Hello, I’m Lila Jiang, a China travel expert with over 10 years of experience. During these years, I’ve traveled extensively around the world. Next, we’ll explore the wild charm and biodiversity of Chimelong Safari Park. From rare giant pandas to mighty elephants, from cute koalas to fierce tigers, from immersive safari experiences to fun animal interactions, we’ll help you discover the fascinating world of wildlife at one of the largest safari parks on Earth.
Introduction
Quick Facts: Chimelong Safari Park
- Location: Panyu District, Southern Guangzhou, China
- Opened: 1997
- Size: Over 1.3 sq.km (2,000+ mu)
- Peak Season: October–May (holidays & weekends)
- Key Tip: Book tickets online in advance | Free entry for kids under 1m
- Best Time to Visit: 9:00 am (avoid crowds, active animal viewing)
Chimelong Safari Park stands in the heart of Guangzhou’s Panyu District, part of the renowned Chimelong Tourist Resort. Opened in 1997, it has grown into one of the world’s largest and most biodiverse wildlife parks, home to over 500 species and 20,000 rare animals from every corner of the globe. Designed with large-scale free-range habitats and immersive viewing experiences, the park blends subtropical rainforest landscapes with naturalistic enclosures, allowing animals to thrive in near-wild conditions. It’s famous for many “world’s firsts”: the only surviving giant panda triplets (Mengmeng, Shuaishuai, Kuku), the largest koala population outside Australia (8 generations, 60+ individuals), and the first public display of Komodo dragons in China. More than just a zoo, it’s a national science education base dedicated to wildlife conservation, research, and public awareness. For families, animal lovers, and adventure seekers, Chimelong Safari Park offers an unforgettable journey into the wild, right in the heart of southern China.
Tickets & Opening Hours
2026 Chimelong Safari Park ticket booking is simple—here’s all you need to know about official tickets and visiting rules.
- Tickets: 250 RMB (~34.7 USD) for adults; 175 RMB (~24.3 USD) for children (1–1.4m) and seniors (65+). Free for kids under 1m. Book online via the official website or WeChat mini-program “Chimelong Tourism” in advance. On-site ticket sales are available but online booking is recommended for faster entry.
- Payment for tickets: Alipay, WeChat Pay, or international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) on the official booking platform.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 am–6:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm) daily; extended to 8:30 am–7:00 pm during peak holidays.
- Note for international travelers: The official WeChat mini-program supports English language. You can cancel your ticket free of charge 24 hours before your scheduled visit. Passport is required for entry verification.
Main Scenic Areas & Attractions
Panda Kingdom
The star attraction of the park and home to the world-famous giant panda triplets—Mengmeng, Shuaishuai, and Kuku. This lush, bamboo-filled habitat also houses other giant pandas, including “Meizhu,” with dedicated viewing halls and indoor air-conditioned spaces. Visitors can watch pandas munching bamboo, playing, and napping up close, with daily feeding sessions at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Koala Garden
The largest koala colony outside Australia, with over 60 koalas spanning 8 generations. This leafy, eucalyptus-scented enclosure features multiple viewing levels, allowing visitors to see koalas sleeping, climbing, and munching eucalyptus leaves. Don’t miss the baby koala nursery for adorable joey sightings.
African Safari Zone
A massive free-range habitat spanning hundreds of thousands of square meters, home to giraffes, zebras, African elephants, white rhinos, lions, and flamingos. Explore via 2.7km Forest Train (free, no stops) or private car (extra fee on weekends) for an immersive “African savanna” experience. The open-air setting lets animals roam freely, creating stunning photo opportunities.
Tiger Hill
The world’s largest tiger enclosure, home to over 250 tigers, including rare white tigers, golden tigers, and Siberian tigers. This multi-level habitat features water pools, climbing structures, and viewing bridges. Visitors can watch tigers swim, play, and hunt during daily feeding shows (11:30 am, 2:30 pm).
