Hong Kong's ever-popular homegrown theme park is now home to two cuddly new residents! Giant panda cubs Le Le and Ying Ying are gifts from the Chinese government to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR.
The lively pair from Sichuan will be introduced to the public on 1 July, HKSAR Establishment Day, joining long-time residents An An and Jia Jia that were presented to Hong Kong back in 1999. Ocean Park is marking this auspicious occasion with a host of holiday promotions running between 1 July and 31 August - including free admission for kids born in 1997.
This year is also the 30th anniversary of Ocean Park, set up in 1977 to create one of Asia's most popular theme parks mixing entertainment, education and conservation in an exciting package. The 80-hectare (200-acre) park, situated on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, features thrill rides as well as amazing aquarium exhibits and performances by various sea creatures. A cable car system links the lowland and headland sections, offering spectacular views en route.
New and fun-filled entertainment facilities are introduced from time to time and a major refurbishment is underway. In addition to the new giant pandas, Ocean Park recently unveiled a fascinating Sea Jelly Spectacular, featuring more than 1,000 sea jellies of all sizes from all over the world.
The whole family will enjoy SkyFair, a thrilling balloon ride where you can soar more than 100 metres into the air for a breathtaking view of the majestic south side of Hong Kong. Other popular additions have been the Abyss Turbo Drop, the Mine Train, Amazing Amazon, the Flying Swing and the Film Fantasia Simulator Ride.
Ocean Park works to promote and support animal conservation in Hong Kong and throughout the Asia region. It has, in cooperation with other conservation organisations, launched various conservation programmes for a number of endangered species, including whales and dolphins. In addition, it has successfully bred rare species of birds, sharks and butterflies.
Travel tips:
Visitors can purchase general admission tickets from:
- Ocean park Main and Tai Shue Wan Entrances
- Citybus No. 629 Terminal near Admiralty MTR station (Exit B)
- MTR Customer Services Centre in Admiralty MTR station
- Online ticket at www.oceanpark.com.hk
- 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout Hong Kong
How to get there: Bus 629 from Admiralty MTR Exit B
(discoverhongkong.com)
