Just weeks after opening, a cat-themed park in Southwest China's Chongqing is attracting nationwide attention for its innovative approach to stray animal management. Firefly Bay Cat Theme Park, located in the city's Nan'an district along the southern bank of the Yangtze River, combines animal rescue and urban public space. The park functions both as a sanctuary for abandoned and rescued cats and as a public attraction, providing a pioneering model that blends animal welfare, tourism and community engagement.

The park encompasses 30,000 square meters — roughly the size of four soccer fields — and is designed to accommodate the natural behavior of its feline residents. It features flat areas for dining, drinking and litter facilities, along with activity areas integrated with the contours of the riverside hills.

Visitors pay an entrance fee of 19.9 yuan ($2.87), which includes a complimentary cat treat and supervised interaction with the animals. The park opened in January and drew more than 7,000 visitors in its first three days. Weekday attendance averages 2,000 to 3,000, doubling on weekends.

"For the first time, a cat walked up to me on its own," said Ding Deng, 26, a visitor from Yichang, Hubei province. She explained that despite her love of cats, previous visits to cat cafes often required personnel assistance. During her visit on Jan 24, a British shorthair rested comfortably on Ding's lap while she spent the morning playing games on her phone.

Families with children also favor the park. "The riverside setting is relaxing, and the cats are friendly," said Lin Feng, 38, who visited with her husband and daughter. The family is now considering adopting a cat.

Peng Chen, 36, head of the park and founder of the Firefly Bay cat rescue charity, said the project began with the goal of showcasing rescue work and allowing public oversight. "We didn't expect it to become a famous destination," he said.

Peng said he launched the charity in early 2024 because China's cat rescue sector remains underdeveloped, with shelters often lacking transparency or being located in remote areas. The park operates through a government-private partnership. The government provides the land free of charge, while revenue from shops and parking fees supports operations and is shared with local authorities.

Shops within the park began operations during Spring Festival, offering bakeries, coffee shops, burger joints and cultural merchandise.

The park features three main zones: employee offices, a veterinary inpatient department, and accommodation areas for elderly, sick or disabled cats. More than 600 animals have received medical care (including spaying and neutering), vaccinations or quarantine treatment. More than 60 cats have already been adopted, while over 100 in critical condition remain in the park for end-of-life care.

Peng's act of kindness comes at a time when animal protection efforts in China are gaining momentum.

The China Small Animal Protection Association was established in 1992 as the first national nonprofit organization of its kind. According to the China Pet Industry White Paper, the number of pet cats reached 69.8 million in 2023, making them the nation's largest category of pets. Late in 2025, a renewed push for an anti-animal cruelty law was sparked when the Ministry of Justice called for suggestions for the 2026 legislative agenda.

Over the past two years, Peng's team has expanded from a dozen to over 40 dedicated members, including certified veterinarians, veterinary assistants and caretakers. If the park generates a surplus in revenue this year, Peng plans to further improve the care provided.