Planning a day trip to Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou, China? This practical guide provides all the details you need—from ticket prices and best routes to opening hours and essential tips—to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Last week, I visited Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou during a heavy rainstorm. I’ve put together this guide based on that experience to help you plan your visit.

If you’re planning a trip to China, be sure to include Guangzhou Changlong Safari Park in your itinerary. Located in Guangzhou, this expansive park offers a thrilling experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Here’s what you can expect during your visit, along with some tips to make the most of your day, especially if the weather takes an unexpected turn.

Introduction to Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou

Chimelong Safari Park, acclaimed as “China’s most international standard wildlife park,” is the largest and most diverse wildlife theme park globally.

Opened in 1997, Chimelong Safari Park covers over 2000 acres and is part of the first batch of 5A-level tourist attractions in the Chimelong Tourist Resort in Guangzhou. It is one of the first privately operated wildlife theme parks in China and is renowned for its extensive range of animal species and large-scale habitats.

The park features vast subtropical rainforests and offers large-scale wildlife enclosures with self-drive tours, small train rides, and cable car views. It integrates animal and plant conservation, scientific research, popular science education, and cultural tourism. Attractions include animal science stations, a rich science corridor, an engaging animal classroom, and a warm animal kindergarten. The park is home to over ten giant pandas, including the world’s only surviving giant panda triplets, “Mengmeng, Shuai Shuai, and Kuku.” It also boasts a large koala population of over 60 individuals, the largest outside of Australia, as well as Malaysian orangutans, Thai Asian elephants, and Honduran anteaters among 500 species of over 20,000 exotic animals. Chimelong Safari Park is recognized by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums as a “world-class wildlife park.”

Both adults and children will find joy in this world of animals.

Ticket Information for Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou

It is recommended to purchase tickets through the official Chimelong channel “Chimelong Travel” WeChat mini-program, as ticket prices vary on regular days and special days.

• Special Days: New Year’s Day, Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Summer Holidays, Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day, all weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), and special theme event days at various parks. Dates for statutory holidays and adjusted long weekends may vary and will be adjusted accordingly.
• Regular Days: All days other than the aforementioned special days.

Free Entry: Children under 1.0 meters tall (one adult may bring one free-entry child).

There are various discounted ticket types available:

Additional types of tickets, such as package deals and special experience tickets, can be checked on the “Chimelong Travel” WeChat mini-program.

• Standard Ticket: Applicable for all visitors; allows one-time entry on the specified date.
• Child Ticket: For children aged 3 to 12 years or 1.0 to 1.5 meters tall on the day of visit.
• Senior Ticket: For adults aged 65 years and above (ID required for entry).
• Teen Ticket: For teenagers aged 12 to 18 years, over 1.5 meters tall. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (16 years and above).
• Free Entry: Children under 3 years old or under 1 meter tall. One ticket-holding adult may bring one free-entry child (unless otherwise specified for special tickets).

Chimelong Member Birthday Discount: On their birthday (according to ID), members can enjoy a 50% discount on the standard park ticket for a single park by presenting a valid ID and membership card/e-card. No reservation needed, but members must be 18 or older, register at least one day in advance, and purchase tickets early. The birthday discount may not apply due to crowd limits. Ticket availability and crowd conditions are subject to on-site confirmation.

Before purchasing tickets, check the weather. On the day of my visit, there was heavy rain, and I considered refunding the ticket but decided to go despite the weather.

Ticket Refund Policy:

When buying tickets, you will need to provide your ID number. After purchase, use your ID to enter the park. For on-site purchases, it’s advisable to arrive early to avoid peak times.

There are self-service lockers at the north and south entrances of the park for storing belongings. Prices are as follows:

• Small Locker: ¥20
• Medium Locker: ¥35
• Large Locker: ¥55
• Extra Large Locker: ¥75 (No extra large lockers at the north entrance)

Transportation to Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou

Metro: Take Metro Line 3 or 7 to Hanxi Changlong Station. At Hanxi Changlong Station, use Exit D/E and take the free shuttle bus provided by Chimelong Tourist Resort.

