Hengqin Island: The GBA's Ultimate Entertainment Hub
From Chimelong's whale sharks to sci-fi spaceships and glamping
Separated from Macau by just a narrow waterway, Hengqin Island has transformed into the GBA's premier family entertainment center, featuring record-breaking marine parks, indoor sci-fi worlds, and luxury camping.
If you are looking for the perfect weekend getaway for the whole family, Zhuhai's Hengqin Island is the absolute top choice. Looking across the water at Macau, this island has seen hundreds of billions in investment to create a world-class entertainment and resort ecosystem.
The Chimelong Duo: Ocean Kingdom & Spaceship
The core of Hengqin's entertainment empire is undoubtedly the Chimelong Resort. The first must-visit is Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, which holds multiple Guinness World Records. Standing in front of the massive 8.3m x 39.6m acrylic viewing window, watching elegant whale sharks and manta rays glide through the azure water, is a breathtaking experience words cannot describe. The park's "Parrot Coaster" is also a thrill-seeker favorite. Right next door is the newly opened Chimelong Spaceship, the world's largest indoor theme park. The exterior looks like a giant alien mothership landed on Hengqin. Inside, it combines rare marine life exhibits with cutting-edge 4D and VR technology, immersing visitors in a fantasy world where the deep sea meets outer space.
Lionsgate & National Geographic: Novotown
If marine themes aren't enough, head to the center of the island to Novotown. This is a commercial complex centered on indoor immersive entertainment. It houses the world's first "Lionsgate Entertainment World," turning Hollywood IPs like *The Hunger Games* and *Twilight* into thrilling VR coasters and escape rooms. It also features the "National Geographic Explorer Centre," which uses high-tech interactive exhibits to teach children natural sciences through play.
Luxurious Nature: Sumlodol Camping Town
After a full day of high-intensity sensory stimulation, you need a relaxing evening. Sumlodol Hengqin Camping Park is the benchmark for Glamping in the GBA. You can choose to stay in rustic RVs, uniquely shaped wooden cabins, or luxurious stargazing tents. The park also features the massive "Explorer Tower" non-powered play area, allowing energetic kids to burn off steam while adults barbecue and stargaze at the campsite, enjoying rare, slow family time.
Hengqin Island is highly accessible. High-speed trains go directly to Zhuhai Chimelong Station or Hengqin Station. If coming from Macau, the Hengqin Port offers 24-hour clearance; after crossing, a taxi or shuttle bus will get you to the major parks in under 10 minutes.
Ocean Kingdom and the Spaceship are massive; allocate a full day for each and buy a 2-day combo ticket to save money. Specialty rooms at Sumlodol (like RVs and treehouses) sell out fast on holidays, so book a month in advance. Novotown is fully air-conditioned, making it perfect for hot or rainy afternoons.