Featured Image Credit: ImagineChina
By Eva Gruber
The world’s largest aquarium record belonged to the Georgia Aquarium for over a decade, from its opening in 2005. However, in 2014 that outstanding record was shattered by a new contender to the game: the 353-acre Chimelong Ocean Kingdom which is less traditional aquarium and more a huge complex of aquariums, resorts, restaurants, a circus, a 5D theater, and several roller coasters – one of which takes guests hurtling right over an enclosure with polar bears.
Located on the Chinese island of Hengqin, which is just a 15-minute drive from Macau, this complex’s aquariums house an astounding 12.87 million gallons of water, dwarfing Georgia Aquarium’s 8 million gallons.
Planning a visit to this ocean-themed resort/theme park/aquarium first involves buying a ticket to China. Then you need at least a few days to see the whole place. Following the lead from parks like SeaWorld, the Ocean Kingdom has split up themed areas devoted to different animals and habitats. In Dolphin Cove, visitors can view spotted and bottlenose dolphins, go on dolphin-themed amusement rides, as well as watch something spectacular on the 5D enhanced theater. The Dolphin Conservation Center houses China’s own white dolphin.
The Ocean Beauty area offers visitors a chance to take a ride on the Deep Sea Odyssey – a submarine which moves through a large aquarium. Animal enclosures include the Whale Shark Tank, which allegedly is the world’s single largest tank, and the centerpiece of Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. It alone cost $1 billion to build. Four whale sharks are contained, along with manta rays and sea turtles, in a tropical-themed coral reef.
The Polar Oceans also get their own area, with a beluga tank, polar bear enclosure, and a penguin enclosure. The Polar Explorer is a water ride within this area, and takes visitors over the polar bear enclosure for unprecedented views of these spectacular animals.
Mount Walrus is home to the popular Pacific walrus exhibit, along with separate enclosures for sea lions and seals. Seabird Paradise is a bit of an aviary dedicated to the wonderful world of seabirds – visitors can gaze upon marine birds such as pelicans, gulls, herons, and other water birds. Also included are varied creatures such as endangered Aldabra tortoises, capybaras, green sea turtles, and white storks.
In 2015, the Thea Award, given by the Themed Entertainment Association and which recognizes outstanding ventures in entertainment, was given to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. The owners of Chimelong Ocean Kingdom know a thing or two about entertainment – in 2006 the same company opened Chimelong Paradise, the largest theme park in China.