If you go to Chimelong Qingyuan and only play the thrill rides and visit the animal exhibits, you have probably only experienced half of what it has to offer. The other half lies in the "Safari Adventure" — a 27‑kilometre self‑drive route that takes about 1.5 hours in total. This is not the traditional zoo concept of "animals in cages, people looking in from outside." Instead, the roles are reversed: the animals are the "original inhabitants" of this land, and humans are merely passing visitors.

The entire route is divided into three ecological zones. Every time you pass through a gate, it feels like turning a page of a different volume of a natural field guide.

1. Asian Highlands: A Species of Horse That Has Never Been Domesticated by Humans in 60 Million Years

As soon as the car drives into the Asian Highlands, the view immediately opens up. On the vast wilderness, you will spot a horse with a rather special aura — not particularly tall in stature, but with an indescribable wildness in its eyes. This is the Przewalski's horse. It is the only surviving species of wild horse in the world, never truly domesticated in over 60 million years. In other words, the horses you ride at equestrian centres are their "distant domesticated relatives"; the ones you see here are the true ancestors who have never bowed their heads.

Unlike the animals in typical zoos that look listless and have been bred into docility, the Przewalski's horses here clearly still have their wildness intact. They do not approach the cars on their own, nor do they beg for food. They simply wander the plains, minding their own business — that "I can't be bothered with you" attitude actually inspires a sense of awe.

As you pass by Sapphire Lake, you will see a group of black swans. A flock of them glides slowly across the water, their red beaks contrasting with their black feathers, reflected on the blue‑green surface like a flowing ink painting. The driver will slow down so you can take photos — make sure you have your phone ready for this stretch, as the view is truly stunning.

2. African Tribe: What Exactly is the "Top Ten Wild" Concept?

The second stop is the highlight of the entire route — the African Top Ten Wild Animals Tribe.

The name may sound a bit over the top, but the content is genuinely substantial. This zone brings together ten representative African animal species, from the king of the plains to the overlord of the wetlands, from the elegant giraffe to antelopes that run as if they are flying, all housed in open spaces that simulate their natural habitats.

The biggest impression is "vastness." Unlike traditional zoos that squeeze animals into small enclosures behind railings, the design here is closer to the open feel of the African savannah — the animals have far more space to roam than you would expect, and as a result, their behaviour is closer to nature. Giraffes do not stand still waiting to be fed; instead, they move around in herds in the distance. Zebras do not stare blankly at the fences; they are genuinely "living."

One of the most memorable sights is a particular species of antelope (I am not entirely sure of the exact name, but the way it runs is unmistakable). The speed at which they sprint across the grassland will instantly make you understand "why cheetahs evolved the way they did."

3. Asian Forest: A Transition in Tempo from Open Vastness to Deep Seclusion

As you move from the open grasslands of the African zone into the Asian Forest, there is a noticeable shift in atmosphere — the trees multiply, the road narrows, the light dims, and the vehicle slows down. This section is well designed, giving your eyes and mind a chance to ease off from the "grand spectacle" of the previous zone.

The animals in the forest zone are somewhat different from the previous two areas. They tend to be woodland species, less flashy or ostentatious, but they exude a quiet, serene vitality. If you are lucky, you might catch a face peering out from the bushes by the roadside at some turn — and only then will you realise that while your car has been weaving through the forest, you have been "under observation" all along.

If you want to get great photos, make sure to pick the right spot in the vehicle. The Safari Adventure tour vehicles have different compartments. If you are on a family trip or travelling with a few friends, you can look wherever you like and switch viewpoints freely. But if you are on a regular sightseeing coach, it is recommended to take a seat on the left. According to people who have been, most of the key animals are on the left‑hand side in the direction of travel.

The whole trip takes about 1.5 hours — not too long, not too short. It is recommended to go early in the morning when the park opens, as the animals are more active in the morning and the weather is not as hot. It makes a big difference to the experience.

Overall, the Safari Adventure is not the kind of performance‑based attraction where animals are trained to do tricks. It is much closer to a true wildlife reserve. You sit in the vehicle and watch them, and they watch you back — this sense of mutual gaze is more authentic than any informational sign.