Ocean parks operator offers unlimited visits to six attractions through April to special children and their families

A Chinese ocean parks operator has set aside April as the month for autistic children and their parents to come free, in honor of April 2 which was World Autism Awareness Day.

Autistic kids under 14, accompanied by an immediate family member, can visit any of Haichang's six ocean parks as many times as they want during the month. The parks feature arctic and marine animals and are located in Dalian, Qingdao, Chengdu, Tianjin, Yantai and Wuhan.

"Since 2015 we have carried out the special event every year, hoping to provide more opportunities for autistic children to feel the marine animals and make friends with other people," said Zheng Fang, senior marketing director of Haichang Ocean Park.

Children and their mother enjoy the sight of penguins swimming at the Dalian Laohutan Polo-Aquarium. Provided to China Daily

"We also hope to raise a greater public awareness of autism and bring more social support for autistic children and their families," she said.

Autism is a developmental disorder of the brain that affects an individual's ability to communicate with others. Those with autism lack the necessary capacity for regular social interaction and are unable to fully take care of themselves.

There are no official statistics on how many people are suffering from autism in China. But one estimate is more than 10 million.

"Ocean parks are a dream for kids with autism. Anyone who comes to the ocean park is free from pain, worry, or agitation. All they can feel is happiness," commented Hong Guoguo and Lu Paopao - well-known presenters with the Children's Channel of China Central Television.

"Last April, we organized for some autistic children to camp at the Tianjin Haichang Polar Ocean World. We told stories, talked with each other, slept together just beside the aquarium. It was a meaningful and unforgettable experience," they recalled.

On March 23 an annual meeting of the park operator was held in Qingdao in Shandong province. More than 300 top professionals from China's tourism sector attended the gala, where the 2017 special month for autistic children - themed "Twinkle with the Stars" - was officially launched.

Together with kids, Hong Guoguo and Lu Paopao sung the theme song of Haichang Ocean Park - "dream, love and be happy" - to encourage more companies and individuals to help autistic children.

The ocean parks have prepared various performances to welcome the special audience.

For instance, the Dalian Laohutan Polo-Aquarium is staging "a fairy tale" with sharks, fish and divers in a 360 degree panoramic water cylinder.

In addition, young volunteers are offering to help guide autistic children and their parents in their visits.

According to Haichang Ocean Park's Zheng Fang, China's theme park sector is entering a new golden era of development.

"In the coming years, Haichang Ocean Park will shoulder its social responsibilities, be more proactive and make itself China's top brand for ocean parks," Zheng said.

Contact the writer at zhangxiaomin@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/13/2017 page18)