A lot has changed at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom – or at least, around it: a new resort name, a new 2nd gate – but is the flagship park still up to snuff despite Chimelong Spaceship’s shortcomings? We’ll discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of China’s premier multi-gate complex, the newly-christened Chimelong Hengqin Resort.
Exploring the Chimelong Hengqin Resort Experience
A deep dive into the attractions and disappointments of Chimelong Ocean Kingdom and Chimelong Spaceship.
Visiting the Chimelong Hengqin Resort, primarily known for the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, is a journey through one of China’s most popular theme parks. With an annual attendance of over 12 million, it stands as a competitive force against Shanghai Disneyland and Universal Studios Beijing.
The Grand Resort and Attractions
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom has undergone significant changes, including the rebranding of its facilities. Formerly known as the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom Resort, it now features multiple attractions such as the Chimelong Circus and the newly opened Chimelong Spaceship, which is touted as the world’s largest indoor theme park. However, the creative direction of these attractions has left much to be desired.
Sean and Alex, our hosts, dive into the complexities of their visit. They recount their travels from Macau to the mainland, navigating customs and the unique design of the border crossing, which adds an interesting layer to their adventure. Their stay at Studio City in Macau was filled with excitement and anticipation.
The Disappointment of Chimelong Spaceship
Despite the allure of the new Chimelong Spaceship, the experience was marred by poor execution. Originally designed to be a marine science museum, the concept was abruptly altered during construction, transforming it into a space-themed attraction without any coherent narrative. This decision led to a chaotic mix of aesthetics, where beautiful animal exhibits were overshadowed by clashing designs and cheap distractions.
“It was like they took an amazing aquarium and just turned it into a mall.” — Sean
The hosts express their frustration with the redesign, emphasizing how the potential for a sophisticated marine experience was squandered. The orca exhibit, highlighted as the largest in the world, was particularly disappointing. Instead of showcasing the orcas in a meaningful way, the show incorporated unrelated performances that detracted from the animals’ majesty.
A Call for Better Direction
Both Sean and Alex reflect on how important it is for theme parks to maintain a clear artistic vision. They lament the loss of what could have been a breathtaking marine experience, now reduced to a mishmash of themes that feel more suited for a low-budget attraction than a world-class destination.
As they navigate these changes, they invite listeners to consider the implications of such drastic shifts in design and direction.
While the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom offers a range of attractions, it serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when creativity is sacrificed for quick changes. Maybe Chimelong Group peaked with Ocean Kingdom and new projects like Spaceship fail to impress in comparison. The hosts leave us pondering the future of theme parks and the importance of a coherent vision that respects both the artistry of design and the animals at the heart of these experiences.
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