Highlights of the Zhu Hai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom
Every summer break, my family will visit the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, which stands as an unremarkable landscape located in the city of Zhu Hai, in the Guang Dong province. According to the Guinnessworldrecords.com, the ocean kingdom is “recognized as the world’s largest aquarium[,] largest underwater viewing dome, largest aquarium tank, largest aquarium window, and largest acrylic panel.” Unlike most other aquariums, the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom not only display a variety of marine wildlife, but also includes entertainment activities such as roller coasters, flume rides, shows, and a circus. As my brother, Patrick always said: “The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is a place where you can forget all the unhappiness that is bothering you.”
The most famous entertainment in the ocean kingdom will be the 5-D movie castle theatre within the amusement park. Visitors will be able to experience sensory effects such as touch, view, smell, and motion. For example, in my experience of the movie, I was able to feel raindrops in the environment when the film showed a scene of the rain. Also, my seat was able to move along with the actions displayed in the video, which allowed me to have a feeling that I was in the scene as well. Lastly, visitors were provided with 5-D glasses to see images as if the scenes were happening around everyone. Sarah and Eric mention in their blog that “During the 15-minute short movie, we were thoroughly immersed by how realistic the movements of our seats as well as the use of an advanced 360-degree stereo system.” Therefore, if you have a chance to visit the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, make sure to watch the 5-D movie show because it will give you an unforgettable memory.
Although the 5-D movie is said to be the most famous activity in the Ocean Kingdom, my favourite event will be the polar bear roller coaster ride. This rollercoaster ride is unique because it starts as a tour boat that moves across the entire Polar bear house, allowing visitors to see a close view of the animals. Then, the ride enters a mountain where the environment becomes very cold and dark. Suddenly, without you knowing it, the ride climbs up to the top of the mountain and comes down as fast as a rocket. However, the ride does not end like other roller coasters because it splashes into the water like a flume ride. Thus, it is essential to wear rain suits before going on the ride if you don’t want to get splashed by the water!
After a long day of visiting the theme park and animal shows, visitors can also have the chance to enjoy a unique dining experience with sea animals. Inside the whale house, there is a vast underwater tank that contains many marine animals. Next to the tank, there is an underwater restaurant that serves delicious foods and provides customers with a side of the enormous tank as their dinner background. However, there is always a very long line up for the restaurant because of its popularity. Thus, it is important that visitors make a reservation before they go to guarantee that they will be able to enjoy a fabulous dining experience with marine animals.
When the night falls, the park puts on a fascinating firework and light show. Visitors crowd over the whale house to watch the show where performers stand on fly boards that allow them to move across the water as if they are flying. Aman Jung exclaims on his video vlog: “Hats off to these [fly board performers].” Then, fireworks will appear in the sky in all sorts of images and shapes. The whale house will also turn into many different colours that shine in the night sky. I tend to agree that “ The lights and music make people believe as if they entered a magical world” (Yang).
Last but not least, the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom includes many types of animal shows such as dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, penguins, and the beluga whale. I enjoy the sea lion show the best because it includes many audience interactions. For example, the speaker will ask an audience volunteer to the stage to compete for pushups and other activities. They also include close interactions such as hugs and kisses with the sea otters as well. Although the sea lion show remains my favourite, the other marine animal shows are also exciting and unique. Thus, don’t forget to check out the other animals as well!
