Attracting a whopping 6.95 million visitors in 2011 Hong Kong’s Ocean Park was also the12th most visited theme park on the planet in 2011. Sprawled across an expansive landscape of 870,000 square meters this oceanarium cum animal kingdom and amusement park is one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions by no mere coincidence. Established in 1977 by Hong Kong governor Sir Murray MacLehose the Hong Kong Ocean Park has evolved to become one of the country’s most popular attractions to date, only second to Hong Kong Disneyland in terms of visitor records. Encompassing over 35 rides the park that is divided in to two regions by massive mountainscapes is easily reached by shuttle, cable car or the globe’s second longest open-air escalator.
Divided in to the Waterfront and The Summit the Ocean Park ‘s attractions include Aqua City, Adventure Land, Whiskers Harbour, Marine World, Rainforest, Cable Car Plaza and the Ocean Express Summit Station while the Amazing Asian Animals enclave, Summit Cable Car Station, Thrill Mountain and Ocean Express Waterfront Station form the remaining showcases within the parkland.
Marine World’s chief points of interest are of course Atoll Reef, Ocean Park Tower and Pacific Pier although Sea Jelly Spectacular and the Chinese Sturgeon Aquarium are also frequented by marine life enthusiasts young and old. Thrill Mountain in contrast contains Ocean Park’s mind-blowing roller coasters which include Bumper Blaster, Whirly Bird, Hair Raiser and Rev Booster. The Flash is an equally popular ride at Thrill Mountain which is only surpassed by Adventure Land in terms of jaw-breaking action. Raging River, Mine Train and the Ocean Park Escalator are Adventure Land’s main hotspots whereas animal lovers must head down to Amazing Asian Animals to witness giant pandas at the Panda Village and Giant Panda Adventure. Goldfish Treasures is a real treat for those with a love of gold dish and Blue Phoenix Eggfish.
Whisker’s Harbour also contains some of the park’s most visited attractions such as the Dolphin University, Clown-A- Round merry-go round and Balloon Up Up and Away Ferris Wheel. Kids will also relish a chance to ride the Frog Hopper and Bouncer House inflatable playhouse. Ocean Park’s 3-storey Grand Aquarium is located within Aqua City which boasts a marine life population of 5000 creatures belonging to 400 species.
The Rainforest is a newly opened forested area containing more than 1000 animals where visitors can explore the surroundings on an Expedition Trail worthy of its name.
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