AusLeisure

After three years of construction, the first of 10 theme parks planned for a 800 hectare resort billed as the 'Orlando of China', is expected to open later this year.

The $2-billion marine-based Chimelong Ocean Kingdom theme park on Hengqin Island in China is to be connected by ferry to Hong Kong and to adjacent region of Macau by bridge.

The Chimelong Group already operate the Chimelong Paradise theme park and waterpark, Chinas most visited attractions, in the nearby city of Guangzhou, that also includes a safari park, crocodile farm and hotels.

Ocean Kingdom, built on reclaimed land that was once an oyster bed in the South China Sea, is to feature nine water-themed lands designed by PGAV Destinations, a St. Louis-based firm that has created theme park attractions for Universal Studios, Six Flags, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens.

Ocean Kingdom plans to install brand-name attractions by Switzerland's Bolliger & Mabillard, Chance Rides of Kansas, USA and Germany's Zierer and Mack Rides.

Plans call for Ocean Kingdom's signature ride to be a parrot-themed B&M winged coaster with the working title of Flying Over the Rainforest. The park also is expected to feature a pair of water-centric roller coasters by Mack Rides similar to Atlantica and Poseidon at Europa-Park in Germany. A Mack dark ride has also been announced.

An artist's rendering of Ocean Kingdom shows a 60 metre-tall whale shark icon hovering over a central lagoon expected to host a nighttime spectacular.

Several arenas will host marine animal performances by Beluga whales, dolphins, sea lions and walruses while aquaria will host penguins, polar bears, manta rays and dolphins.

Related Articles

8th June 2013 - Standards and attendances rise at Asian attractions

6th June 2013 - Asia leads global growth in theme park and waterparks attendance

20th May 2013 - New Korean attraction combines waterpark and indoor snow

30th May 2012 - 100 million visit Asian theme parks in 2011

20th June 2011 - Asian attractions bounce back amid mixed global theme parks performance

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.