Guilin Merryland Resort World is located in Xing’an County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a large amusement complex that combines fashion, dynamism, excitement, and joy.
The resort covers a total area of 6,000 mu (about 400 hectares), of which Ling Lake occupies 780 mu (about 52 hectares) with a maximum depth of 30 meters. The resort features an 18-hole, international-standard, American-style丘陵 golf course, as well as a leisure resort hotel that blends the beauty of Guilin’s landscapes, the art of Guangxi’s ethnic minorities, and the joyful culture of Merryland. The theme park is divided into seven zones: Happy China Town, American West Zone, Dream World Zone, Pirate’s Village, South Pacific Zone, Europe Zone, and Mandala Garden.
History and Culture
Guilin Merryland Resort World was invested and built by Mr. Ma Zhiling, the world’s largest Chinese securities trader. The total planned investment for the project is RMB 3.1 billion. The first phase was completed and put into operation on December 25, 2000.
Mr. Ma Zhiling, the founder of Merryland, is passionate about camellias. In 1997, he established a camellia cultivation base at Merryland, successfully introducing and cultivating over 10,000 camellia trees and grafted seedlings, and collecting more than 380 varieties of camellias from China and abroad. In March 2003, the camellia variety "Furong Xiangbo" (Lotus Scent) submitted by Merryland won a Silver Award at the 4th China Camellia Exhibition. From March 1 to 20, 2005, Merryland hosted the 2005 Merryland International Camellia Expo, which was the largest, most complete, most numerous, and most prestigious camellia exhibition in Chinese history.
The wooden ceiling of the lobby of the Merryland Resort Hotel incorporates the architectural styles of various ethnic minorities in Guangxi. The floor tiles at the lobby entrance feature the unique bronze drum patterns of the Dong ethnic group. The bell and drum tower in the hotel’s water courtyard was built in reference to the bell and drum towers of the Dong region in Guangxi; it is hexagonal, three stories high, and the main structure is assembled with wooden mortise-and-tenon joints.
Main Attractions
Happy China Town：
The architecture here features ancient Chinese characteristics, including Great Wall?style battlements, pavilions, and terraces. Major rides and attractions include the Wind and Fire Wheel, Tornado, Shenma Cinema, and Carousel. There are also specialty venues such as Linghu Lake Mist Pavilion, Nostalgia Photo Studio, and Hanxiang Folk Art Gallery, where visitors can buy souvenirs and experience traditional calligraphy, painting, and folk crafts.
American West Zone：
This area showcases the 18th?century American pioneer western style. Major attractions include River Rapids, Hollywood Stunt Show, Skyrocket, and Sharpshooter. There are also themed shops like Pioneer House and a hamburger restaurant, where visitors can purchase cowboy gear and enjoy authentic American fast food.
South Pacific Zone：
Designed with tropical flair, the staff here wear floral shirts. Main attractions include South Pacific dance performances, Jet Ski Surfing, Surfing Roller Coaster, Bungee Jumping, and Great Barrier Reef Rock Climbing. Visitors can experience a strong tropical atmosphere and thrilling rides.
Pirate’s Village：
Featuring Caribbean?style architecture, the staff are dressed as pirates. Exciting rides include Sea War, Stormy Waves, and Pirate Ship. There are also Treasure Island Carnival, Bay Market, Harbor Restaurant, and a Pizzeria, where visitors can play games, buy specialty goods, and enjoy tropical cuisine.
Dream World Zone：
Themed on the fairy tale dreamland of Western stories, the buildings are mostly irregularly shaped. Attractions include Dream Water World, Magic Light Wheel, Haunted House Adventure, and Bumper Cars. There is also a Joy Theater, a Joy Train, and an Elf House, where visitors can watch wonderful shows and buy Western?style toys.
Europe Zone：
This area features 12th?to?13th?century Gothic architecture with towering spires and pillars. It houses the park’s most thrilling ride, the “Crusader Cavalry,” and the Venice Shop, where visitors can buy medieval European?style gifts.
Mandala Garden：
The garden showcases the “New Eight Scenes of Merryland,” including Misty Ling Lake, Wind?and?Rain Dong Bridge, and Camellia Path of Love. Ling Lake is known as “Little West Lake” for its beautiful scenery. The Wind?and?Rain Dong Bridge is a sister bridge to the Chengyang Wind?and?Rain Bridge and is the only such bridge in the world that allows boat passage. In addition, visitors can enjoy the spectacular sight of thousands of camellia flowers blooming in the Camellia Valley.
Suggested Tour Routes：
Visitors can plan their route according to their preferences and available time. If you enjoy thrilling rides, you may start with the “Crusader Cavalry” in the Europe Zone, then move to the “Skyrocket” and “River Rapids” in the American West Zone, and later experience “Sea War” and “Stormy Waves” in Pirate’s Village. If you are traveling with children, you could first go to the Dream World Zone to enjoy the “Joy Train,” “Bumper Cars,” and “Dream Water World,” then head to Happy China Town for the “Carousel” and “Shenma Cinema.” Finally, take a stroll through Mandala Garden to enjoy the views of Ling Lake and the Eight Scenes, and appreciate the beauty of nature. Alternatively, you can follow the park map clockwise or counterclockwise to visit each zone in order, ensuring you don’t miss any highlights.
Tips for Your Visit：
Check the park’s official website or social media in advance for current promotions, show schedules, and maintenance updates to better plan your trip.
Bring some snacks and water. Although there are restaurants and shops inside, bringing your own food can help you refuel conveniently and save time and money.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the park is large and involves a lot of walking.
If you want to try the most popular thrill rides, arrive early and queue for them first to avoid long waits later.
Keep your personal belongings safe, especially when riding attractions; place items in designated storage areas to prevent loss.
Important Notices：
Follow the park’s rules and staff instructions, especially when riding attractions—fasten your seatbelt and operate as required.
Be aware of your physical condition. Visitors with high blood pressure, heart disease, acrophobia, or other conditions should choose thrill rides cautiously to avoid accidents.
Flying devices such as drones are prohibited inside the park; do not bring them in.
Help protect the environment by not littering and keeping the park clean.
In case of severe weather (e.g., heavy rain, strong winds), take shelter indoors and follow the staff’s arrangements.
Transportation：
Self?driving: From downtown Guilin, take the 6?lane national first?class highway for 63 km (about 45 minutes). From Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, the drive takes about 55 minutes. Along the way, you can enjoy views of northern Guangxi’s rural forests and karst landscapes.
Public transport: Take a bus from Guilin to Xing’an County, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach Merryland Resort World.
Opening Hours：
The regular opening hours are 9:30 – 17:00. Ticket sales stop 2 hours before closing, and entry stops 1.5 hours before closing. The park is closed on Chinese New Year’s Eve. Hours may be adjusted for special events or maintenance, so please check the official website or call ahead for confirmation.
Tickets：
Theme park admission is RMB 150 per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account to get the latest updates.