Guilin · Visitor Guide
Guilin Merry Land (Merry Land Theme Park) (桂林乐满地, Guìlín Lèmǎndì)
Guilin Merry Land (桂林乐满地) is a large-scale theme park and resort complex located in the Pingshui River valley, about 60 km south of Guilin city in Lipu County (荔浦县). The park opened in 2002 and has been operating continuously since, making it one of the longest-running theme parks in southern China. The 6.7-square-kilometer resort includes a theme park with four themed zones (Chinese Classic, Merry Land Town, Fantasy World, and American Frontier), a man-made lake, a water park, a golf course, and multiple hotels. It is primarily a domestic tourism destination — international visitors are uncommon — but it is the most comprehensive amusement park experience in Guangxi and a popular weekend destination for families from Guilin, Nanning, and farther.
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Quick Answer
Is Guilin Merry Land (Merry Land Theme Park) worth visiting?
Guangxi's largest theme park — 4 themed zones, 100+ rides, a water park, and a golf course on 6.7 km² of manicured grounds. ¥150 (weekday), ¥200 (weekend/holiday). Full day.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Theme park: ¥150 weekday, ¥200 weekend/holiday (as of June 2026). Water park (summer): ¥100 extra. Combined park + water park: ¥200 weekday, ¥260 weekend. Children under 1.2m: free (ride restrictions apply). Online booking discounts available (¥10–30 off). |
|---|---|
| Hours | Theme park: 9:00–17:30 (weekdays), 9:00–18:00 (weekends). Water park: 10:00–18:00 (summer season, May–Oct). Peak season (July–August): extended evening hours until 22:00 on weekends. |
| Recommended duration | Full day (6–8 hours) to cover the major rides and zones. The park is large — a second day is worthwhile if you want to do everything or return to favorite rides. |
| Best time to visit | Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) for minimal queues. Avoid Chinese holidays (National Week, Labor Day, Chinese New Year) — queues exceed 60 minutes for popular rides. May–October for water park access. Spring (March–May) for comfortable temperatures. |
| How to get there | From Guilin: shuttle bus from Guilin Railway Station area (departing 8:30 AM, returning 17:30), ¥40 round-trip. Or: bus from Guilin Bus Station to Lipu County (¥35, 90 min), then DiDi from Lipu to Merry Land (¥30, 20 min). Private DiDi from Guilin: ¥300–400 round-trip. The resort offers official shuttle buses from select Guilin hotels — book through the Merry Land website or WeChat mini-program. |
| English signage | limited |
| Wheelchair accessible | partial |
| Area | 6.7 km² (resort area) |
| Zones | 4 themed zones + water park + golf course |
| Rides | 100+ rides including 4 roller coasters |
| Opening | 2002 (22+ years operation) |
| Location | Lipu County (荔浦县), 60 km south of Guilin |
| Hotels | 3 resort hotels on site (5-star, 4-star, and budget) |
What to expect
Guilin Merry Land is a properly large theme park — not a carnival midway or a small regional amusement ground. The four themed zones are substantial: Chinese Classic (oriented toward traditional Chinese culture and performances), Merry Land Town (European-style streetscape with arcade games and shops), Fantasy World (dark rides, simulators, and family attractions), and American Frontier (roller coasters and thrill rides). The centerpiece is the Merry Go Round, a 1920s-style carousel in front of the main entrance that is the park's unofficial icon.
The four roller coasters include the "Southern Express" (过山车) — a looping coaster — and the "Crazy River" rapids ride which is the park's most popular on hot days. The water park section (open May–October) includes a wave pool, multiple water slides, and a lazy river. The man-made lake (瑶池) has paddleboat rentals and evening light shows on weekends during peak season.
Practical notes: the park is primarily Mandarin-language — signage, ride instructions, and staff communication are in Mandarin with limited English. International visitors should download a translation app or go with a Mandarin speaker. The park has lockers near the entrance (¥20–30 per rental). Stroller rentals are available at the entrance. The park is spread out — bring comfortable shoes and plan for significant walking between zones.
How to get there
Official shuttle bus from select Guilin hotels (book through Merry Land website or WeChat). Or: bus from Guilin Bus Station to Lipu County (¥35, 90 min), then DiDi ¥30 to Merry Land (20 min). Private car from Guilin: ~90 minutes, ¥300–400 round-trip with driver waiting. Driving yourself: G65 motorway to Lipu Exit, then provincial road 321 south — well-signed, ~60 km.
Best photo spots
- Merry Go Round (旋转木马) at the main entrance — the park's most-photographed attraction, best at opening or dusk
- Lake (瑶池) with the Merry Land Castle in the background — from the bridge near the American Frontier zone
- Evening light show on the lake — weekend evenings during peak season, the water fountain and laser show is free
- American Frontier main street — the Western-style architecture is unexpected and makes for distinctive photos
Tips
- Go on a weekday (Tuesday–Thursday) — the difference in queue times is dramatic; some rides have no wait vs. 60+ minutes on weekends
- Book tickets online 1–2 days ahead — online discounts (¥10–30 off) and advance booking avoids sold-out days during peak season
- The water park is open May–October only — if you are visiting in shoulder season (March–April or October), check if the water park is operating before buying a combined ticket
- Bring sunscreen and a hat — the park has limited shade and temperatures in summer (July–August) can exceed 35°C
- The park is primarily Mandarin-language — download an offline translation app if you do not speak Mandarin; the staff are helpful but communication is limited
Scams to avoid
- Ticket resellers near the Guilin Railway Station area selling "discounted" Merry Land tickets — the tickets are real but the price is not discounted; buy from the official website or the park ticket office
- Unofficial "shuttle buses" solicited near bus stations — these may be legitimate shared vans or they may take you to commission-based restaurants along the way; use the official shuttle or public transport
- Vendors outside the park selling "official" fast-pass wristbands — there is no fast-pass system; ignore
Frequently asked questions
Is Merry Land suitable for young children?
Yes — the Fantasy World zone has multiple dark rides, carousels, and gentle rides suitable for under-8s. The Chinese Classic zone has cultural performances and an outdoor play area. However, the roller coasters and thrill rides in the American Frontier zone are not suitable for young children. The water park has a children's splash zone. Children under 1.2m have free entry but ride restrictions apply (height minimums).
How does Merry Land compare to other theme parks in China?
Merry Land is smaller than major national parks (Chimelong in Guangzhou, Happy Valley in Shenzhen/Shanghai) but larger and more developed than regional parks. It is the best theme park experience in Guangxi and is comfortable for a full day. If you have visited major Chinese theme parks, you will find Merry Land solid but not exceptional. If you have not, it is a good introduction.
Is there accommodation on site?
Yes — three resort hotels on site: 桂林乐满地度假酒店 (5-star), 乐满地森林度假村 (4-star), and 乐满地汽车旅馆 (motel). Booking accommodation + park ticket packages offers the best value. The on-site hotels are convenient if you want to do two days or escape the park in the afternoon heat.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Yes — outside food is permitted. There are restaurants and food stands inside the park but prices are 2–3x street prices. Bringing water bottles and snacks is practical and permitted.
Is English spoken?
Very limited. Signage is in Mandarin with English translations on major rides and at the entrance. Staff communication is primarily Mandarin. International visitors should plan accordingly — a Mandarin-speaking companion greatly enhances the experience.
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Reed Flute Cave
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Seven Star Park
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