Bus: Take bus routes 562 or 304 to Chimelong Tourist Resort Station. Free shuttle buses are available to the theme park and affiliated hotels.

From the Metro Station

By Metro: From Guangzhou metro stations (take Line 3 or Line 7) -> Hanxi Changlong Metro Station (Exit E or D, about a 5-minute walk) -> Chimelong Metro Plaza Shuttle Bus Station

From the Bus Station

Public Buses to Hanxi Changlong Station:

• Route 129: First bus at 06:15, last bus at 22:30 (times are approximate)
• Route 163: First bus at 08:00, last bus at 20:30 (times are approximate)
• Route 109: First bus at 07:20, last bus at 19:00 (times are approximate)

Public Buses to Chimelong Safari Park:

• Route 304: First bus at 07:00, last bus at 21:30 (times are approximate)
• Route 526: First bus at 06:00, last bus at 22:00 (times are approximate)

From Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

By Metro: From Airport South Station (take Metro Line 3 North Extension to Sports West Road, about 37 minutes) -> Sports West Road Station (transfer to Metro Line 3 to Panyu, about 20 minutes) -> Hanxi Changlong Metro Station (Exit E or D, about a 5-minute walk) -> Chimelong Metro Plaza Shuttle Bus Station (take the free shuttle bus to the park)

By Taxi/Self-Drive: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Airport Expressway, South China Main Line to Panyu Avenue, about 1 hour) -> Chimelong Tourist Resort

By Airport Express: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Operating Hours: 08:40-20:00, about 1.5 hours. Check real-time schedules on the “Guangzhou Airport Express” website or call 020-86183720 for inquiries) -> Chimelong Tourist Resort

From High-Speed Rail Stations

By High-Speed Rail: Guangzhou South High-Speed Rail Station (about a 5-minute walk) -> Guangzhou South Metro Station (take Line 7, about 10 minutes) -> Hanxi Changlong Metro Station (Exit E/D, about a 5-minute walk) -> Chimelong Metro Plaza Shuttle Bus Station (take the free shuttle bus to the park)

By Taxi/Self-Drive: Guangzhou South High-Speed Rail Station (about 20 minutes) -> Chimelong Tourist Resort

Starting from Guangzhou East Station/Guangzhou Railway Station

By Metro:

• Guangzhou East Station (Line 3 North Extension, 4 minutes) -> Tiyu Xilu Metro Station (transfer to Line 3, 20 minutes) -> Hanxi Changlong Metro Station (Exit E/D, 5-minute walk) -> Changlong Metro Plaza Shuttle Bus Station (take the free Chimelong shuttle bus to reach various park zones and hotels)
• Guangzhou East Station (Line 18, 15 minutes) -> Nancun Wanbo Station (transfer to Line 7, 5 minutes) -> Hanxi Changlong Metro Station (Exit E/D, 5-minute walk) -> Changlong Metro Plaza Shuttle Bus Station (take the free Chimelong shuttle bus to reach various park zones and hotels)
• Guangzhou Railway Station (Line 5, 16 minutes) -> Zhujiang New Town Metro Station (transfer to Line 3, 18 minutes) -> Hanxi Changlong Metro Station (Exit E/D, 5-minute walk) -> Changlong Metro Plaza Shuttle Bus Station (take the free Chimelong shuttle bus to reach various park zones and hotels)

By Taxi/Self-Drive:

• Guangzhou East Station (30 minutes) -> Guangzhou Chimelong Resort
• Guangzhou Railway Station (30 minutes) -> Guangzhou Chimelong Resort

By Special Bus Line: Guangzhou South Station (passes through Guangzhou Chimelong Panda Hotel, Chimelong Hotel, and Chimelong Xiangjiang Hotel, 35 minutes) -> Guangzhou Chimelong Resort

Note: 1. Ticket Office: Follow the “Guangzhou East Station Bus Terminal” official account; 2. Available travel dates are shown on the official account; 3. For more details, please call 020-87728200.

Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park Map

Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park is divided into several zones:

1. Purple: North Gate Area
2. Yellow: Train Tour Area
3. Pink: Dragon and Tiger Area
4. White: Central Area
5. Blue: South Gate Area

We entered through the North Gate due to heavy rain, which resulted in fewer visitors and cooler weather. Normally, the North Gate tends to be busier than the South Gate, so choose your entry gate based on your situation.

