Chime Long Paradise 長隆歡樂世界

Formerly, its own city, Panyu has since been annexed by Guangzhou and is now a district in the southern end of the city.  Since the introduction of metro line 3, it takes a mere 30 minutes to reach Panyu from central Guangzhou and many people take advantage of this metro line to live in Panyu (with its lower cost of living) and work in Guangzhou.

Perhaps the most famous reason for any tourist to visit Panyu is Chimelong Paradise (長隆歡樂世界), the largest amusement park in China.  Chimelong is home a large number of roller coasters (including a 90 degree drop one pictured below), a zoo, a circus, and a water park. 

I first visited as part of a team building trip when I was living in Shenzhen.  We spent the day enjoying the roller coasters and walking around the park.  I later visited two more times to watch the circus.  This reminded me of when I was a kind and when animals were often a part of circus acts.  I think Chimelong probably included at least 15 to 20 different kinds of animals in their act.

My second trip to the Panyu Circus was 18 months after the first, so there were many new acts that I hadn’t seen previously.  They did keep some of the more popular acts, which I was glad to see.  One of my favourite acts is the motorcyclists inside this tin ball.  At one point in time, I think there were 7 cyclists inside.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a circus without the beautiful aerial gymnasts.

They had this diving act both times I watched the circus, which was obviously very popular.

Overall, the circus was very enjoyable.  The price is steep compared to what other attractions in China usually cost, but it is not too bad when you compare it to something of similar calibre back at home.

For more photos, please see my Photo Gallery of Chimelong Paradise.

Chimelong Paradise
Address: China, Guangdong, Guangzhou, Panyu, 番禺大道
Phone: +86 20 3993 2888