Komodo Dragon Kingdom
China’s first and largest Komodo dragon exhibit, housing 29 of these “ancient giant lizards”. The naturalistic habitat mimics their Indonesian island home, with rocky terrain, shallow pools, and tropical vegetation. Daily feeding demonstrations (10:30 am, 3:30 pm) showcase their powerful jaws and hunting skills.
Transportation
Figuring out how to get to Chimelong Safari Park is easy with our guide—we break down the best subway, bus and taxi options.
🚇Subway: Take Line 3 to Hanxi Changlong Station (Exit E). Free shuttle buses run every 5–10 minutes to the park’s South Gate (5-minute ride).
🚌Bus: Buses 129, 303, 304, and Chimelong Resort Shuttle Bus stop at Hanxi Changlong Station. Take the free resort shuttle to the park.
🚕Taxi: Ask to go to “Chimelong Safari Park, Panyu District”. Cost from downtown Guangzhou (Tianhe) is around 40–60 RMB (~5.5–8.3 USD).
How to buy tickets on arrival: On-site tickets are available at South Gate and North Gate, but online booking via the official WeChat mini-program is recommended to avoid queues.
If you take a taxi from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to the park, the cost is around 120–150 RMB (~16.7–20.8 USD) and takes 50–60 minutes. From Guangzhou South Railway Station, the taxi cost is about 25–35 RMB (~3.5–4.9 USD) with a 20-minute drive.
Experience & Activities
Guided Tours:
English-speaking guided tours are available. Book online via the official website or Ctrip 1–3 days in advance.
Cost: 250–350 RMB (~34.7–48.6 USD) per group.
Audio Guides:
Rent at the South Gate for 40 RMB (~5.5 USD) with a passport. It supports 40+ languages including English, with detailed animal facts and park navigation.
Animal Feeding Experiences:
- Giraffe feeding: 30 RMB (~4.2 USD) (9:30 am–4:00 pm)
- Elephant feeding: 25 RMB (~3.5 USD) (10:00 am–3:30 pm)
- Koala photo op: 50 RMB (~6.9 USD) (11:00 am–2:00 pm)No booking required; purchase tickets on-site.
Practical Tips & Etiquette
- No smoking, eating, or drinking in animal enclosures (only in designated areas).
- Do not tap on glass, throw objects, or make loud noises—fines up to 2,000 RMB (~278 USD).
- Weekends and holidays are extremely crowded—arrive by 9:00 am to avoid long queues.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll walk 4–5 hours to cover all zones.
- Use sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent—most areas are outdoor and subtropical.
Free lockers are available at the South Gate for large luggage (prohibited inside the park). Free drinking water stations are located near Panda Kingdom and Koala Garden, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money.
Food
Inside Chimelong Safari Park:
- Panda-themed Restaurant: Burgers, fried chicken, and panda-shaped desserts (50–80 RMB/~6.9–11.1 USD per person).
- African Snack Hut: Grilled sausages, popcorn, and fruit cups (20–40 RMB/~2.8–5.5 USD).
- Koala Café: Coffee, milk tea, and light sandwiches (30–50 RMB/~4.2–6.9 USD).
Nearby (within 1km):
- Chimelong Panda Hotel Buffet: International cuisine with panda themes. Meal for 2: ~400 RMB (~55.5 USD).
- Panyu Local Restaurant: Authentic Cantonese dishes like dim sum and roast goose. Price: ~250 RMB/~34.7 USD for 2.
- Street Food near Hanxi Changlong Station: Bubble tea (15 RMB/~2.1 USD), grilled squid (20 RMB/~2.8 USD), and egg tarts (10 RMB/~1.4 USD).
With this guide, you’ll know the best time to visit Chimelong Safari Park and fully immerse yourself in the amazing wildlife and fun family experiences of Guangzhou in 2026.
Lila Jiang
She is Lila Jiang, a 28-year-old girl.
With over 10 years in the travel industry, she’s chased wanderlust near and far;
what she loves most is diving into local cultures,
finding hidden gems, and connecting with people who bring journeys to life.
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