With fewer visitors, the waiting times were short. We arrived at 10 AM and finished exploring the park by around 5:30 PM. Most attractions inside the park close by 5:30 PM. Please continue reading for the detailed opening hours.

Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park Opening Hours and Main Attractions

Opening Hours by Area

• South Gate Area: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
• North Gate Area: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
• Dragon and Tiger Area: 9:45 AM - 6:30 PM (Dragon Mountain last entry at 6:00 PM)
• Central Area: 11:00 AM - 6:30 PM
• Self-Drive Safari Area: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM), visitors must tour the Self-Drive Safari Area before entering the walking area.

Operating hours and facility schedules are updated daily on the official website. Please refer to the website or on-site notices for any adjustments.

Main Attractions

• Pelican Flight: 9:45 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM (Swan Lake)
• White Tiger Dive: 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM, every 30 minutes (White Tiger Mountain)
• Happy Forest: 11:10 AM - 5:10 PM, every hour (Dragon Mountain)
• South American Adventure: 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM (South Gate Area)
• African Discovery: 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM (South Gate Area)
• Elephant Legend: 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM (Central Area)
• Train Tour: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (North Gate Area)
• Cable Car: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Swan Lake Station, Panda Paradise Station)
• 4D Cinema: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM, shows on the hour and half-hour (South Gate Area)
• Cute Animal Parade: 1:00 PM (Central Area)
• Grand Parade: 4:00 PM (South Gate Area)

Parades may vary based on actual conditions. Specific performance times and waiting times can be checked through the official mini-program, making it very convenient.

Tips for Visiting Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park

Park Rules

• For public safety, all visitors entering Chimelong theme parks and circus venues must undergo security checks. Staff will ask you to open your bags for inspection. Dangerous items such as weapons, explosives, and other prohibited items as per laws and regulations are strictly forbidden.
• To ensure the safety of the animals, Chimelong Safari Park does not allow visitors to bring in outside food and drinks, except for baby food and a small amount of drinking water.
• Pets, including dogs, are not allowed in the park, except for certified guide dogs.

Suggested Items to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes: The park is large, and you’ll be walking a lot.
• Sun protection and insect repellent: Bring items like insect repellent, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Rain gear and sandals: If you visit during the summer rainy season, it’s advisable to bring a raincoat and sandals. Rain gear and sandals can make a heavy downpour more manageable.

Can You Bring Food to Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park?

The park has designated dining areas and does not allow outside food. However, we brought bottled water, cucumbers, and toast, and the staff didn’t mention anything during the bag check.

Chimelong Customer Service Hotline: 400-883-0083 (Service hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

Suggested Route for Visiting Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park

A Day at Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park: A Complete Guide

There’s no fixed route for visiting the park, as your plans might change depending on nearby shows or performances. The walking areas mostly have one-way routes, so you won’t have to retrace your steps often, and even if you do, it won’t be for long.

Here’s the route we took:

1. The blue line (Line 1) marks our walk from the North Gate entrance to the train tour boarding point.
2. The red line (Line 2) shows the train tour route.
3. The blue line (Line 3) represents our walk from Dragon Mountain to White Tiger Mountain, then through the Central Area where we visited Giraffe Plaza, Koala Garden, Golden Bull Ridge, Asian Elephants, Panda Village, and the 4D Cinema in the South Gate Area. We then continued to Flower Fruit Mountain and the Golden Monkey Kingdom, before returning to Swan Lake and boarding the cable car.
4. The orange line (Line 4) indicates the cable car route.
5. The blue line (Line 5) marks our walk from Panda Paradise Station to the South Gate.

We entered the park at around 10 AM and encountered performances like Happy Forest, White Tiger Dive, Grand Parade, and Pelican Flight along the way.

On the day of our visit, we entered through the North Gate and headed straight to the Train Tour Area. Due to the heavy rain, there weren’t many people in line, and the entire tour took about 30-40 minutes. The train tour includes a professional guide who provides commentary, and you’ll see animals along the route (sitting on the right side offers better views as most animals are on that side). Despite the rain, the kids on the train were still excited. Whether it’s the train or the cable car, you can ride them multiple times if time permits. If you purchase a self-drive ticket, you’ll explore the same route as the train, but with the added benefit of getting closer to the animals and having control over how long you stay at each stop.

