Located in the vibrant city of Guangzhou, Chimelong Safari Park is a world-class wildlife destination and a highlight of the Chimelong Tourist Resort in Panyu District. As one of the largest and most diverse safari parks globally, it spans over 130 hectares and is home to more than 20,000 animals across 500 species, including rare creatures like panda triplets, white tigers, and koalas. With its unique blend of self-driving tours, immersive walking areas, animal shows, and conservation efforts, it’s a must-visit for families, animal lovers, and adventure seekers. This guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to this national 5A-rated scenic spot.
A Travel Guide to Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park
Why Visit Chimelong Safari Park?
Chimelong Safari Park stands out for its unique combination of large-scale wildlife exhibits, interactive experiences, and conservation efforts. It’s home to the world’s only living panda triplets, a massive white tiger population, and over 50 koalas—the largest outside Australia. The park’s innovative self-driving and train tours allow visitors to observe animals in expansive, naturalistic habitats, mimicking an African safari. With engaging animal shows, a cable car for panoramic views, and family-friendly activities, it’s a must-visit for animal lovers and families seeking both fun and education.
How to Get There
Located at No. 593, Xiangjiang Avenue, Panyu District, the park is easily accessible from Guangzhou and nearby cities.
From Downtown Guangzhou: Metro: Take Line 7 to Hanxi Changlong Station (Exit D or E), then hop on the free shuttle bus to the park’s South Gate. The journey takes about 30–40 minutes and costs ¥5–7. Taxi/Rideshare (Didi): A 30-minute ride from central Guangzhou costs ¥30–50. Bus: Routes 304 or 562 stop directly at the park. Fares are ¥2–4.
From Guangzhou South Railway Station: Take Metro Line 7 to Hanxi Changlong Station, then the free shuttle (20 minutes total). Alternatively, a taxi costs ¥50 and takes 15–20 minutes.
From Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: Take Metro Line 3 (toward Panyu Square), transfer to Line 7 at Hanxi Changlong, then take the shuttle. Total travel time is about 1 hour. A taxi directly to the park takes 45–60 minutes and costs ¥100–150.
From Hong Kong: Take a high-speed train from West Kowloon Station to Guangzhou South Station (50 minutes, ¥215 for second-class). Then follow the above options. Alternatively, ferries to Lianhuashan Port or Shunde Harbour connect to free shuttles (11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM).
Tip: Use WeChat Pay or Alipay for tickets and transport, as cashless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round Appeal: The park is open daily, with animals active throughout the year. Guangzhou’s subtropical climate means mild winters (10–20°C) and hot, humid summers (25–35°C).
Optimal Seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer comfortable weather and vibrant scenery. Summer is busy but ideal for water-based activities nearby. Winter is quieter with fewer crowds.
Avoid Peak Times: Chinese holidays like National Day (early October) and Lunar New Year (January/February) are crowded. Weekdays are less busy than weekends.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Opening Hours: Daily: 9:30 AM–6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM); Self-driving area: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Ticket Prices: Adult: ¥300 (weekdays), ¥350 (weekends/holidays); Children (1.2–1.5m) and seniors (65+): ¥210 (weekdays), ¥245 (weekends/holidays); Children under 1.2m: Free; Self-driving vehicle ticket: ¥300 (weekdays), ¥350 (holidays), plus a valid Chinese driver’s license or rental car option. Combo tickets: Available for Safari Park + Chimelong International Circus or other resort attractions (¥450–600).
Booking: Purchase tickets online via the official Chimelong website, Trip.com, or Ctrip to skip lines. On-site ticket booths are available but busier. Combo tickets are cost-effective for multi-park visits.
What to See and Do
The park is divided into two main areas: the Self-Driving Area (North Gate) and the Walking Area (South Gate), offering diverse experiences.
Self-Driving Area: Safari on Wheels: Take a 30–40-minute small train tour through themed zones like the Wild Zone and Australian Forest, spotting zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. Sit on the right side for better views. Self-Driving: Drive your own vehicle or rent a car/taxi (¥300–350) for a flexible, close-up experience across nearly 1 million square meters. Follow safety rules and stay in your vehicle.
Walking Area: Explore themed exhibits like the Chimelong Giant Panda Center (home to the panda triplets), Koala Garden, Hundred Tiger Mountain, Asian Elephant Garden, Amazon Rainforest, and Swan Lake. Interactive zones allow feeding giraffes or alpacas and bonding with smaller animals at the children’s playground.
Animal Shows: Catch performances at four theaters: Flower and Fruit Mountain Theater, Hippo Theater, Elephant Theater, and Ark Theater. Highlights include white tiger shows, elephant performances, and exotic animal acts. Shows run 15–30 minutes and occur multiple times daily.
Cable Car: A 3-km triangular loop (30 minutes) hovers 1 meter above ground, offering 720-degree views of flamingos, lions, and pandas. Tickets are ¥50–80, purchased separately. Educational Activities: Visit the animal nursery or science base to learn about conservation. Kids can participate in activities like animal care or crafts (e.g., paper cutting).
Note: Food is not allowed inside to protect animals, but eateries are available.
Where to Eat
On-Site Dining: The park offers restaurants and kiosks serving Chinese dishes (noodles, rice bowls, ¥20–50), fast food, and snacks. Vegetarian options are limited, so plan accordingly.
Nearby: The Chimelong Hotel has diverse dining, including Thai at Mulian (Hanxi Zhong Road). Outside the resort, Panyu District offers local Cantonese cuisine.
Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle; refills are available. For picnics, eat outside the park before entering.
Where to Stay
Staying within the Chimelong Tourist Resort maximizes convenience:
Chimelong Hotel (5-star): Located inside the resort, it features 1,500 rooms, views of white tigers, and perks like fast passes and park shortcuts. Rates start at ¥800/night. Chimelong Panda Hotel: Family-friendly with themed rooms, starting at ¥600/night. Panyu Xiangjiang Hotel: A budget-friendly option at ¥400–600/night.
Nearby: Panyu District has hotels like Holiday Inn Guangzhou Chimelong (¥400–700/night) or budget guesthouses (¥150–300/night) via Booking.com or Ctrip.
Tip: Book early for holidays, and check for park-hotel combo deals.
Tips for a Great Visit
Arrive Early: Start at 9:30 AM to maximize time and avoid crowds. Begin with the self-driving area or panda center. Accessibility: The park is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, with rentals (¥100/day, ¥200 deposit) and accessible pathways.
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hats, and light clothing for summer. Cashless payments (WeChat/Alipay) are preferred. Photography: The cable car and walking areas offer great photo ops, but drones are prohibited.
Combine Your Trip: Pair with Chimelong International Circus (5:00 PM–9:00 PM) or Chimelong Paradise amusement park for a full resort experience. Conservation Focus: Respect rules (no feeding animals, stay in vehicles) to support the park’s breeding and protection efforts.
Final Thoughts
Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park is a wildlife wonderland that blends adventure, education, and family fun. From driving alongside roaming giraffes to snapping selfies with the panda triplets, the park delivers unforgettable moments. Plan ahead, book tickets online, and immerse yourself in one of Asia’s top safari experiences. Whether you’re marveling at rare species or enjoying thrilling animal shows, Chimelong promises a day of awe and excitement.
Happy travels!
