Embark on a journey to two of China's most captivating aquatic wonderlands, each offering its own realm of discovery. Whether you seek icy encounters or tropical tides, these parks give you more ways to marvel at the beauty and diversity of our planet's waters.
Harbin Polar Park: Where ice wonders and marine magic come alive
Nestled in Harbin's Sun Island—a national scenic area—Harbin Polar Park is China's first cultural tourism resort centered on polar-themed shows, animal encounters, and science education.
The park features five major venues: the Polar Museum, Oceanarium, Smart Penguin House, Polar Bear Experience Hall, and Exotic Pet Hall. Visitors can enjoy seven signature performances, including beluga and dolphin shows, sea lion & walrus stand-up comedy, glacier parades, penguin acts, water dances, and ray displays.
Its main building is creatively shaped like a giant beluga, making it a famous city landmark. The park boasts the world's largest underwater beluga performance theater and the first dolphin show stage where aerial artists perform alongside marine animals. It also debuts the world's first indoor glacier and aurora borealis display.
A global highlight: Harbin Polar Park created the world's first underwater beluga performance. Two belugas and two female caretakers reenacted the "Ocean Heart," an act honored as one of the "Top 50 Historical Moments Worldwide."
In July 2023, the Smart Penguin House opened as China's first polar-ocean study base. Its original three-story crystal penguin bowl allows visitors to meet four rare penguin species across different spaces and levels. Every winter, the "Smart Penguins" march through snowy attractions with tiny backpacks, adding playful charm to the ice season.
Whether you seek thrilling shows or close wildlife encounters, Harbin Polar Park offers an unforgettable Arctic adventure in the heart of Heilongjiang.
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom
A favorite destination for guests from around the world, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Hengqin, Zhuhai, Guangdong, is the only recipient of the 2014 Outstanding Themed Park Achievement Award granted by the Themed Entertainment Association.
The eight themed areas of Chimelong Ocean Kingdom are, in a word, enchanting. Thousands of rare fish swim in the Whale Shark Aquarium, the world's largest one of its kind. Penguin Hall is home to polar Emperor, King, Adelie, Gentoo, and Humboldt penguins. Meanwhile, Polar Bear Hall hosts the North Pole predators.
Astounding performances of white whales, dolphins, and sea lions are showcased here. Nine dynamic entertainment attractions, like Underwater World, Parrot Roller Coaster, Super Riptide, and Iceberg Roller Coaster, offer visitors endless surprises.
A scrumptious experience is also provided by 19 unique restaurants, while guests will be delighted by multiple themed stores, kiosk shops, and outdoor performances such as the Float Parade and Hengqin Ocean Show.
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Author | Liu Lingzhi
Photo | Harbin Polar Park, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, Southern Metropolis Daily
Editor | Wei Shen, James Campion, Shen He
With input from China Daily
