We Visited Chongqing's Firefly Harbour Cat Park: 6,000 Rescue Cats, Firefly Displays, and S$3.60 Entry

If you think you have already ticked off all of Chongqing's iconic attractions, here's one that is both cute and meaningful. Tucked in the Nan'an District, not far from the Yangtze River, Firefly Harbour Cat Park (萤火虫港湾猫猫主题公园) is a sprawling cat-themed park that genuinely surprised me during my visit in March 2026. Whether you are a dedicated cat lover, an avid photographer, or simply hunting for something refreshingly different on your China itinerary, this park deserves a place on your list. Read on for our review of the park and essential details to note for your visit.

Also read: What Went Wrong With My Alipay In China: How Singaporeans Can Prepare Ahead

Our Review

First Impressions: A Sprawling Haven

Image credit: Dex Quek

Walking through the entrance, the first thing that struck me was the sheer scale of this place. Unlike the compact cat cafés you might encounter in Singapore or Johor Bahru, Firefly Harbour Cat Park is a vast outdoor location. Winding pathways lead you through themed zones where oversized cat sculptures and climbing installations pop up around every corner.

The park's design feels genuinely thoughtful rather than gimmicky, blending lush greenery and open spaces with cat-centric art at every turn. I felt that the cats' welfare were the guiding principle of their design, rather than a tourist trap to convincing tourists to spend more.

Image credit: Dex Quek

Cat Interactions For A Meaningful Cause

You can interact freely with the cats around the park. They were generally friendly when I visited, and it was a bit chilly so cats were more willing to come close for that extra body heat. Be careful not to force interactions or feed the cats external cat food, as numerous signs around the park will remind you.

Cat treats are available for purchase inside the park if you would like to try feeding them.

All the park's cats are rescue cats, and they are housed at the park as part of their adoption drive. The park partners with local shelters to house them.

Image credit: Dex Quek

During my visit, I witnessed cats running freely in the naturalistic landscape. They also looked well groomed and healthy. These small details show a great deal about how this park is run.

Practical information

Getting There

Getting here from the city central is straightforward by public transport. Take Line 3 to Shangxincun Station, then hop on a short bus or taxi ride to the park entrance. Entry costs 19 RMB per person (~S$3.60), making this one of the most affordable theme park experiences in China.

Operating Times

The park operates from 9 am - 6 pm on regular days, with hours extended to 9 pm during evening events. Budget two to four hours for a thorough visit, as the grounds are large enough that rushing through might mean less cat interaction time. Comfortable, flat-soled shoes are non-negotiable; there are slopes, garden paths, and uneven terrain throughout.

Shops Available

Image credit: Dex Quek

Food and drinks are readily available, with cafés and snack kiosks dotted across the park. Gift shops and photo booths are placed in key sections, so you will not need to wander far for a souvenir.

Clean restrooms and free Wi-Fi are available throughout the grounds. Alipay and WeChat pay is accepted at all F&B and retail outlets, which makes cashless transactions seamless. Proceeds from establishments go towards the park's upkeep, which definitely did not help my wallet's health there.

Image credit: Dex Quek

FAQ

Is Firefly Harbour Cat Park suitable for families with young children?
Yes. The open layout gives children plenty of room to explore, and the large-scale sculptures are especially engaging for younger visitors. Adult supervision is still recommended during cat interactions.

How much does entry cost, and can I pre-reserve tickets?
Standard adult admission is 19 RMB per person, ~S$3.60 at current exchange rates.

For the smoothest experience, pre-reserve your tickets through WeChat at least a day before your visit. That said, walk-in entry is available, so you will not be turned away at the gate. I had to walk in as I had difficulty pre-registering without a local ID.

If you are visiting during a Chinese public holiday, a weekend, or a seasonal event such as the firefly light festival, booking ahead is especially worth the extra step to avoid queues.

What is the best time to visit?
Arrive in the early afternoon to explore the park in daylight, then stay for the evening firefly light displays. This way, you get the full experience in a single visit.

Otherwise, budget as long as you need for cat interactions, because the cats are super friendly and there are over 6,000 of them!

How much does food and drink in the park cost?
Food is slightly more expensive than street food, with snacks like chicken tenders going for about 19 yuan (4 SGD).

Drinks were also on the pricier end, around 18 yuan (3.36 SGD). At the time of our visit, they had a coffee and cake set priced at 38 yuan (7.09 SGD).

Is the park wheelchair-accessible?
The park features slopes and garden paths, so some sections may be challenging for wheelchair users. It is worth contacting the park directly before your visit to confirm accessibility arrangements for specific zones.