Chimelong Penguin Hotel
We saw the hotel from half a mile away, the colorful tower standing tall over buildings and treetops. I held back a squeal of delight. It had been a long, tiring journey, but we had finally made it to the Chimelong Penguin Hotel. Located in a resort district in Zhuhai, China, the penguin hotel overlooks the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom theme park, making it a prime destination for aquatic avian lovers. Roller coasters are a nice bonus, but I was there for the penguins.
And penguins were aplenty. They greeted us at the entrance, larger than life statues and murals and signs. The lobby was awash with penguins, on the floors and walls and even adorning the skylight. A cuddly penguin mascot posed for pictures with children and one very enthusiastic adult. The cuteness didn’t end once we received our room key. The penguin festooned elevator opened onto a hallway featuring the QQ penguin from China’s instant messaging service Tencent QQ. The carpeting even sported adorable penguin footprints.
The room itself showcased the QQ family; QQ penguin himself, babyQ the adorable penguin chick, and Dov the polar bear, which went against my no-polar-bears-with-penguins rule, but I was willing to overlook it. (If you’re a strict advocate of polar separation, the hotel does have non-QQ rooms.) The room included penguin bedspreads, wall hangings, a stuffed penguin on the bed, a full assortment of toiletries, and even penguin shaped soap and shampoo containers.
After a relaxing shower and nap in the very comfortable bed, we made our way down to the buffet.
One of the major features of the hotel, the restaurant is elaborately decorated with penguins and an odd assortment of sea life. A mother and baby Emperor penguin preside over dainty desserts alongside a giant crab and lobster. A crew of penguins slides down a ski slope. Overhead, penguins swing on trapeze or float in hot air balloons. Even the food is themed, the bird shaped buns and rice balls almost too cute to eat. One corner of the restaurant houses a stage, where animatronic penguins dance and scene to a delighted young audience. If you prefer something more authentic, the rear glass wall of the restaurant looks onto a real live penguin habitat-- Adelies, Gentoos, and even Emperor Penguins, rarely found in zoos or aquariums. I stayed for a while just watching them, even after we’d finished eating.
Being right next door to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom Theme Park, the various shops inside the hotel had a more inclusive ocean theme. Alongside penguin toys and hats and shirts you can also find manta rays, octopi, sharks, seals and various other popular marine creatures. They also sell drinks, snacks, and other goods to make your vacation complete, although you`ll want to bring your own sunscreen.
If you’re traveling from outside of China, I’d recommend exchanging currency before you get to the hotel. Although there are money changers onsite, they didn’t deal with Japanese Yen, and I had difficulty using my credit card at the shops and restaurants. USD appeared to be more readily accepted.
My stay at the hotel was an unforgettable experience. There truly were penguins in every nook and cranny.
