Our journey to the Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou began
as a typical theme park adventure—with resort buses shuttling us from the
entrance after we passed through three layers of security. But stepping into
Chimelong, it quickly became clear this wasn’t your average animal park.
Nestled in the sprawling Chimelong Resort complex, this safari park is the
largest wildlife theme park in China and one of the most renowned in Asia,
covering over 1,300 acres and housing nearly 500 animal species. Known for its
dedication to conservation and creating immersive, open-air environments for
the animals, Chimelong Safari Park is consistently recognized for its high
standards of animal welfare and habitat design.
Once inside, we were greeted by the eccentric "bird guy" on stilts, guiding visitors toward the various themed zones: Primate Kingdom, Panda Village, Koala House, and a drive-through safari experience called "Safari on Wheels." The park’s layout was carefully thought out, with lush, shaded paths and streams designed to make the trek comfortable, even under the heat of Guangzhou. Each exhibit seemed almost hidden among the trees, with winding paths leading to habitats that felt natural, blending the environment seamlessly into the animals' spaces.
The first stop for many, including us, was Panda Village,
home to Chimelong's famous giant pandas. China’s national treasure was
celebrated in grand fashion here, with pandas lounging in vast, well-maintained
enclosures featuring bamboo forests, flowing water, and tiered viewing
platforms for guests. With over a dozen giant pandas and even some red pandas,
Chimelong Safari Park hosts one of the world’s largest panda populations
outside of Sichuan province. Watching these gentle giants munch on bamboo and
playfully roll around was an experience, especially since the layout allows you
to observe them up close, without compromising their behaviors or comfort.
Leaving the pandas, we wandered through Primate Kingdom,
where the lively spider monkeys swung freely in treetops. It seemed that,
unlike many zoos, the primates at Chimelong Safari Park had no enclosures; they
roamed through trees with their caretakers close by, who provided food and
attention while ensuring the monkeys didn’t wander too far. The open
environment added an exciting sense of being immersed in their world, and the
monkeys seemed genuinely content and playful.
Nearby, we found ourselves captivated by the koalas of Koala
House, the largest koala exhibit outside of Australia. Watching these sleepy
creatures nestled in eucalyptus branches is a rare sight outside of Australia,
making it a unique part of Chimelong's offerings. China and Australia
collaborated on the project to ensure the koalas' comfort and dietary needs,
making Koala House a favorite among families and international visitors alike.
By lunchtime, we discovered that ordering food in the park
involved scanning a QR code and placing an order online. It was an efficient
process, if a bit unusual, as we found ourselves holding a digital ticket and
waiting for our turn to pick up our food. This system is common in larger
Chinese parks, streamlining service during the peak hours when thousands of
guests flow through the park’s attractions.
After refueling, we headed to the heart of the park for its
main draw—the Safari on Wheels experience. This tram tour brings visitors into
the open savanna habitats, covering vast stretches of land that house animals
like giraffes, zebras, lions, and rhinoceroses. The animals are free to roam,
and while some guests opt to drive their own cars through this safari route,
the park's tram offers a narrated experience for those who prefer to relax and
take in the scenery. As we rolled past groups of giraffes feeding from treetops
and watched lions lounging by waterholes, it was clear Chimelong had dedicated
considerable resources to replicating African plains. The drive-through portion
extended over several miles, giving each species plenty of space while allowing
visitors the thrill of seeing animals up close.
One unexpected highlight was the Snake Trail, a covered
pathway that guides guests through enclosures with giant pythons, cobras, and
other species. The snake house is another indication of Chimelong’s efforts to
balance education and adventure, as it features displays on each snake’s
habitat, behaviors, and role in the ecosystem.
The park boasts several more immersive areas, including a 3D
panda display showcasing panda cubs' tiny size at birth—a fascinating exhibit
for anyone unfamiliar with pandas' delicate infancy. And like all major
attractions here, Panda Village had its own gift shops and restaurants stocked
with panda-themed items, continuing Chimelong's tradition of guiding guests
from the exhibit directly into a shopping experience.
Despite the theme-park approach, it was evident that
Chimelong Safari Park prioritized its animals' well-being, with enclosures
designed to mimic natural habitats and attention given to the animals' health
and comfort. Opened in 1997, the park's long-standing commitment to
conservation has garnered international partnerships and support for endangered
species programs, and it's become a vital part of Guangzhou's tourism and
educational landscape.