The best theme parks in the Greater Bay Area

That bubbling excitement you get before visiting a theme park – the eagerness to board immersive rides, see remarkable animals and meet your favourite fictional characters – is incomparable. Whether you’re travelling solo, with family or friends or as a couple, the Greater Bay Area boasts many wonderful parks ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway. Check out our guide below for the lowdown on the top theme parks in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and beyond.

Theme parks in Greater Bay Area cities

Macao

Studio City Water Park

This water park invites visitors of all ages to cool down with adrenaline-filled water coasters, surfing simulations, glass-bottom pools, winding water slides, wave pools and much more. The spacious indoor area is temperature-controlled and open year-round, while the outdoor area operates during the summer – though it’s wise to keep an eye on weather conditions during typhoon season.

Wondering where to stay in Macao? Read our hotel guide here.

Zhuhai

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom

Home to the world’s largest aquarium tank, this theme park whisks guests into an aquatic world where they can explore immersive installations or soar high above the park. Highlights include a 360-degree underwater tunnel, which offers up-close views of marine species, while the twisting, drop-filled Parrot Coaster is perfect for thrill seekers. Amenities make it easy for guests to plan their day, with parking, luggage storage, phone charging areas and wheelchair rentals all available. 

Zhuhai Changlong Resort, Fuxiang Bay, Hengqin New District, Zhuhai City

Guangzhou

Dongguan Longfeng Villa Video Resort 

Pastel fairytale castles framed by verdant mountains, slides cascading down the hillside, multi-storeyed carousels and traditional nighttime firework displays are just a few of the highlights at this theme park. Its variety of attractions makes it popular among families staying overnight and couples looking to take memorable pictures. Be sure to stay after dark, when buildings and trees light up in a spectrum of colours and a host of evening performances commence.

26 Jiahui Road, Fenggang Town, Dongguan City

Chimelong Paradise

With rides of just about every thrill level, this park is a great choice for older kids seeking adventure, as well as fully-fledged rollercoaster enthusiasts. Ease into the action with gentler attractions like bumper cars and flying swings before working your way up to the park’s rapids coaster (you may want to put on a raincoat), drop tower and dive coaster – complete with a near-vertical fall. Between rides, you can catch a magic performance or lively float parade. 

299 Hanxi Avenue East, Panyu District, Guangzhou

Shenzhen

Window of the World

If you’re looking for a Shenzhen theme park that favours immersive scenery over fast-paced attractions, Window of the World is the place. It features miniature replicas of iconic landmarks around the world, from Paris’s Eiffel Tower and Toronto’s Niagara Falls to Sydney’s Opera House and a sprawling New York City. It’s also close to two other theme parks, listed below.

9037 Shennan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen

Happy Valley

Happy Valley offers a classic theme park experience – a festive main street filled with performers, refreshment stands and upbeat music; carnival booths where guests can play games for prizes; haunted house experiences and assorted rides for all ages; and plenty of shows to keep the energy levels high. You’ll need a full day to see everything. 

18 Huaqiao West Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 

Splendid China Folk Village 

This theme park is dedicated to showcasing the unique cultures of the Chinese Mainland, recreating scenery, landmarks and architectural styles from across the region. Experience everything from the Great Wall to the terracotta warriors, with a live dance performance adding to the atmosphere. Stay until the evening to see the park’s installations illuminated by strings of yellow lanterns, giving everything a warm, ethereal glow. 

9003 Shennan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 

Jiangmen

Jiangmen Children’s Park - Dream Theme Park

Though this park is more of a playground than a theme park, it’s no less enriching for the young adventurer. Children can climb, slide, swing, sift through sand and run around in this expansive space full of purpose-built recreational facilities, such as slides, flying foxes, swings, rope climbing nets and more. 

16-18 Jianghai 1st Road, Jianghai District, Jiangmen 

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong is home to its very own Disneyland . Just a bus or MTR ride away from the city centre, it’s perfect for a magical day out – though we’d recommend an overnight stay in the resort for the full experience. Ride the Hyperspace Mountain rollercoaster for a dizzying chase through the galaxies, wander through manicured gardens inspired by classic fairytales, and prepare to be dazzled by Momentous, the nighttime light show that pays tribute to all your favourite Disney films (tip: secure your spot early). 

For more on staying overnight, read our in-depth Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel review.

Ocean Park and Water World 

A much-loved local attraction, Ocean Park combines education, sightseeing and entertainment. Admire marine life and watch caretakers feed dolphins, marvel at views of Hong Kong Island’s southern coast aboard a cable car or take a spin on the aptly named Hair Raiser – one of the park’s most dizzying roller coasters. 

Meanwhile, sister attraction Water World is your go-to for a day of water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, raft rides and more.

For more theme parks across Asia, check out our guide here.