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Exploring wildlife at night
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WHEN most people think of nature, they think of sun-dappled hills or bright sunny forests. But 90 per cent of the world's wildlife, including lions, tigers and the endangered panda, are mainly nocturnal. And truth be told, the natural world can be beautiful at night, with stars, moon and quiet filling the world.
If nature at night interests you, the Guangzhou Changlong Night Zoo, located in Panyu, now provides intimate access to the exciting nightlife of wild animals. The biggest night zoo in the world, it is home of over 300 categories and nearly 10,000 individual animals that welcome visitors every day from 6.30 pm to midnight.
Riding in a mini-train, you can travel across the "Chinese mountains", "South American valleys", "African prairies", "Indian forests" and "Australian shrubs". The guide will point out the pandas, foxes, leopards and groups of others on the way. African lions that snooze while the sun is up now saunter with kinglike airs, while hippos will frighten and fascinate you.
In the walking section, yak herds graze leisurely on the rocky highland. Giraffes appear more lively and confident in the dark, and owls hoot from the impenetrable darkness. Bats silently whirl around a tree where a python sneaks away … nearby, polar bears and desert gazelles also await visitors.
The climax of this night exploration arrives with the circus performance where several hundred tamers from both China and abroad give a brilliant show with the animals. Kangaroo boxers and elephant magicians perform before a dreamlike neon water scene, accompanied by dramatic music.
Getting there: Transportation is convenient with inter-city buses at Luohu Bus Station heading for Panyu. Once in the city, you can easily get to the zoo by buses. For those who drive, the route via Humen Bridge is recommended.
(Dawn Li)
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