Chimelong International Circus: Is It Worth Visiting?
Quick Summary
🎪 Duration: 90 minutes
💲 Cost: ¥280-880 per person
⏱️ Best Time: Evening shows
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly: Ages 3+
📍 Location: Panyu District, Guangzhou
🌟 Our Rating: 5/5 stars
🎟️ Tickets: Book now on Trip
I hadn't heard of Chimelong International Circus before we actually arrived in Guangzhou, and I wasn't sure if a circus is something we would enjoy as I have never been to one. But after having been there with our 4.5 and 2.5-year-old daughters, I definitely think it is worth visiting if you have a few nights in Guangzhou.
Getting There
The location is quite far from the center of Guangzhou, and arriving by metro requires quite a walk from the station. The easiest way to get there is by DiDi (Chinese ride-sharing app).
Transport Options:
- DiDi/Taxi: 45-60 minutes from city center (¥80-120)
- Metro + Walk: Line 3 to Hanxi Changlong Station + 15-minute walk
- Tour Bus: Some hotels offer shuttle services
The Show Experience
Chimelong International Circus, as the name suggests, is an international circus featuring performers from around the world, particularly from Russia, Ukraine, and Central Asia. The show is 90 minutes long with one intermission.
The performance is really high standard and the tricks so daring that it made my palms sweat! From death-defying aerial acts to incredible acrobatics, every moment kept us on the edge of our seats. In between the performance when the stage is being prepared, there are light-hearted clown and comedy bits that had both kids giggling.
What to Expect:
- Aerial silk performances that will leave you breathless
- Motorcycle stunts inside a metal sphere
- Animal acts (ethically performed)
- Comedy segments between major acts
- Spectacular lighting and music
Both us and the kids (4.5 and 2.5 years old) enjoyed the show immensely! The visual spectacle keeps even young children engaged, though I would say it's most suitable for kids above 3 years old, depending on your child's attention span.
Tickets & Pricing
Ticket Prices:
- Standard seats: ¥280-380
- VIP seats: ¥480-680
- Premium seats: ¥880+
Show Times:
- Evening shows: 7:30 PM (daily)
- Matinee shows: 2:30 PM (weekends and holidays)
Booking Tips:
- Book online in advance to avoid queues!
- VIP seats include intermission snacks and better views
- Children under 1.2m get discounted tickets
- Shows can sell out during Chinese holidays
Family Tips for Chimelong Circus
Before the Show
- Arrive 60 minutes early for pre-show entertainment and to get settled
- Use the bathroom before
- It is quite hot inside in the summer — dress to accomodate for that
- There are snacks for purchase in the venue
During the Show
- Sit towards the middle for the best views of all acts
- Photos and videos are allowed (no flash photography)
- It is quite loud — bring airplugs for kids if they are sensitive
With Young Kids
- Bring your own snacks for toddlers and young kids — the show is long and there are no healthy options to choose from
- Choose aisle seats to make bathroom trips easier
- Prepare for loud music and sound effects - some sensitive kids might find it overwhelming
- The show is in a mix of Chinese and English, but it's mostly visual so language isn't a barrier
Age-Specific Guide
- Ages 2-4: If your child has been to some shows before and you know they won‘t be overwhelmed it can be an enjoyable experience
- Ages 5-8: Perfect age - they'll be absolutely amazed by everything
- Ages 9+: Will appreciate the technical difficulty of the tricks
Important Booking & Seating Information
Seat Assignment Process
For VIP and First-Class Tickets:
- After purchasing, you must obtain your seat number online through the ticket collection link
- This must be done before entering the venue (or before entering the park if you're visiting other attractions first)
- Seat according to your reserved session time
Family Seating Tips
To sit together as a family:
- All family members must purchase the same ticket level (ordinary seats cannot sit next to VIP seats)
- Fill in valid ID information for all family members in the same order when booking
- The system will automatically assign consecutive seats
- For children: Use the accompanying adult's ID when booking child tickets
Children & Infant Policy
Important age restrictions:
- Children under 3 years or under 100cm height: Not recommended to enter
- If you bring young children anyway: Must purchase a child ticket + adult supervision required
- One-person-one-seat-one-ticket policy: Everyone needs a ticket, including babies
Other attractions nearby
Since Chimelong is quite far from central Guangzhou, make the trip worthwhile by exploring other nearby attractions. This area is essentially China's answer to Disney World!
