https://www.scmp.com/rss/323796/feed Ocean Park is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park in the Southern District of Hong Kong en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jess Ma Jess Ma The Hong Kong Tourism Board invited more than 1,700 influencers from around the world to the city between 2023 and last year, with the internet personalities having a combined following exceeding 1.6 billion. Responding to an inquiry from lawmaker Chan Hoi-yan, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau said the board had invited 1,730 influencers to Hong Kong over two years, with itineraries tailored to their markets and audiences. “In 2026-27, [the board] will continue to develop themed... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350512/tourism-board-invited-1730-influencers-hong-kong-over-2-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350512/tourism-board-invited-1730-influencers-hong-kong-over-2-years?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:00:25 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu Last week, a friend and I chatted about our children’s favourite art pieces after happening upon an auction house’s exhibition in a building in the heart of Hong Kong’s business district. We both recalled stopping to look at Yayoi Kusama’s Mount Fuji prints. “I pass by the space twice every day,” my friend said. She told me that my son’s pick – a piece by Sam Francis – was a new installation, replacing what had been a display of handbags. How often do we pause to notice art, or enjoy life in... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3348095/hong-kong-can-draw-art-marchs-success-keeping-it-authentic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3348095/hong-kong-can-draw-art-marchs-success-keeping-it-authentic?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:30:11 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has started using AI to better track the behaviour of its giant panda twins and golden monkeys, allowing for more personalised care and improved habitat design, with plans to extend the technology to dolphin research. The theme park’s chairman, Paulo Pong Kin-yee, also reported a surge in overseas visitors over the winter period, fuelled by a 60 per cent jump in long-haul arrivals, notably from the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. On Wednesday, the park... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347901/hong-kongs-ocean-park-uses-ai-track-enrich-lives-giant-pandas-monkeys?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347901/hong-kongs-ocean-park-uses-ai-track-enrich-lives-giant-pandas-monkeys?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:28:12 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin A section of Hong Kong Island’s southwest coast at Aberdeen will be revamped into a new marina with 200 berths, a clubhouse and about 250 private flats by 2032 as part of government efforts to boost yacht tourism. The Development Bureau said on Wednesday that it aimed to launch a tender in the first half of next year – the first for a marina in nearly 40 years. It also noted there was strong market interest in the project. To clear the 1.16-hectare (2.8-acre) seaside site near Po Chong Wan, the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347892/new-200-berth-marina-clubhouse-planned-hong-kong-revamp-aberdeen-site?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347892/new-200-berth-marina-clubhouse-planned-hong-kong-revamp-aberdeen-site?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:51:23 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has euthanised red panda Rou Rou after the 17-year-old endangered animal experienced degenerative joint problems and stopped responding to palliative care. Ocean Park said on Tuesday that its animal care and veterinary teams had provided Rou Rou with comprehensive care and monitored her geriatric conditions for five years, but could not prevent age-related ailments, including degenerative joint issues. The park added that Rou Rou showed “increasing signs of discomfort” in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346851/hong-kongs-ocean-park-euthanises-17-year-old-red-panda-rou-rou?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346851/hong-kongs-ocean-park-euthanises-17-year-old-red-panda-rou-rou?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:09:39 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words Plastic pollution, long associated with marine degradation and contaminated soil, is increasingly recognised as a pressing urban health concern. Recent scientific findings indicate that Hong Kong’s residents may be inhaling large quantities of microscopic plastic particles daily.... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3345727/hong-kong-cannot-afford-ignore-threat-microplastic-pollution?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3345727/hong-kong-cannot-afford-ignore-threat-microplastic-pollution?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 03:30:08 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong’s Ocean Park will transform its North Pole Encounter zone into a marine mammal conservation centre featuring the skeleton of a whale that washed ashore in Sai Kung in 2023. The new exhibit, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027, will highlight the park’s marine mammal research and rescue efforts. Visitors can explore other exhibits and animals, such as seals and sea lions, at Pacific Pier, an attraction in the Marine World section, the theme park said. The new centre will... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345348/hong-kongs-ocean-park-open-new-conservation-centre-featuring-whale-skeleton?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345348/hong-kongs-ocean-park-open-new-conservation-centre-featuring-whale-skeleton?