A Fantastic Guangzhou & Chimelong Adventure
Just got back from this 5-day Guangzhou-Chimelong tour, and I have to say it was way beyond my expectations! As someone who’s always loved wildlife and cultural exploration, this trip checked every box for me—from food to accommodation, attractions to service, everything was top-notch. Let me break it down like how we experienced it day by day!
Accommodation: No Hassle, Just Comfort
First off, the 5-star hotels in Guangzhou were a big win! We stayed in the same hotel for 4 nights—no packing and unpacking every day, which saved us so much energy. The rooms were clean, bright, and with windows (a huge plus for me!), and the staff were super friendly even when we asked for extra towels late at night. We didn’t get to choose the exact hotel, but the one we were assigned was in a great location, close to metro stations and local eateries. Definitely a solid 9/10 for the stay!
Transportation: Smooth and Worry-Free
The pick-up and drop-off service was a game-changer. When we landed in Guangzhou, the driver was already waiting for us at the airport—zero waiting time! The bus rides to Chimelong Wildlife World and Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom were comfortable, with enough space for our luggage and snacks. On the last day, the 24-hour send-off to the airport was super flexible; we just told the tour guide our flight time, and they arranged the car perfectly. No rushing, no stress—exactly what you want after a fun but tiring trip.
Food: A Taste of Authentic Cantonese Cuisine
Oh my goodness, the food was the highlight of this trip! Let’s start with the breakfasts—buffets at the hotel had everything from Western toast to local congee and dim sum, fresh and delicious every morning.
The lunch at Panxi Restaurant on Day 4 was unforgettable. It’s a beautiful garden-style restaurant with lakes and bridges, and we got to try classic Cantonese dim sum: shrimp dumplings, chicken feet, water chestnut cakes, and more. The tour guide even taught us the Cantonese tea etiquette—like tapping the table to say thank you when someone pours tea for you. So fun and informative!
We also tried the recommended restaurants: Huishijia for their clay pot dishes (the eel clay pot was amazing—crispy outside, tender inside) and Diandude at Chimelong for afternoon tea. Even the self-catered meals in the theme parks were surprisingly good—no overpriced junk food, just tasty local snacks. The only small downside is that some dinners were not included, but honestly, that gave us more chances to explore street food around the hotel!
Attractions: Fun for All Ages
This tour balanced wildlife fun, cultural exploration, and city vibes perfectly—we never felt rushed.
Chimelong Wildlife World: The star of the trip! The safari train ride was incredible—we saw giraffes, zebras, and lions walking right beside the train. The sky cable car gave us a bird’s-eye view of the whole park, and the panda nursery was so cute (the baby pandas were rolling around—my camera roll is full of their photos!). We skipped the circus, but our friends who went said it was mind-blowing.
Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom: The whale shark aquarium took my breath away—it’s like swimming in the ocean with these gentle giants. The penguin house was also super cool, and the Ocean Defense fireworks show at night was spectacular—3 minutes of non-stop fireworks, lasers, and water jets. Worth the long day trip from Guangzhou!
Cultural Spots: Chen Clan Academy was a surprise favorite. The intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, and colorful windows were stunning, and the free stamp collection activity was a fun touch. Yongqingfang was great for walking around—we saw Bruce Lee’s former residence and even tried Cantonese embroidery in the intangible cultural heritage street. The city walk at Huacheng Square let us take photos of the Canton Tower (the “small waist” as locals call it)—so modern and beautiful.
Shopping & Entertainment: Perfect for Souvenir Hunters
We didn’t do too much shopping, but Yongqingfang and Beijing Road Pedestrian Street were great for souvenirs. I bought some Cantonese embroidery bookmarks and pearl tea mixes for my family back home. The theme parks also had cute merchandise—stuffed pandas, ocean kingdom plush toys, and even custom T-shirts.
For entertainment, besides the theme park rides and shows, we wandered around Shamian Island on the first day—colonial-style buildings, tree-lined streets, and street performers. It was the perfect way to unwind after our long flight.
Service: Professional and Helpful
Shout-out to the Ctrip tour manager! They contacted us the day before departure with all the details, and whenever we had questions (like where to get the best bubble tea), they replied immediately. The tour guides were knowledgeable too—they told us stories about Guangzhou’s history while we were driving to attractions, making the bus rides fly by.
Final Thoughts
This 5-day tour was the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo, you’ll have a great time. The only tiny suggestion is to book the Chimelong Circus tickets early if you want to watch it—they sell out fast during holidays!
Overall, it was an amazing trip—Guangzhou is such a vibrant city, and Chimelong is world-class. I’ll definitely recommend this tour to all my friends who want to experience the best of southern China!
