water Park, Bird Park and more; each park is ticketed separately. You can spend a full day or two.
Safari Park is the star—train and cable car for animals, panda and koala houses, white-tiger show and more; Happy World is rides and roller coasters; Water Park opens in summer. Metro Line 3 or 7 to Hanxi Chimelong; free shuttles from the station to each park. About 30–50 minutes from downtown.
For families with kids or anyone who wants a full day at a theme park, Chimelong packs “zoo + parks” in one place in Panyu. It’s a different line from “tower + Shamian + yum cha” in town—either set aside a full day for Chimelong or stick to the city if you’re short on time.
What Makes It Worth It
Safari Park is a major draw in South China — Train and cable car loops for animals, panda and koala houses, white-tiger show and more; many families come to Guangzhou to “go to Chimelong for the animals.” Lots of walking and queuing; allow most of a day to a full day.
Happy World and Water Park — Happy World is rides and roller coasters for thrill-seekers; Water Park is summer-only, slides and water play—separate ticket, bring swimwear and sun protection.
Metro + shuttle — Hanxi Chimelong station has free shuttle buses to the south/north gates of each park, about 3–5 minutes; no car needed.
Complements a city itinerary — City for “tower + Shamian + yum cha”; Chimelong gets its own full day. If you only have 2–3 days in Guangzhou and prioritise the city, skip Chimelong.
What to Expect
Crowds: Weekends, holidays and school breaks are very busy; long queues. Weekdays are lighter. Arrive early or buy tickets and book in advance on the official site or authorised channels.
Scale and choice: Multiple parks run separately; Safari Park usually needs most of a day to a full day; Happy World and Water Park each need half a day or more. Most visitors pick one or two parks or a multi-park ticket; check the venue.
Tickets: Each park is ticketed; multi-park combos available. Prices and hours as per the venue. Some need ID or advance booking—check before you go.
Transport: Metro to Hanxi Chimelong, then free shuttle to park entrances; about 30–50 minutes from downtown. For taxi, set “长隆野生动物世界” or “汉溪长隆”; if the app has no English, ask the hotel to write the name or show a map.
Physical: Safari Park involves a lot of walking and queuing—comfortable shoes and water; in summer, sun protection. Water Park needs swimwear and sun protection.
Don't Miss
Safari Park — train and cable car — The park train and cable car do loops of the animal areas; included in the ticket. Train about 40 minutes; cable car gives a bird’s-eye view. Ride early after opening to shorten queues.
Panda and koala houses — Panda and koala areas are popular; combine with the walking zones; animals are more active in the morning.
White-tiger show and other performances — Multiple animal shows and displays; times as per the day’s schedule—pick up a map or check the app when you enter.
Happy World (if you choose this park) — Rides and roller coasters; for thrill-seekers, allow a full or half day. Height and health restrictions on site.
Water Park (summer) — Open in summer; water play and slides; separate ticket, bring swimwear and sun protection.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission | Each park ticketed separately; multi-park combos available; prices and hours as per venue |
| Booking/Tickets | Official site or Trip.com (confirm on venue); book ahead in peak season |
| Opening hours | As per venue; usually from 9:30, later close in peak season |
| Suggested time | Safari Park about a full day; Happy World / Water Park half a day or more each |
| Metro | Line 3 or 7 Hanxi Chimelong, Exit D or E; free shuttle to each park |
Buy tickets in advance on the official site or authorised channels; some require ID or booking. Payment as per venue; have How to Pay in China ready.
Getting There
Metro: Line 3 or 7 to Hanxi Chimelong, Exit D or E; Chimelong runs free shuttles to south/north gates of each park, about 3–5 minutes. About 30–40 minutes from the Zhujiang New Town area.
Taxi / ride-hail: Set destination “长隆野生动物世界,” “长隆欢乐世界” or “汉溪长隆”; if the app has no English, ask the hotel to write “长隆野生动物世界” or “汉溪长隆” for the driver or show a map. About 30–50 minutes from downtown depending on traffic.
With the city: Chimelong works best as a full day on its own; from a city hotel you can go early and return late, or stay in Panyu one night for two days. Different from “tower + Shamian + yum cha”—choose by trip length and interest.
Common mistakes: Not allowing enough time—Safari Park needs at least most of a day, Happy World half a day or more; queues are long in peak season—arrive early or go on a weekday. Not checking each park’s opening and closure days—some parks have maintenance or closed days; check the official site before you go.
First-Visit Strategy
Arrive before opening: Parks usually open from 9:30; get to the gate early and hit popular attractions right after opening.
Safari Park first:
- Train — Ride early after opening to shorten the queue.
- Cable car — Loop over the park; included in the ticket.
- Panda and koala houses — Animals more active in the morning.
Lunch: Food inside the park at park prices; you can bring some snacks (check park rules) or eat off-peak.
Afternoon: Continue the walking zones, shows or other attractions; with a two-park ticket you can switch to Happy World or Water Park.
With kids: Focus on Safari Park; most kids like the train and cable car. Happy World has height limits on some rides—check on site before queuing.
Chimelong is the theme-park and zoo cluster in Panyu, Guangzhou—Safari Park, Happy World, Water Park and more, each ticketed separately. Metro to Hanxi Chimelong plus shuttle gets you there; good for families or a full day of parks.
It’s a complement to “tower + Shamian + yum cha” in the city—either give Chimelong a full day or stick to the city when time is tight. Tickets and hours as per the venue; book ahead when you can; in peak season arrive early or go on a weekday for a better experience.
Related Guides:
- Guangzhou City Guide — Complete city guide
FAQ
What should first-time visitors know about Guangzhou?
First-time visitors should focus on central historic areas, utilize the metro for transport, and book major museum or landmark tickets online at least several days in advance.
Is Guangzhou a good destination for a family trip with kids?
Yes, it is very family-friendly with large public parks, clean metro systems, and interactive museums. Strollers are useful, though be prepared for some stairs in older neighborhoods.
Should I book a guided tour in Guangzhou?
A guided walking or food tour is highly recommended to understand the deep history and local secrets. Always book through reputable, licensed agencies to avoid forced shopping stops.
What local foods must I try in Guangzhou?
Don't miss the regional signature dishes, local street food snacks, and fresh dumplings. Look for busy local restaurants where you see crowds of residents dining.