One of the unique experiences at Guangzhou Changlong Safari Park is the safari train ride, which takes you through different animal habitats. However, be prepared for the unpredictable weather in Guangzhou, China. During our visit, we faced a heavy downpour, which made the train ride an unforgettable adventure. Despite wearing a raincoat and shorts, we ended up soaked halfway through the ride.

The rain added a unique atmosphere to the safari, with the animals looking just as helpless as we felt. Despite the weather, we were still able to see a variety of animals, though some, like the monkeys, left a less lasting impression due to the rain.

After the train ride, we started our walking tour, beginning at Swan Lake cable car station. The Qinglong Mountain walking area is a single path with no intersections, leading you first through the “Jurassic Forest.” This section features lifelike dinosaur replicas that move, roar, and even spray water, making you feel like you’re in a scene from “Jurassic Park.”

Continuing our walk, we encountered the “Golden Snake Secret,” an exhibit filled with a variety of snakes. Despite my fear of snakes, the exhibit was fascinating. The snakes are displayed in clear glass enclosures, allowing for a 360-degree view. While most of the snakes were coiled and still, you could see them breathing, which added to the eerie atmosphere.

We also stumbled upon an animal performance, where various animals appeared from the woods to perform without any visible human guidance. The show was followed by an encounter with a Komodo dragon, which, despite its intimidating presence, remained motionless.

After leaving the Golden Snake Secret, we arrived at White Tiger Hill, where we caught the White Tiger Diving Show. The staff lured the tigers to jump into a pool using chicken legs, providing an exciting spectacle. It’s advisable to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.

After watching the thrilling White Tiger performance, head over to White Tiger Hill. Here, you can observe numerous majestic tigers in their natural habitat. The area also features several newly-born cubs, which are absolutely adorable.

As you continue your exploration, take a break at the Giraffe Feeding Station. Here, you can purchase leaves to feed the giraffes up close. The feeding experience is particularly delightful for families with children, offering a unique opportunity to interact with these gentle giants.

Next, visit the koalas, who, due to the rain, were comfortably resting indoors during our visit. Seeing a koala for the first time is a charming experience—these animals resemble plush toys more than anything else. Despite their reputation for being sleepy, the koalas were quite active, albeit with slow movements. Their diet of eucalyptus leaves is carefully managed, with fresh leaves provided regularly by the park’s staff.

On Golden Bull Hill, you’ll encounter the golden takins, a unique species native to China. Afterward, head over to see the Asian elephants. Unfortunately, we missed the “Elephant Legend” show, but the sight of these magnificent creatures was still awe-inspiring.

One of the highlights of any visit to Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park is seeing the giant pandas. Unlike other zoos where pandas are often far away or inactive, here, they are lively and frequently move about, offering visitors an excellent view.

After visiting the pandas, take a stroll to the 4D cinema. The movie is relatively short but enjoyable, especially for children. As you exit the cinema, you might catch the start of the Flower Car Parade, a vibrant and exciting spectacle.

Initially, we planned to visit Swan Lake, but it was under maintenance, so we opted for the cable car instead. The cable car ride offers fantastic views of the park, including special vantage points like “Aerial White Tiger” and “Aerial Panda.” It’s a relaxing way to rest your feet while still enjoying the sights.

As we wrapped up our day, we passed by Flamingo Island and learned an interesting fact: flamingos are not naturally pink. Their color comes from the shrimp and algae they consume, which contain astaxanthin, a pigment that turns their feathers pink. Without enough astaxanthin in their diet, flamingos would remain white.

Conclusion

Our day at Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park was filled with awe-inspiring sights and memorable experiences. Whether you’re traveling with family or exploring on your own, this park offers something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to visit this incredible destination on your next trip to Guangzhou China!

This guide provides a detailed overview of some of the most exciting attractions in Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply exploring your options, this guide ensures you won’t miss out on any of the highlights.