Chimelong Paradise
- What it is: China's largest amusement park with world-class roller coasters
- Perfect for: Families with kids 3+ who love thrill rides
- Time needed: Full day
- Our take: The kids' area is fantastic for little ones, while older kids will love the bigger rides
- 🎢 Book Chimelong Paradise tickets
Chimelong Safari Park
- What it is: Drive-through safari experience with over 20,000 animals
- Perfect for: All ages, especially animal-loving kids
- Time needed: Half to full day
- Highlights: White tiger shows, panda pavilion, and the drive-through safari
- Family tip: The animal shows are in Chinese, but kids love them regardless
- 🦁 Book Safari Park tickets
Chimelong Water Park (Seasonal)
- Open: April through October
- Perfect for: Hot Guangzhou summers and families with kids who can swim
- What makes it special: Massive wave pools and kid-friendly water slides
Where to stay near Chimelong
If you're planning to visit multiple Chimelong attractions, staying nearby saves significant time and transport costs. Here are our top recommendations based on different family needs:
For Families: Chimelong Hotel
- Why choose it: Purpose-built for families with a tropical rainforest theme and animal motifs
- Family perks:
- Themed rooms inspired by animals and nature
- Kids' clubs, playgrounds, and family-friendly pools
- Complimentary shuttle to all Chimelong attractions
- Often includes discounted or free Safari Park tickets
- Distance: Walking distance to all Chimelong attractions
- Price range: From $150-200 USD/night
- Best for: Families wanting the full Disney-style resort experience
- 🏨 Check Chimelong Hotel rates
For Grown-Up Comfort: Sheraton Guangzhou Panyu
- Why we recommend it: Sophisticated 5-star hotel near Chimelong with business-class amenities
- Adult-focused features:
- Executive lounge with complimentary breakfast and happy hour
- Spa, fitness center, and infinity pool
- Elegant rooms on floors 30-41 with city views
- Multiple restaurants and private dining options
- Family considerations: Spacious rooms, kids' club, and family-friendly facilities
- Distance: 25 minutes walk to Chimelong Paradise
- Price range: From $55-90 USD/night
- Best for: Parents wanting refined comfort while staying near attractions
- 🏨 Book Sheraton Guangzhou Panyu
Our Recommendation
Choose Chimelong Hotel if: Your kids are 2-8 years old and love themed experiences - the immersive animal environment and direct park access are worth the premium.
Choose Sheraton if: You're combining Chimelong with other Guangzhou activities or prefer sophisticated hotel amenities while still being close to family attractions.
Is Chimelong International Circus Worth It?
Bottom line: Yes, especially if you're already visiting other Chimelong attractions or have 3+ days in Guangzhou.
Perfect For:
- Families with kids ages 3 and up
- First-time circus visitors looking for a world-class show
- Anyone who enjoys spectacular live performances
- Families doing a Chimelong resort experience
Consider Skipping If:
- You're only in Guangzhou for 1-2 days and want to focus on the city center
- You have very young babies (under 18 months) who might be overwhelmed
- You prefer authentic cultural experiences over international entertainment
- You're on a very tight budget
Our Family Verdict
The kids still talk about the "flying people" months later, and it's become one of their favorite China memories alongside seeing pandas in Chengdu. The quality of the performance genuinely impressed us adults, while the spectacle kept our young children completely engaged.
Cost vs. Value: At ¥280-380 for standard tickets, it's not cheap, but the production value matches international standards. For families already spending on Chimelong attractions, it's a worthwhile addition.
The Real Test: Would we go back? Absolutely. In fact, we're already planning to return when the kids are older to see how they appreciate the artistry differently.
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Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
