Visitors can see a wide range of ocean animals at Ocean Park's aquarium.

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images


Despite the crowd-pulling powers of Disneyland on Lantau, Ocean Park remains the most popular theme park in Hong Kong. Constant expansion, new rides and thrills, and the presence of four giant pandas and two rare red pandas ensure the park remains a huge draw for families. Be aware that in part of the park, Marine World, cetaceans are kept in captivity and performances involving dolphins and orcas are a feature, which scientific studies suggest is harmful to these animals. Ocean Park is undergoing a mega expansion that will see the launch of the 3716-sq-metre Tai Shue Wan Water World in 2019/20.

The park is divided into two main sections. The main entrance is on the Waterfront (lowland) side and is linked to the main section on the Summit (headland) via a scenic cable car ride and a marine-themed funicular train called the Ocean Express.

The major attractions at the Waterfront are Amazing Asian Animals and Aqua City. The Grand Aquarium, which boasts the world’s largest aquarium dome, is home to 5000 fish representing over 400 species. Old Hong Kong is a replica of the old buildings that once graced Wan Chai and older parts of Kowloon. To the north is Whiskers Harbour, which thrives on an assortment of kid-oriented rides.

On the Summit, Thrill Mountain has plenty of white-knuckle rides, such as the celebrated roller coaster, Hair Raiser. Meanwhile, the Chinese Sturgeon Aquarium showcases a living gift from the mainland.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Old House No. 10

0.22 MILES

History buffs may be interested to know that there's an ancient village close to Ocean Park. Wong Chuk Hang 'San Wai' ('New Village'), founded in the…

2. Rossi & Rossi

0.59 MILES

This gallery is founded by an Italian mother-and-son dealer duo and specialises in Asian, particular Indian, Himalayan and southeast Asian, art, both…

3. Crown Wine Cellars

0.59 MILES

The WWII bunkers on Shouson Hill have been transformed into a top-notch wine cellar, with a glasshouse restaurant surrounded by towering trees. WWII buffs…

4. Young Master Brewery

0.61 MILES

Young Master Ales has moved to a new street-level location in Wong Chuk Hang. Merchandise is sold in the front, while at the back, the brewing system,…

5. Pékin Fine Arts

0.62 MILES

Pékin Fine Arts, hidden deep within a gritty industrial building in Wong Chuk Hang, specialises in Chinese contemporary art. At this small Hong Kong…

6. Black Kite

0.63 MILES

Black Kite brewery on the 11th floor makes beer under the Black Kite and Kowloon Bay labels. It's a basic set-up with just equipment inside a white-walled…

7. Deep Water Bay

0.67 MILES

A quiet little inlet with a beach flanked by shade trees, Deep Water Bay is a few kilometres northwest of Repulse Bay. There is a handful of places to eat…

8. Blindspot Gallery

0.72 MILES

So named because the owner believed that contemporary photography was not getting the attention it deserved in Hong Kong, Blindspot Gallery features the…