Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park

Imagine wandering through a sprawling subtropical rainforest, marveling at rare animals like giant pandas and koalas, and riding a train alongside roaming wildlife. That’s precisely what you get when you visit Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park — a six-hour adventure that costs about $79 per person. Guided by reviews and official info, we’ll walk you through what makes this experience both unique and worthwhile.

Two things we genuinely appreciate about this tour are the opportunity to see some of the world’s rarest animals up close — including the world’s only surviving giant panda triplets — and the specially designed safari-like setting with a train and cable car offering stunning park views. Both create an immersive feeling that transports you beyond a typical zoo visit.

A possible caveat is that extra services like guided tours, animal feeding, and stroller rentals are not included in the ticket price, which means you’ll want to plan for additional expenses if you prefer a more guided or comfortable experience. Still, the park’s vast layout and open habitat design make exploring on your own quite feasible.

This tour appeals most to families, animal lovers, and travelers seeking an authentic safari experience within China. If you’re excited by large animals, scenic rides, and a well-regarded wildlife collection, this is a great fit.

Key Points

• Vast & Diverse Collection: Over 20,000 animals including pandas, koalas, orangutans, and elephants.
• Unique Experience: Home to the only giant panda triplets and the largest koala population outside Australia.
• Scenic Rides: Train and cable car rides offer amazing park views and a safari-like feel.
• Self-Exploration: You can wander freely, with optional guided services available for extra.
• Value for Money: Includes entrance, with optional paid upgrades for animal feeding and guided tours.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, especially those interested in wildlife and scenic rides.

An In-Depth Look at Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park

Location and Basic Details

Set in Guangzhou, China, this wildlife park spans more than 2000 mu (roughly 1,333 acres), making it one of the largest in the world. It’s part of the Chimelong Tourism Resort, designated as a 5A national tourist scenic spot — a badge of quality in China. The park opened in 1997 and is praised as a “world-class wildlife park” by the World Zoo Organization, highlighting its international reputation.

The tour typically costs $79, and most visitors book about 23 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The park’s opening hours from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM give ample time to explore on your own or with optional guided services.

Why We Like It

People rave about the train and cable car rides — these aren’t just transportation but part of the experience, offering amazing views and the feeling of being on a real safari. One reviewer noted, “Incredible park, there is a train and a cable car you can take with amazing views.” This scenic element makes the park not just about animals, but also about experiencing the environment from different perspectives.

Another highlight is the variety of animals, especially the giant pandas, including the rare giant panda triplets, Meng Meng, Shuai Shuai, and Cool. Seeing these triplets is a rare treat and makes the visit feel extra special.

What to Expect on Your Visit

The Safari Park Itself

The core of the experience is the Chimelong Wildlife World, which features a large-scale primitive ecology of subtropical rainforest. The park’s layout allows you to feel as if you’re wandering through natural habitats, not just a zoo. Entrance includes a park train ride — a highlight that many reviews mention — which gives you a comfortable, guided overview of the sprawling grounds.

You might also opt for the cable car ride, providing panoramic views over the animal enclosures and lush landscapes. Be prepared for a lot of walking if you choose to explore on foot, but the train offers a relaxing alternative.

Animal Encounters and Viewing

The park is home to seven generations of over 60 Australian koalas, making it the largest koala population outside Australia. Seeing these gentle creatures in a setting that mimics their natural habitat is a real highlight. The Honduras aardvark and Thailand’s Asian elephants are also on display, offering insights into their conservation stories.

According to one reviewer, “you get to experience animals walking alongside you just like a real safari,” which suggests the open-range style of many exhibits. These enclosures are designed for naturalistic viewing, so you’ll often see animals roaming freely in large spaces that resemble their native environments.

Rides and Additional Activities

While the basic ticket includes access to the park and train ride, additional services like animal feeding, guided tours, stroller rentals, and souvenir photos are not included. These can be purchased separately if desired. Some reviews suggest that the guided tour services are worth considering if you’re interested in learning more about the animals, but the park’s own layout makes self-guided exploration straightforward.

Authentic Insights from Visitors

A Tripadvisor reviewer enthusiastically recommends, “Don’t miss this park!” and warns against being swayed by outside private car tour touts, clarifying that your ticket includes a cool little train ride. The reviewer also emphasizes the incredible views and close animal encounters.

Another visitor highlighted the value for money, noting that the park’s size and animal variety make it a worthy investment. They appreciated the scenic train and cable car rides, which add a special touch to the adventure.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Arrive early to maximize your time and avoid crowds, especially during weekends and holidays.
• Consider buying guided tour options if you want more in-depth animal information or to simplify logistics.
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as exploring the park involves a fair amount of walking.
• If visiting with children, rental strollers or wheelchairs might be helpful, though they are not included in the base ticket.
• Keep an eye out for animal feeding times and shows — these can be very engaging if included.

Understanding the Value

The ticket price covers entry and entrance to the entire park, which hosts a massive collection of rare animals. The train and cable car rides are included in the reviews as fantastic features that make the experience feel like a true safari — these are often what make the trip memorable. Extra services, while cost extra, can personalize your day, making it more comfortable or educational.

Who Should Visit?

This tour is ideal for families with kids, animal enthusiasts, and travelers who want a large, naturalistic wildlife experience without leaving China. If you’re seeking a good mix of scenic rides and animal viewing, and you’re okay with some optional paid extras, you’ll find this park offers excellent value. It’s also perfect if you want to see endangered animals like pandas, koalas, and orangutans in a setting that approximates their natural habitats.

Final Thoughts

Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park showcases some of the most diverse and rare animals in a setting that emphasizes natural habitat recreation and scenic transportation options. For around $79, you gain access to a world-class wildlife collection with opportunities to see pandas, koalas, elephants, and more, all in a park praised for its size and variety.

The train and cable car rides are standout features, offering both comfort and views, making the experience feel both grand and intimate. While some extras cost extra, the core experience — walking among animals in a vast, natural setting — provides excellent value for animal lovers and families alike.

If you’re prepared for a full day of exploration and have an interest in conservation or simply want a memorable animal adventure, this park is a strong choice. It’s a genuine opportunity to connect with wildlife in a setting that respects their environment, making it a highlight of any Guangzhou itinerary.

FAQ

Is the ticket price of $79 inclusive of all rides?
No, the $79 ticket includes entry to the park and the train ride but does not include additional services such as guided tours, animal feeding, or stroller rentals.

Can I explore the park on my own?
Yes, the park is designed for self-guided exploration, and many visitors enjoy wandering freely. The train ride is included, and you can choose to walk or use additional paid services.

What are the park’s opening hours?
The park is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, providing ample time for a full-day visit.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Absolutely. The park’s large animal enclosures, scenic rides, and family-friendly atmosphere make it ideal for kids of all ages. Stroller and wheelchair rentals are available for convenience.

Are guided tours available?
While not included in the base ticket, guided tours are offered as an extra service for those interested in learning more about the animals and park features.

How do I avoid crowds?
Arrive early in the day, especially during weekends or holidays, and consider weekday visits for a more relaxed experience.

What animals are the main attractions?
The pandas, koalas, orangutans, elephants, and aardvarks are highlights, with the giant panda triplets particularly rare and captivating.

Is there food available inside the park?
Food options may be available, but they are not included in the ticket price. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy meals inside the park.

In summary, Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park offers a well-rounded, authentic wildlife experience suited for anyone eager to see rare animals, enjoy scenic rides, and explore a naturalistic environment. With thoughtful planning, your visit can be both fun and enriching, making it a memorable part of your Guangzhou trip.