Can a Billionaire’s Dream Redefine the Ocean? Inside the Monumental Creation of Chimelong Ocean Kingdom

The video chronicles the planning, construction, and early animal transfer phases of Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China, one of the largest marine theme parks ever built. It begins by describing the vision of a reclusive Chinese billionaire who enlisted global architectural and engineering experts to realize an aquarium of unprecedented scale and complexity. The park features a main aquarium holding the equivalent of 12 Olympic swimming pools, multiple themed tanks, an amusement park, a circus, and a massive luxury hotel.

In the heart of Hengqin, Zhuhai, a reclusive Chinese billionaire envisioned more than just a theme park; he aspired to create an unparalleled marine sanctuary that would captivate the world. This vision materialized as Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, a testament to ambition, innovation, and global collaboration. Designed by PGAV Destinations, the park broke ground on November 28, 2010, and officially opened its doors on March 29, 2014, after a soft launch in January of the same year. 

Spanning over 132 hectares, the park boasts eight themed zones, each meticulously crafted to represent different marine environments. From the vibrant "Ocean Avenue" to the icy realms of "Polar Horizon," visitors are transported into immersive aquatic worlds. The centerpiece, a colossal aquarium holding 22.7 million liters of water, houses an array of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and countless fish species.

"Chimelong Group, established in 1989, is a leading cultural tourism conglomerate integrating theme parks, resort hotels, cultural performances, distinctive dining, business conventions, and educational programs. With the cultural and tourism industry at its core, Chimelong aims to become a “world-famous cultural and tourism brand”. Over 36 years, the Group has developed 3 world-renowned cultural tourism resorts: Chimelong Guangzhou Resort, Chimelong Hengqin Resort, and Chimelong Qingyuan Resort. Together, they feature 7 major theme parks, 9 resort hotels (with a total of over 10,000 rooms), and 3 international circus theaters. Ranked among the top theme park groups globally, Chimelong welcomes over 40 million visitors each year. Guided by its mission to “create joy and share happiness” and driven by core values of “innovation、 dedication, sincerity, excellence”, Chimelong has become a beloved brand for visitors from around the world."

- Chimelong Group

Constructing the world's largest aquarium was no small feat. Engineers faced the daunting task of installing the world's largest acrylic panel, measuring 39.6 meters by 8.3 meters, weighing over 22 tons . This massive window offers visitors an unobstructed view into the mesmerizing underwater world.

Another architectural marvel is the translucent dome covering the whale shark exhibit. Weighing 50 tons, this dome was manufactured in Japan and transported to Zhuhai via a specially constructed road, highlighting the project's logistical complexities. Thousands of workers labored tirelessly, often battling adverse weather conditions, to bring this vision to life.

Question: How many Football Fields would fit on 132 Hectares?

Beyond the structural challenges, integrating marine life into the park required meticulous planning. Marine biologists and animal trainers collaborated to ensure the safe transport and acclimatization of various species, including belugas, dolphins, and sea lions. Each animal underwent health checks and was gradually introduced to their new environment to minimize stress.

Trainers also began the early stages of show preparation, focusing on building trust and understanding with the animals. These performances aim to educate visitors about marine life while showcasing the animals' natural behaviors.

As the opening day approached, final touches were applied across the park. Engineers conducted rigorous tests on water filtration systems, lighting, and safety protocols. Staff rehearsed crowd management strategies, ensuring a seamless experience for the anticipated influx of visitors.

The grand opening was a spectacle of marine-themed parades, dazzling light shows, and enthusiastic crowds. The park's debut was met with widespread acclaim, positioning Chimelong Ocean Kingdom as a premier destination for marine education and entertainment.

Understanding spatial comparisons—like how many NFL fields fit in 132 hectares—offers a fun, tangible way to visualize scale, especially in fields like real estate, development, and event planning. If you enjoy insightful, practical breakdowns like this, check out my other articles on Resident.com, where I regularly explore the intersections of tech, travel, and innovation. For more of my work, visit my portfolio at MarkDerho.com, and let’s connect on LinkedIn to explore collaboration opportunities or discuss your next project.

🏈 Standard NFL Field Dimensions:

• Length: 120 yards (including end zones) = 360 feet ≈ 109.7 meters

• Width: 53.3 yards = 160 feet ≈ 48.8 meters

• Total area ≈ 5,351 square meters

🌿 Hectares to Square Meters:

• 1 hectare = 10,000 square meters

• 132 hectares = 1,320,000 square meters

🔢 Calculation:

1,320,000 m25,351 m2/field≈246.8 NFL fields\frac{1,320,000 \text{ m}^2}{5,351 \text{ m}^2/\text{field}} \approx 246.8 \text{ NFL fields}5,351 m2/field1,320,000 m2​≈246.8 NFL fields

✅ Final Answer:

247 NFL football fields would fit into 132 hectares.