A Summer Day at Guangzhou Chimelong: Secrets of the Panda Hotel and Chimelong International Circus
The annual summer vacation is drawing to a close. To avoid the peak travel rush, many parents schedule their children's summer trips for the last one or two weeks before school starts. They go to great lengths to give their kids a happy and unforgettable summer.
Today we checked into the Guangzhou Chimelong Panda Hotel. Out-of-town visitors can take Metro Line 3 to Hanxi Changlong Station, exit from Exit E, then transfer to the resort’s free shuttle bus to the hotel. The whole journey takes about 15 minutes.
Upon arrival, the most eye-catching feature is the panda triplets on the hotel’s rooftop. Their vibrant colors and playful poses make each panda lively and adorable. It’s said that the hotel’s design was inspired by these very panda triplets.
The interior design is even more delightful, with everything themed around cartoon elements. Stepping inside feels like entering a fairy-tale world.
Beyond just looking good, the lobby has little surprises, like the teapot train that runs for five minutes every hour, while the cuckoo clock chimes on the hour. The popcorn stand at the entrance is not only fragrant; from a distance, it looks like the noodle shop from Kung Fu Panda—a perfect spot for photos!
The ground-floor lobby also features lots of interactive high-tech games, as well as a Children’s Fun Lounge and a VIP Reception Lounge, offering parent-child classes, a kids’ play area, and VIP rest areas—thoughtful, personalized services.
The outdoor animal exhibit is another highlight. Stroll through the secret garden and get up close with parrots, peacocks, black swans, and other rare creatures, experiencing the wonders of nature.
The buffet restaurant is on the first floor, with last seating at 10:30 a.m. After a long day of fun, you can sleep in and still enjoy a lazy breakfast the next morning.
With over 1,000 rooms, the hotel offers four distinct themes: Cool, Cute, Handsome, and Prince. Each room is designed to vividly recreate characters and tales from the cartoon world, with all the amenities for a cozy stay. The unique designs create a lively, childlike atmosphere, making a stay at the Panda Hotel a magical adventure into a cartoon dimension.
Guangzhou Chimelong International Circus
As a clown rises slowly on stage, the Chimelong International Circus officially begins! The opening act is usually the most captivating, so make sure to arrive on time, or you’ll miss a truly wonderful evening.
The show runs from 7 p.m. to about 9 p.m. To call it spectacular barely does it justice—you’ll find joy, thrills, and beauty throughout. Performers from Ukraine, Russia, Africa, and beyond are all tall and striking; the gorgeous Ukrainian and Russian men and women were almost the highlight of my evening.
Each act is brilliantly performed, and the audience naturally cheers and applauds. The mid-show interaction is definitely a high point that gets everyone going—don’t assume the clowns are just there to goof around; they can catch you off guard! I won’t spoil the details, so you’ll keep the surprise when you come. Lions, tigers, flamingos, and other animals take their turns on stage, sparking waves of excited applause.
The evening show starts at 7 p.m., but you can enter the venue from around 5 p.m. Inside, there’s a restaurant and some snack kiosks. Meal sets cost between 50-something and 70-something yuan, with generous portions and great taste. I highly recommend the braised beef rib set—it was so delicious I polished off every last drop of soup.
Outside food is not allowed inside, though a small amount of water and baby food are permitted. If you have a very young child but still want to watch, the back of the theater has soundproof rooms, so you can care for your little one while still enjoying the circus.