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 03:28:11 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has temporarily closed its Arctic Fox Den after the enclosure’s last two remaining animals, “Siu Go” and “Trinity”, died of old age. The theme park announced on Saturday that Siu Go and Trinity had both died at the age of 11. It did not specify when the deaths occurred. “The park’s animal care and veterinary team closely monitored the health of each arctic fox throughout their later years and provided them with meticulous care,” a spokesman said. “However, they ultimately... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344215/hong-kong-ocean-parks-last-2-arctic-foxes-die-den-temporarily-closed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344215/hong-kong-ocean-parks-last-2-arctic-foxes-die-den-temporarily-closed?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 10:15:52 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong will kick off the Year of the Horse on Tuesday with its annual night parade, featuring floats and performers from more than 60 countries and regions. The Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade will feature a street party at 6pm before the procession begins at 8pm in Tsim Sha Tsui. The South China Morning Post offers tips on how to make the most of the event. 1. What are the highlights? With Cathay Pacific Airways as title sponsor, the parade will showcase 12 floats... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343720/go-floats-how-you-can-enjoy-hong-kongs-annual-lunar-new-year-night-parade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343720/go-floats-how-you-can-enjoy-hong-kongs-annual-lunar-new-year-night-parade?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 07:34:31 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong authorities are investigating the discovery of a severely decomposed whale carcass discovered on a beach in Sai Kung. Authorities were alerted to the decomposed carcass, measuring 11 metres (36.1 feet) in length, on Thursday after villagers found it on the beach at Ham Tin Wan, in Sai Kung East Country Park. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) deployed officers to the scene, with preliminary findings suggesting that the animal was a baleen whale. Based on the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3341738/discovery-badly-decomposed-whale-carcass-sai-kung-beach-triggers-probe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3341738/discovery-badly-decomposed-whale-carcass-sai-kung-beach-triggers-probe?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:56:09 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen A dead porpoise, suspected to have been carrying a stillborn calf, was discovered in Hong Kong waters on Tuesday. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said it had retrieved the carcass, which was identified as a finless porpoise, in the waters near Ap Chau, one of the city’s outlying islands, on Tuesday evening. It added that a necropsy would be conducted by veterinarians, with the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation to also investigate. The park confirmed it would assist with... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3340532/porpoise-stillborn-calf-found-hong-kong-waters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3340532/porpoise-stillborn-calf-found-hong-kong-waters?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jan 2026 07:50:58 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words I refer to the letter, “Let 2026 be the year we are kinder to animals” (December 25). Animal conservation and protection is a complex issue. It is true that Ocean Park promotes conservation while also making a profit from shows involving captive animals. This may seem ironic, but... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3338364/hong-kong-must-take-pragmatic-approach-improving-animal-welfare?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3338364/hong-kong-must-take-pragmatic-approach-improving-animal-welfare?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Jan 2026 03:30:10 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma A high-speed ride at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has malfunctioned for the second time in six months, again trapping thrill-seekers in mid-air. Fifteen people on the theme park’s “Wild Twister” ride were stranded for 19 minutes on Saturday afternoon. A park spokesman said a signal failure at 2.57pm automatically triggered the safety system to halt the ride. “Fifteen affected passengers all left the facility at 3.16pm, with no one injured,” the spokesman said. He said that staff had promptly reset... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338625/15-left-hanging-hong-kong-ocean-parks-wild-twister-ride-breaks-down-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338625/15-left-hanging-hong-kong-ocean-parks-wild-twister-ride-breaks-down-again?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Jan 2026 12:16:34 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft A video circulating online showing hikers scaling a section of a mountain connected to Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has prompted safety concerns. The video from December 23, which appears to have been taken from a cable car at the park, shows three hikers climbing along a giant seahorse carved into the side of Brick Hill. The identities of the hikers and how they accessed the slope were not immediately clear. The side of the mountain appeared rugged and steep with no clear path. At least one of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337910/clip-3-hikers-scaling-slope-hong-kongs-ocean-park-goes-viral?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337910/clip-3-hikers-scaling-slope-hong-kongs-ocean-park-goes-viral?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Dec 2025 16:12:27 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words The New Year is a time for renewal, not just for us, but for the animals who share our city and our planet. As Hong Kong prepares to welcome 2026, we face an important question: will we continue to accept animal suffering as entertainment and “tradition”, or will we choose... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3337423/let-2026-be-year-we-are-kinder-animals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3337423/let-2026-be-year-we-are-kinder-animals?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Dec 2025 03:30:08 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin Elderly residents in Hong Kong are enjoying a slew of perks on Sunday, from free rides to discounted meals, as the city marks Senior Citizens Day. Established in 1979, the celebration is held on the third Sunday of November to recognise the contributions of the elderly and raise public awareness of care for the aged. The Post highlights some major giveaways, as more than 400 organisations and merchants with over 3,800 outlets are rolling out special promotions. Free MTR offers Residents aged 65... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3332973/senior-citizens-day-hong-kong-treats-elderly-free-rides-meal-deals-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3332973/senior-citizens-day-hong-kong-treats-elderly-free-rides-meal-deals-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Nov 2025 08:04:41 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu A stingray that an angler unexpectedly caught in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour earlier this week is believed to be an endangered species, with Ocean Park saying the marine animal is likely to have entered local waters by mistake. A video went viral on social media this week showing the moment a large ray, commonly referred to in Chinese as a “devil fish”, was hooked and seen struggling near the waterfront in Shau Kei Wan. The footage showed the fish’s distinct flat, disc-shaped body and long tail... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3332545/hong-kong-hooked-endangered-stingray-fished-out-victoria-harbour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3332545/hong-kong-hooked-endangered-stingray-fished-out-victoria-harbour?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:46:28 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara After Ocean Park provided Tomato Ho Tze-lok with some of her favourite childhood memories, she has targeted another landmark visit to the theme park during the 2025 Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open. From the quarter-finals onwards, this year’s tournament will be contested in a glass court located at the attraction’s entry plaza. To stand any chance of playing at the venue where she used to savour “seeing the pandas, because they’re so cute, and riding on the cable car”, Ho must overcome one of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3331653/hong-kongs-ho-eyes-ocean-park-visit-first-she-must-beat-close-friend-ibrahim?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3331653/hong-kongs-ho-eyes-ocean-park-visit-first-she-must-beat-close-friend-ibrahim?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:13:26 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin Hong Kong will bring together 20 popular characters, such as SpongeBob, Garfield and the M&M’s mascots, for Asia’s largest IP-themed carnival, with highlights including a balloon parade and a citywide e-stamp collection. The organiser of Merry Balloon Hong Kong, the first ever cross-IP character winter celebration, announced on Wednesday that the month-long event would launch on November 24, aiming to attract at least 100,000 visitors and participants. “This is a brand new, large-scale event in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3331615/spongebob-garfield-among-20-characters-joining-hong-kongs-ip-carnival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3331615/spongebob-garfield-among-20-characters-joining-hong-kongs-ip-carnival?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:30:04 +0000 Alexander Mak Alexander Mak Halloween, much like China’s Hungry Ghost Festival, has its roots in tales of spirits and the supernatural. But unlike the more solemn tone of the Hungry Ghost Festival, Halloween in Hong Kong has evolved into a lively, playful celebration, fuelled by the city’s creativity and curiosity, and inspired by both Western and local traditions. Although there’s no clear record of when the city began embracing Halloween, photographs from the 1980s show small-scale school parties with children dressing... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3330900/pictures-how-hong-kong-made-halloween-its-own?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3330900/pictures-how-hong-kong-made-halloween-its-own?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:00:26 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The expanded giant panda family at Ocean Park has done more than bring people joy and warmth. But while it is good that the beloved furry friends continue to draw more visitors from near and far and boost revenues for the cash-strapped theme park, it will take more than the so-called panda economy to save the declining tourism attraction in the longer term. The 48-year-old brand attracted 10 per cent more visitors year on year, reaching 3.46 million in 2024-25. Locals accounted for most of the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3330167/pandas-alone-wont-save-hong-kongs-ocean-park-long-term?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3330167/pandas-alone-wont-save-hong-kongs-ocean-park-long-term?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Oct 2025 22:45:07 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s Ocean Park could shut down its Water World facility to prevent further losses and “actively consider” any government takeover offer, its chairman revealed on Thursday. Paulo Pong Kin-yee said that the theme park’s HK$274.7 million (US$35.3 million) deficit over the past year was primarily driven by its water attraction. Asked whether the park would close the facility to balance the books, Pong said the option remained on the table. “I do not dare completely deny this possibility,” he... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3330023/hong-kong-ocean-park-not-ruling-out-water-world-closure-cut-losses?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3330023/hong-kong-ocean-park-not-ruling-out-water-world-closure-cut-losses?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Oct 2025 05:38:02 +0000 Denise Tsang Denise Tsang The fervour for giant pandas and their cubs in Hong Kong brought in more visitors and revenue to Ocean Park, their home, but other expenses ate into its financial health and worsened its deficit last year. The theme park’s deficit widened to HK$274.7 million (US$35.3 million) in the 12 months to June 30 from HK$71.6 million in the same period a year earlier, due to higher expenses such as depreciation, at HK$414 million, according to a document it submitted to the Legislative Council on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3329837/pandas-give-hong-kongs-ocean-park-boost-deficit-worsens-hk275-million?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3329837/pandas-give-hong-kongs-ocean-park-boost-deficit-worsens-hk275-million?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:00:28 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Cross-border trips have long become part and parcel of city life under the national drive for closer integration within the Greater Bay Area. While travelling via public transport is as easy as hopping on a bus or a train, access for private vehicles is still lagging behind. The much-touted reciprocal arrangement for Guangdong vehicles to head south is finally gearing up for implementation next month, after a northbound scheme has been in place for Hong Kong drivers for more than two years. The... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3329443/new-cross-border-driving-scheme-win-win-hong-kong-and-guangdong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3329443/new-cross-border-driving-scheme-win-win-hong-kong-and-guangdong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Oct 2025 22:45:14 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong The NBA made a star-studded return to China on Friday, with singers, dancers, thousands of fans and a glittering array of celebrities cheering the league’s first game in the country for six years. A night long in the making began with a crowd of 11,317 at The Venetian Arena in Macau being treated to a show of illuminated lion dancers dressed in black, orange and purple, the colours of the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns. “Thank you for letting us back,” the Suns’ Dillon Brooks told the crowd in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3328603/phoenix-suns-shine-macau-nba-makes-star-studded-return-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3328603/phoenix-suns-shine-macau-nba-makes-star-studded-return-china?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:59:31 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Hong Kong kicked off National Day “golden week” celebrations on Tuesday with two People’s Liberation Army (PLA) warships thrilling onlookers at Victoria Harbour and the catering sector betting on a business bump of up to 20 per cent amid a raft of festivities in the city. Michael Leung Chun-wah, chairman of the Association for Hong Kong Catering Services Management, gave the upbeat forecast as about 4,000 restaurants – the highest number in three years – joined its campaign to offer a 30 per... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327420/hong-kong-caterers-eye-20-sales-bump-national-day-festivities-kick?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327420/hong-kong-caterers-eye-20-sales-bump-national-day-festivities-kick?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:02:33 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has modified a controversial Halloween installation after public concerns over its possible association with the Abby Choi murder case, with the park’s chairman calling it “a lesson learned”. Chairman Paulo Pong Kin-yee said on Monday that the park had adjusted its haunted house installation after the media preview and before the public opening to ensure visitors would not associate it with real crime cases. But he stopped short of revealing what details had been... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327199/hong-kongs-ocean-park-fixes-halloween-display-after-abby-choi-murder-reference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327199/hong-kongs-ocean-park-fixes-halloween-display-after-abby-choi-murder-reference?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:20:21 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin Hong Kong will celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on Wednesday, with locals and tourists expected to make 8.8 million cross-border trips across the National Day holiday week, a 20 per cent increase over last year’s figure. As the city prepares for the celebrations, the Post lists activities and offers on October 1, from free public transport rides and restaurant promotions to a series of activities. 1. What events are being held to celebrate? A... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327184/what-events-and-deals-are-offer-national-day-celebrations-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327184/what-events-and-deals-are-offer-national-day-celebrations-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Sep 2025 02:44:29 +0000 Julian Ryall Julian Ryall The number of Japanese travellers to Hong Kong jumped more than 32 per cent for the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2024, an encouraging sign of recovery for tourism authorities in the Chinese city seeking to draw more visitors from the Land of the Rising Sun. Between January and July, 395,375 Japanese travelled to Hong Kong, a healthy 32.2 per cent increase on the same period last year. This figure is still, however, slightly more than 46 per cent down on arrivals in... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3327074/japanese-flock-hong-kong-lured-nostalgic-kawaii-appeal-pandas-labubu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3327074/japanese-flock-hong-kong-lured-nostalgic-kawaii-appeal-pandas-labubu?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Sep 2025 02:00:17 +0000 SCMP SCMP This story was first published on September 13, 2005. Dazzling start to Disney carnival By Dennis Eng and Ambrose Leung Hailed as an “everlasting carnival” and a multibillion-dollar “strategic investment”, Hong Kong Disneyland was finally inaugurated on Monday (September 12, 2005) with few of the problems and complaints that plagued it during a month of teething troubles. Amid the highest pollution levels of the year, dignitaries including Vice-President Zeng Qinghong and Chief Executive Donald... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3324829/hong-kong-welcomes-mickey-mouse-citys-disneyland-opens-2005-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3324829/hong-kong-welcomes-mickey-mouse-citys-disneyland-opens-2005-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Sep 2025 03:15:09 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun A severely decomposed 10-metre-long (33-foot-long) whale carcass has been found in Mirs Bay, Hong Kong conservation authorities have said. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said on Friday that it had received a police report the previous day about the discovery of a carcass in Mirs Bay, a body of water off northeastern Hong Kong near the Sai Kung peninsula and bordering mainland China. It said a preliminary assessment by a veterinarian from Ocean Park’s response team found... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3324573/10-metre-whale-carcass-discovered-mirs-bay-hong-kong-authorities-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3324573/10-metre-whale-carcass-discovered-mirs-bay-hong-kong-authorities-say?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Sep 2025 23:30:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The “one country, two systems” model has served Hong Kong and mainland China well for more than a quarter of a century. Under this governing formula, Hong Kong needs to seek endorsement from the central government in some areas. One ongoing effort relates to the intellectual property (IP) economy – which includes the creative industries – that plays a key role in the city’s growth and employment. In an exclusive wide-ranging interview, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3324301/global-ip-treaty-can-help-hong-kong-secure-its-creative-edge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3324301/global-ip-treaty-can-help-hong-kong-secure-its-creative-edge?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Sep 2025 23:15:08 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying A documentary about Hong Kong’s twin panda cubs is set to hit screens next year, while two new enclosures will be built for them by 2027, Ocean Park has said on the pair’s first birthday. The theme park in Wong Chuk Hang was buzzing with excitement on Friday morning as around 300 fans of “Jia Jia” and “De De” showed up to celebrate the cubs’ birthday. A parade featuring inflatable pandas and slices of cake kicked off the party, while balloon twisters entertained the guests who were selected... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3322022/hong-kongs-ocean-park-reveals-panda-film-works-twin-cubs-turn-1?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3322022/hong-kongs-ocean-park-reveals-panda-film-works-twin-cubs-turn-1?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:54:36 +0000 Timon Johnson,Natalie Wong,Connor Mycroft Timon Johnson,Natalie Wong,Connor Mycroft Hong Kong firefighters formed a human ladder to rescue 17 people from a ride malfunction at Ocean Park, according to a visitor who said she was among those suspended in mid-air for hours, while an engineer called for stronger oversight of the venue’s safety inspections. But some visitors on Monday remained undeterred about enjoying the park after the breakdown of the “Wild Twister” ride on Sunday. The incident was the latest in at least three this year involving attractions malfunctioning due to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3321430/hong-kongs-ocean-park-wild-twister-ride-breakdown-fails-deter-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3321430/hong-kongs-ocean-park-wild-twister-ride-breakdown-fails-deter-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Aug 2025 07:08:20 +0000 Danny Mok,Emily Hung Danny Mok,Emily Hung Seventeen people were stranded in mid-air for more than an hour after a ride at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park malfunctioned on Sunday evening. Emergency services were sent to the “Wild Twister” ride in the Wong Chuk Hang theme park after the breakdown. Firefighters reached the riders and helped the first one down at 7.38pm, followed by a second person at 7.54pm. The rescue was completed at 8.07pm when the last rider was escorted down. No one required medical treatment. The group rescued comprised nine... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3321381/17-stranded-mid-air-ride-hong-kongs-ocean-park-breaks-down?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3321381/17-stranded-mid-air-ride-hong-kongs-ocean-park-breaks-down?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Aug 2025 12:01:29 +0000 Bernard Chan Bernard Chan Between 2012 and 2018, Hong Kong experienced substantial growth, partly driven by a notable rise in tourism. During this period, Ocean Park often operated at full capacity, and the MTR was frequently crowded with travellers carrying suitcases. The streets of many neighbourhoods were transformed to provide goods and services mainly catering to mainland visitors. For some locals, daily routines were disrupted as queues formed at bakeries and popular spots, creating a mixture of emotions about the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3319307/tourists-return-hong-kong-has-second-chance-getting-balance-right?