Stunning! Overnight experience at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom Zhuhai, sleeping alongside whale sharks and enjoying an underwater fireworks show! Life

Beneath that deep blue, there are not only swimming whale sharks and colorful corals but also a dreamlike world beyond imagination.

Standing in front of the world's largest aquarium, behind the 8.3-meter-high, 39.6-meter-long glass viewing panel, a huge whale shark slowly swims by. It’s so close I can see every detail of its skin texture. I hold my breath, as if the entire Ocean Kingdom is just me and this gentle giant.

This is Chimelong Ocean Kingdom Zhuhai, an ocean-themed park holding multiple Guinness World Records and the destination of my two-day, one-night magical journey. It’s not just sightseeing but an immersive ocean adventure.

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01 Magical Opening, Entering the Deep Sea Kingdom

Chimelong International Ocean Resort Zhuhai is not only ranked among the "Top 10 Global Theme Parks" but also underwent a digital upgrade in 2025, adding innovative projects like AR ocean guides and the "Super Mammoth" night light parade.

Upon entering the park, I was amazed by the giant manta ray LED screen overhead, continuously displaying deep-sea themed underwater wonders. Coupled with exciting music, it instantly transports you into a whole new ocean world.

02 Must-Do Experience, Face-to-Face with Marine Creatures

The Whale Shark Pavilion is definitely the crown jewel. Walking through the curved underwater tunnel, thousands of rare fish swim around you, and the dome ceiling reveals a dazzling underwater world.

It’s recommended to arrive before 9 AM to enjoy exclusive AR projection photos with whale sharks. The underwater viewing platform is perfect for silhouette shots. If you’re a photography enthusiast, every angle here can produce stunning shots.

The Beluga Theater and Dolphin Theater shows are not to be missed. The 11:00 AM Beluga show has the fewest people; sitting in the middle row near the aisle increases your chances of interacting with the belugas.

Watching the smart dolphins leap and spin flexibly above and below the water, you can’t help but marvel at the wonders of nature.

The Penguin Pavilion is one of the largest penguin exhibits worldwide, where you can see Emperor and Adélie penguins “cohabiting.” Feeding sessions by keepers happen daily at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM—don’t miss these adorable little guys eating.

03 Thrilling Adventures, Screams and Laughter Nonstop

For thrill-seekers, the Parrot Coaster is a must-ride. It’s a Guinness-certified ten-loop roller coaster, with slow climbs followed by continuous flips and high-speed drops delivering intense visual impact and excitement.

Queueing before 10 AM takes only about 15 minutes, the best time to experience it.

The Super Rapids and Iceberg Coaster are popular summer rides, with a high chance of getting soaked—bringing a raincoat is recommended (sold in the park for 15 RMB each). Sliding down Walrus Mountain takes just three or four seconds; blink and you’re already wet through.

04 Night Falls, Magic Begins

When night falls, the Ocean Kingdom reveals a charm different from daytime. The Ocean Night Light Parade (starting at 7:45 PM) features LED floats and lighting effects, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

But the highlight is the Ocean Defense Battle fireworks show starting at 8:00 PM, the most spectacular fireworks display I’ve ever seen.

Not only are there dazzling lasers, but also numerous drones assisting. In 2025, a spring-limited fireworks display was added. Special fireworks light up the night sky, the drone show is newly upgraded, and popular characters like “Pink Xiaoqi” and whale sharks shine in the air, making the sky breathtakingly beautiful.

The best viewing spots are Dolphin Bay Plaza or Ocean Avenue, but there’s a hidden gem—the glass wall inside the Whale Shark Pavilion. Shooting fireworks and fish dancing together through the glass creates an extraordinary effect.

05 Overnight at the Whale Shark Pavilion, Sleeping with Marine Life

The most unforgettable part of this experience was the overnight stay at the Whale Shark Pavilion. This is a limited immersive experience requiring advance reservation.

As night falls and the surroundings quiet down, lying in a comfortable sleeping bag, you occasionally hear the subtle sounds of fish swimming, as if you are truly in a mysterious underwater world.

At dawn, before other visitors enter the park, you can exclusively enjoy the spectacular sight of whale sharks swimming overhead. The shock and emotion are beyond words.

During the overnight stay, there are fun marine science activities. Staff lead small marine science experiments, make simple marine creature specimens, and hold marine knowledge quizzes. Winners receive cute ocean-themed prizes.

06 Culinary Delights of Ocean Kingdom, Where Food Meets Scenery

The underwater restaurant in the park costs about 500 RMB per person, with six tables right next to the whale shark tank, allowing you to dine while watching marine life swim by. The “Whale Shark-shaped Kids’ Meal” (88 RMB including a toy) is recommended; even without kids, its creativity is captivating.

For a more cost-effective option, the Cantonese dim sum set at Hengqin Bay Restaurant is 48 RMB per set, a good choice. Or head outside the park to Hengqin Port for “Claypot King” Cantonese tea snacks, costing about 40 RMB per person.

07 Practical Information to Help You Enjoy Your Visit

Tickets: Ocean Kingdom combo tickets start at 395 RMB Opening Hours: Usually 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with specific times adjusted seasonally Best Visiting Seasons: March, May (Spring Whale Shark Festival), and September, November (cool autumn), avoiding the summer heat in July and August and the peak crowds during Chinese New Year

Money-saving Tips: Book “Hotel + Ticket” packages (e.g., Yinghai Hotel 2-day package for 798 RMB, including early entry); hotel prices are nearly half cheaper on weekdays than weekends; bring some snacks and water (though officially prohibited, small amounts are usually allowed).

Transportation Guide: High-speed rail: from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Zhuhai Station, then transfer to city rail or shuttle bus (30 RMB/person) direct to the park; Driving: recommended parking at “Hengqin Central Plaza” shopping center (free for 8 hours + shuttle bus 20 RMB/person).

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As night falls, the last fireworks fade into the night sky over Hengqin Sea. The drone-formed whale shark pattern slowly swims into the deep sea, finally turning into twinkling stars.

The crowd gradually disperses, but I have the chance to stay and continue exploring the underwater world. Lying in the sleeping bag at the Whale Shark Pavilion, looking up, the giant manta rays seem to fly overhead, their shadows gently swaying with the water flow.