Ocean Park

Found in the Southern District of Hong Kong, Ocean Park is a bundle of things wrapped up in one: part marine mammal park, part oceanarium, and part amusement park. Over the last decade it has locked horns with Hong Kong Disneyland, but a huge investment project that saw it expand to over 80 attractions and rides has made it the 13th most visited theme park in the whole world.

Ocean Park has two main sections: the Waterfront and the Summit. The former is linked to the latter by a scenic cable car ride and also a funicular train, the Ocean Express.

The Waterfront’s main attractions include the Grand Aquarium, which is home to the world’s largest aquarium dome, containing some 5000 fish from over 400 species. You can see everything from nail-sized seahorses to giant mantas, from little frilly fish to prowling hammerheads. Good luck finding Nemo. Also in the Waterfront is Old Hong Kong, a transporting replica of Hong Kong street life in the 50s and 60s. Expect rickshaws, bamboo stalls — and the odd double-decker bus and red phone box too.

The Summit is where you will find the self-explanatory Thrill Mountain. It lives up to its name with the famous rollercoaster, Hair Raiser. Joining that ride are classics like The Dragon and The Abyss, which are sure to scare you witless. But if you want something a little more relaxed, be sure to see the amazing animals at Ocean Park. The highlights are undoubtedly the four giant pandas, two rare red pandas, and the mischievous golden snub-nosed monkeys.