Route 19 - Island Road (Deep Water Bay)－Wong Chuk Hang Road (Aberdeen Sports Ground)－Ocean Park (Main Entrance) Flashcards
Route 19 - Points to Mention:
(Island Road (Deep Water Bay)－Wong Chuk Hang Road (Aberdeen Sports Ground)－Ocean Park (Main Entrance))
this section ends at Ocean Park Main Entrance
2 sites - 8 minutes
- Ocean Park
- MTR South Line
Ocean Park
1. Introduction:
“Welcome to Ocean Park Hong Kong, one of Asia’s premier animal theme parks! Located on the southern part of Hong Kong Island, it offers a unique blend of marine life, thrilling rides, and spectacular views. Ocean Park is a must-visit for families, adventure-seekers, and anyone interested in conservation and education.”
2. History and Development:
* Covering an area of 91.5 hectares (226 acres) in Wong Chuk Hang, it is the largest theme park by area in Hong Kong, and is also the city’s second oldest theme park.
* Ocean Park officially opened on January 10, 1977, with Hong Kong’s Governor, Murray MacLehose, officiating the ceremony.
* Originally built on a former dairy farm, it was funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club with a HK$150 million investment.
* Early Management: The park was initially managed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
* The seahorse was the original logo, symbolizing both the ocean and the Jockey Club. This logo can still be seen on the park’s landscaping in Nam Long Shan.
* Current Management: Today, Ocean Park is managed by the Ocean Park Corporation, operating as a non-profit organization with the mission to be self-sustaining while offering entertainment, education, and conservation experiences to visitors.
3. Layout of the Park:
The park is separated by a large mountain into two areas,:
* The Summit – The higher section of the park featuring thrilling rides and attractions like Thrill Mountain and Polar Adventure.
* The Waterfront – This area includes marine exhibits such as Marine World and Asian Animals.
* The two sections are connected by cable cars for stunning views, or visitors can use the Ocean Express funicular if they prefer not to travel by cable car.
* The park also has Hong Kong’s second-longest outdoor escalator connecting The Summit to Tai Shue Wan.
5. Themed Zones:
Ocean Park is divided into eight themed zones:
* Asian Animals
* Marine World
* Adventure Land
* Rainforest
* Thrill Mountain
* Rapids
* Polar Adventure
* Water World Ocean Park (recently opened)
These zones offer a mix of marine-themed attractions and exciting rides, making it one of the world’s most popular theme parks.
6. Mission and Education:
* Conservation and Education: Ocean Park emphasizes ocean protection and animal welfare. Shows like “Whiskers Village Ocean Guardians” focus on educating the public about marine conservation.
* Eco-friendly Products: The park’s souvenir shops promote sustainable products, such as eco-friendly straws and cups.
7. Visitor Experience:
* Over the years, Ocean Park has hosted over 100 million visitors, with up to 7.7 million visitors annually.
* New Additions: In 2021, Water World Ocean Park opened. It is Asia’s first year-round, all-weather seaside water park, featuring five themed zones, 27 attractions, and facilities like an infinity pool, surf simulator, and large outdoor wave pools.
8. Water World Ocean Park:
Located in Tai Shue Wan, the water park blends nature with modern attractions.
It has a terraced water design, with facilities spread across three floors:
* First floor: Main entrance, locker rooms, retail shops.
* Second floor: Indoor water slides, lazy river, surf simulator.
* Third floor: Children’s play areas, indoor wave pools, spa pools, infinity pool.
* Popular Features: Hong Kong’s first surf simulator and 9 rainbow water slides.
9. Interesting Facts:
* Ocean Park is home to a variety of animals, including giant pandas, dolphins, and sea lions. Ocean Park houses 6,515 animals as of 30 June 2023 (most of which being fish).
* The park has housed giant pandas since 1999. It recently celebrated the birth of new twin panda cubs An An and Ke Ke in August 2025. They are Hong Kong’s first locally born giant panda cubs. This adds to the park’s ongoing panda conservation efforts and marks a significant achievement for the breeding program.
* The park is committed to eco-tourism, and its focus on environmental education has made it a role model for other attractions worldwide.
10. Visitor Tips:
* Getting There: Easily accessible by MTR (Ocean Park Station) or shuttle bus for Water World.
* Dress Comfortably: The park is built on a mountain, so expect some walking uphill.
* Plan Ahead: With multiple zones and attractions, it’s best to plan your visit to make the most out of your time.
11. Conclusion:
“Ocean Park Hong Kong isn’t just about animals and rides. It’s a place dedicated to marine conservation, education, and providing a world-class experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re riding thrilling roller coasters or learning about the wonders of the ocean, this park offers something for everyone!
MTR South Line
1. Overview:
* The South Island line, is a rapid transit line of Hong Kong’s MTR metro system.
* This medium-capacity, fully automated, and driverless line spans approximately 7 kilometers, connecting the Hong Kong business district from Admiralty station to the Southern District of Hong Kong Island and the island of Ap Lei Chau.
* Provides a much-needed alternative mode of transport to the 350,000 residents living in the Southern District, who had faced daily traffic congestion to and from the downtown area of Hong Kong.
2. Route:
The line comprises five stations:
Admiralty (interchange station)
* Ocean Park
* Wong Chuk Hang
* Lei Tung
* South Horizons
3. Construction Highlights:
* Project Initiation: Agreements for the South Island Line were signed on 18 May 2011, with construction commencing shortly thereafter.
* Challenges: The expansion of Admiralty Station posed significant engineering challenges due to its dense urban environment, leading to a revised opening date in December 2016.
* Completion: Despite these challenges, the line was successfully inaugurated on 28 December 2016, enhancing accessibility to the Southern District.
4. Technical Specifications:
* Rolling Stock: The line utilizes fully automated, driverless trains, marking a significant advancement in Hong Kong’s railway technology, with trains being remotely controlled from the Operations Control Centre in Tsing Yi
* Frequency: During peak hours, trains operate at approximately 3-minute intervals, ensuring efficient passenger flow.
5. Key Attractions Along the Line:
* Ocean Park Station: Provides direct access to Ocean Park, one of Hong Kong’s premier marine life theme parks, making it a convenient stop for tourists and locals alike.
* Wong Chuk Hang Station: Serves the Wong Chuk Hang area, known for its burgeoning business district and industrial revitalization.
* Lei Tung and South Horizons Stations: These stations cater to the residential communities in Ap Lei Chau, offering residents a swift connection to the city center.
6. Future Developments:
* South Island Line (West): Plans are underway for an extension, known as the South Island Line (West), aiming to further connect the southwestern coast of Hong Kong Island, from Wong Chuk Hang to Kennedy Town.
* This project is currently in the planning phase, with construction anticipated to commence in the coming years.
7. Conclusion:
The MTR South Island Line stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s commitment to expanding its transportation infrastructure, seamlessly integrating the Southern District with the rest of the city. Whether you’re commuting to work, visiting attractions, or exploring new neighborhoods, the South Island Line offers a reliable and efficient travel option.
