In the heart of China's Greater Bay Area, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom has redefined theme park success by outperforming industry titans like Universal Studios Hollywood and Tokyo Disney. The Hengqin-based attraction welcomed 12.5 million visitors in 2025, cementing its position as Asia's premier marine-themed destination.
What began as a 20-billion-yuan investment has blossomed into a 50-billion-yuan empire through innovative customer retention strategies. Park executives credit their "happy repurchase" model – combining seasonal events, interactive marine conservation programs, and AI-powered personalized experiences – for achieving an industry-leading 68% return visitor rate.
"Our success lies in blending entertainment with education," revealed a park spokesperson during a recent media tour. "Guests don't just ride attractions – they participate in coral restoration projects and witness rare species conservation firsthand."
The development aligns with the Chinese mainland's push for high-quality tourism in the Greater Bay Area, creating 15,000 local jobs while maintaining strict environmental standards. Analysts note Chimelong's hybrid approach – merging Disney-style storytelling with Universal's technological innovation – positions it as a blueprint for next-generation theme parks.
Reference(s):
BizFocus Ep 138: Chimelong's secret to outshine global giants
cgtn.com








