🔴Chimelong Safari Park boasts two entrances: the North Gate and the South Gate. Many travel guides recommend the North Gate, resulting in long queues for the tram ride, often exceeding 1 hour. 🚨 However, local insiders advise that during peak seasons, entering through the South Gate is the key to a hassle-free experience. The tram and cable car 🚠 queues are virtually non-existent, ensuring a fantastic visit! 😍 We arrived at 10:30 AM and comfortably finished our tour by 5 PM.
🔴Peak Season Itinerary
South Gate Entrance ➡️ Flamingos ➡️ Panda Paradise Cable Car Station 🚠 ➡️ Panda Village ➡️ Cute, Charming, Cool Zone ➡️ Elephants, Koala Enclosure ➡️ Giraffe Park, White Tiger Hill ➡️ Tram Ride ➡️ Green Dragon Mountain
🔴Detailed Strategy
0️⃣ South Gate Entry: Smooth entry at 10:30 AM (aim for 9:30 AM if possible). You can bring bread 🥯, but no instant noodles or self-heating meals.
1️⃣ Flamingos 🦩
Take the peaceful Flamingo Trail, then head straight for the cable car 🚠.
2️⃣ Panda Paradise Cable Car Station 🚠
Boarded after a 5-minute wait. Choose the loop route (circumnavigates the entire park) for a 30-minute scenic ride over lakes and animals. Each car seats 8. Afterward, enjoy a snack at Panda Restaurant (meals are average and pricey).
3️⃣ Panda Village
The pandas lounging on ice blocks were adorable but lethargic due to the heat.
4️⃣ Cute, Charming, Cool Zone
Don’t miss the 4D movie 🎬 – seats are ample, and it’s thrilling (mildly scary for timid kids). Follow with kid-friendly rides.
5️⃣ Elephants 🐘 & Koala Enclosure 🦥
Observe elephants at play; the 3 PM show is entertaining. The koalas are all charming.
6️⃣ Giraffe Park 🦒 & White Tiger Hill 🐯
Spend ¥30 on a branch to feed giraffes (tear into small pieces). Catch the white tigers diving – shows every 30 minutes.
7️⃣ Tram Ride 🚂
A highlight: almost no queue, snag the front-right seat for optimal animal views. The 40-minute ride passes lions, bears, and more, though our little one dozed off.
8️⃣ Green Dragon Mountain 🦕
Features a Dinosaur Park, gorillas, and a snake exhibit (not for the faint-hearted). The dinosaurs are lifelike, moving, and vocal.
Exited around 5 PM, pleased despite the summer heat. Zero queues and ample time to explore.
⚠️Tips:
❶ Bring a stroller! 👶 We rented one online the night before for ¥75/day (cheaper than in-park options).
❷ A full-day visit is doable, but comfortable shoes are essential for navigating the vast park. Safari Par