Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has long been a beloved part of the city’s leisure scene. In recent years, its Giant Panda Adventure has become a significant attraction, transforming the park into a favorite destination for families, school groups, and tourists worldwide.
Opened in 1977, Ocean Park began as a small marine park near Aberdeen focused on dolphins, sea lions, and aquarium exhibits and has since grown into a major theme park and conservation center.
Over the years, it has transformed from a more traditional amusement park into an educational institution, with a strong focus on animal welfare, breeding programs, and environmental awareness. The arrival of giant pandas in the 1990s marked a turning point, making the park a symbol of Hong Kong’s deep-rooted connection with the mainland and its role in global conservation efforts.
Today, the park’s panda program focuses on two main habitats: the Giant Panda Adventure and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures Pavilion. These enclosures are carefully designed to resemble the pandas’ natural Sichuan environment, with bamboo groves, climbing structures, pools, and shaded areas, allowing visitors to observe the animals’ natural behaviors.
The birth of twin cubs Jia Jia and De De in August 2024, the first giant pandas born in Hong Kong, sparked a new wave of excitement. Their first public appearance was in early 2025, and their playful behavior has made them instant stars, attracting thousands of visitors daily.
The park uses its panda exhibits to promote conservation and education. The Giant Panda Adventure features interpretive displays on panda biology, diet, and habitat, and the park offers workshops where guests learn about panda conservation through hands-on activities.
Apart from the pandas, Ocean Park offers a variety of thrilling rides, marine exhibits, and family attractions, from roller coasters at the Waterfront to aquariums and animal encounters in the Summit area, the park provides visitors with full-day entertainment that combines conservation with fun.
The panda enclosures are among the park’s most popular attractions, so visitors should arrive early and check the park’s official app for real-time crowd information to avoid queues.
Bernard Charnwut Chan is chairman of West Kowloon Cultural District
