Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China

Photo: linda_xy/Instagram

Zhuhai is a relatively unheard of city, which is only one hour from Hong Kong. For a few dollars, you can ride across from HK to a city where everything is cheaper and more Chinese. Bi-lingual luxuries are no more, Zhuhai is a place you can experience proper Chinese culture.

Once in Zhuhai, you can ride the bus to Ocean Kingdom. The theme park is like the Chinese equivalent of Sea World, without the problematic orca shows.

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The aquarium is extremely impressive. The park boasts the world’s largest wale shark tank, along with many other curiosities. You can grab a coffee next to the tank and can the beautiful creatures for hours on end.

The rides in the park are also quite special. On one ride, what appears to be a standard log flume shapes up to be a huge indoor roller coaster — featuring live bears! There’s also a crazy 5-dimensional ride which uses innovative technologies to make it feel like you are riding through the Arctic.

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Yes, Hong Kong has Disney Land, but in all honesty, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, Zhuhai is one of the most underrated theme parks in China.