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3319307/tourists-return-hong-kong-has-second-chance-getting-balance-right?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Jul 2025 01:30:08 +0000 SCMP SCMP The South China Morning Post has launched a new page on Facebook, SCMP HK, and is giving away 15 pairs of tickets to Ocean Park to celebrate. SCMP HK brings readers everything they need to know about living in Hong Kong, from the latest news that affects them to what to do in the city, and features refreshed visual templates and a focus on local news. Some of the topics covered recently on SCMP HK include Hongkongers’ interest in travelling to Japan, the recognition of same-sex partnerships in... https://www.scmp.com/announcements/article/3317380/follow-posts-new-scmp-hk-facebook-page-win-tickets-hong-kongs-ocean-park?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/announcements/article/3317380/follow-posts-new-scmp-hk-facebook-page-win-tickets-hong-kongs-ocean-park?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:00:21 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial A cross-border arrangement allowing motorists from mainland China’s Guangdong province to drive south into Hong Kong is finally getting into gear. By November, a daily quota of 100 vehicles could be allowed to enter via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. The Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles scheme is an important step towards implementing the 2019 Greater Bay Area development blueprint. People on both sides of the border are expected to benefit, but the city must act quickly to... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3317119/hong-kong-must-gear-well-make-most-southbound-drivers-arrival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3317119/hong-kong-must-gear-well-make-most-southbound-drivers-arrival?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Jul 2025 22:45:10 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong is launching a summer campaign to spur spending among tourists and locals on Monday, with the promotional effort offering perks and discounts on goods and services ranging from transport to theme parks. The effort has seen the Tourism Board team up with theme park operators, retailers and transport providers to launch the “Hong Kong Summer Viva” drive. Here is what you need to know. 1. What is the campaign? The campaign is being spearheaded by the board to encourage tourists and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3315376/what-hong-kong-summer-viva-campaign-and-what-deals-are-offer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3315376/what-hong-kong-summer-viva-campaign-and-what-deals-are-offer?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Jun 2025 06:35:01 +0000 Daniel Ren Daniel Ren Trial operations started on Friday at the world’s largest Legoland theme park in Shanghai, as the city presses ahead with its goal to boost its status as a major global tourist destination. The US$550 million Legoland Shanghai Resort, located in the southwestern Jinshan district, could attract up to 2.4 million visitors a year once it officially opens on July 5, according to estimates by local government officials. The 318,000-square-metre entertainment complex – featuring eight themed areas, 75... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3315296/another-brick-wall-worlds-largest-legoland-opens-shanghai-next-month?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3315296/another-brick-wall-worlds-largest-legoland-opens-shanghai-next-month?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Jun 2025 01:30:14 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Beijing’s top official overseeing Hong Kong affairs held a three-hour closed-door discussion with local tycoons and business leaders on the third day of his inspection trip to the city on Friday. Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, also visited Ocean Park in the afternoon before taking a boat trip to Lamma Island. The exchanges on Friday morning, held at the government headquarters in Admiralty, marked the first time since last November that Xia had direct talks with... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3315278/xia-baolong-holds-closed-door-talks-hong-kong-business-leaders-during-visit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3315278/xia-baolong-holds-closed-door-talks-hong-kong-business-leaders-during-visit?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:50:13 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong “Panda fever” has translated into a significant boost in business for Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, with the debut of several new bears leading to a 19 per cent surge in attendance year on year since their debut, according to the city’s tourism minister. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui also said in a written reply on Wednesday to lawmakers’ questions that an additional HK$121 million (US$15.4 million) had been secured from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3314029/panda-fever-created-19-attendance-boost-hong-kongs-ocean-park-official?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3314029/panda-fever-created-19-attendance-boost-hong-kongs-ocean-park-official?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:08:56 +0000 Danielle Popov Danielle Popov Hong Kong residents and tourists will be able to enjoy plenty of discounts, giveaways and other deals when the city celebrates the 28th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule on July 1. From Star Ferry fares to must-see museums, the Post gives a rundown of what the city has to offer for the occasion. Free transport Commuters will have a chance to win one of the 71,000 MTR tickets available in a raffle being held on July 1 via the rail operator’s mobile app. The tickets are valid until January... