As summer arrives in Zhuhai, China, 'sleeping with fish' at major ocean parks has become a new type of travel experience. Night-stay tickets at the Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom Whale Shark Pavilion, priced at nearly 2000 RMB (1,182 MYR), were sold out half a month in advance. After personally experiencing it, one visitor commented: "It’s as if you’re in an IMAX theater under the sea."
Ms. Lin (pseudonym), a recent university graduate from Beijing, recently went to the Chimelong Whale Shark Pavilion in Zhuhai with her friends to try out the overnight stay. She said the overnight program is divided into Underwater Zone, Deep Sea Zone, and Ocean View Zone. They bought the 1,800 RMB (1,064 MYR) overnight package and stayed in the Underwater Zone, which has the best view. The package also included breakfast and next-day park admission.
Like an IMAX Theater Under the Sea
In the Underwater Zone, Ms. Lin said she felt as if she had entered an IMAX theater under the sea. Looking up, she could see various marine creatures swimming overhead. At night, staff would remove the security barriers and let guests get closer to the animals. “It was both tranquil and mysterious, and when you look up, you can see the massive whale sharks swimming above you. As the night went on, you could even see little fish settling down to sleep.”
According to Ms. Lin’s estimate, there were about a dozen tents in the Underwater Zone that night, all fully occupied. “China News Finance” quoted a relevant person in charge at the Chimelong Group as saying that persistent high temperatures in many areas this summer have spurred a boom in nighttime tourism. With its “beating the heat + in-depth experience” appeal, Chimelong’s nighttime products have become a popular choice. This year, bookings for overnight stays at the Whale Shark Pavilion have increased by 30% year-on-year.