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3313880/what-are-hong-kongs-best-deals-and-discounts-years-july-1-celebrations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3313880/what-are-hong-kongs-best-deals-and-discounts-years-july-1-celebrations?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:01:56 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Rita, a female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, has died at the age of 24. In the wild, dolphins of her species can live over 40 years, yet Rita’s premature death comes as... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3312419/dolphins-death-another-wake-call-phase-out-animal-captivity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3312419/dolphins-death-another-wake-call-phase-out-animal-captivity?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Jun 2025 03:30:07 +0000 Jiang Chuqin,Lo Hoi-ying,Oscar Liu Jiang Chuqin,Lo Hoi-ying,Oscar Liu Hong Kong has recorded a 2.3 per cent increase against last year in the number of mainland Chinese tourists arriving on the first day of the Tuen Ng Festival holiday, as some opted to avoid crowds across the border and instead experience the city’s festive vibe. Data published by the Immigration Department on Sunday showed that 139,585 visitors from the mainland arrived in the city on Saturday, the start of what is a three-day long weekend across the border. The city also recorded 574,895... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3312649/23-rise-mainland-visitors-hong-kong-first-day-dragon-boat-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3312649/23-rise-mainland-visitors-hong-kong-first-day-dragon-boat-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Jun 2025 10:29:25 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The twin giant panda cubs born in Hong Kong last August are cute as buttons and have now been officially named with monikers that will appeal to their vast army of fans. Their official naming also marks what many hope will be a boost to the so-called panda economy. Affectionately nicknamed “Elder Sister” and “Younger Brother”, a traditional way of addressing siblings in a Chinese family, the nine-month-old twins were yesterday formally given the names Jia Jia and De De, respectively. “Jia Jia”... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3312035/tonic-hong-kong-panda-cubs-named?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3312035/tonic-hong-kong-panda-cubs-named?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 May 2025 22:45:08 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s nine-month-old twin panda cubs, previously known only as “Elder Sister” and “Younger Brother”, have been named Jia Jia and De De, respectively, conveying the Cantonese slang term for encouragement “add oil” and the notion of virtue. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui revealed on Tuesday the results of the panda naming contest, which received more than 35,700 entries from members of the public since submissions opened in February. “All suggestions reflected... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3311912/jia-jia-and-de-de-chosen-names-hong-kongs-twin-panda-cubs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3311912/jia-jia-and-de-de-chosen-names-hong-kongs-twin-panda-cubs?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 May 2025 03:45:37 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li A 24-year-old Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin named Rita has died at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park after showing signs of fatigue and a loss of appetite. The marine mammal had lived at the park for about 13 years after being transferred from Tunisia. Investigations into her death are ongoing. “Rita was a playful animal who got along well with her dolphin and human mates, and was a beloved animal ambassador living in the Marine Mammal Breeding and Research Centre next to the Ocean Park Veterinary... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3311770/rita-indo-pacific-bottlenose-dolphin-hong-kongs-ocean-park-dies-24?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3311770/rita-indo-pacific-bottlenose-dolphin-hong-kongs-ocean-park-dies-24?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 May 2025 03:14:25 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has closed its aerial viewing tower following a signal malfunction that left 17 visitors stranded for nearly two hours. The park said on Sunday that the Ocean Park Tower experienced a signal failure at 8.09pm the day before, which triggered its automatic safety protection system and brought the ride to a halt. “In accordance with the ride’s safety and operation protocols, the ride’s operators led the 17 passengers on board to exit the ride through the safety passage... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3311715/signal-failure-leaves-17-stranded-hong-kongs-ocean-park-tower?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3311715/signal-failure-leaves-17-stranded-hong-kongs-ocean-park-tower?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 May 2025 09:17:21 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Despite the scorching heat, giant pandas Suhail and Thuraya have found a comfortable home in Qatar, thanks in part to the care of a Hongkonger who has brought her Ocean Park skills and experience to the Gulf country. Cissy Kou Wing-sze became the curator at Qatar Panda House in 2022, where she now looks after the bears also known as Jing Jing and Si Hai, one of whom is a descendant of Ocean Park’s late panda Jia Jia. “One day I wanted to look up the bloodline of Si Hai, and to my surprise, she... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3310821/pandas-qatar-meet-hongkonger-helping-chinese-national-treasures-thrive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3310821/pandas-qatar-meet-hongkonger-helping-chinese-national-treasures-thrive?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 May 2025 10:48:11 +0000