Noah's Ark, Theme park in Ma Wan Island, Hong Kong.
Noah's Ark is a five-storey timber-clad building on Ma Wan Island whose facade is shaped like the biblical vessel, with a hotel and youth hostel on its top floor. Sculptures of 67 life-size pairs of animals, birds and reptiles descend from the ship. Inside, a 180-degree cinema and galleries present a creationist multimedia show.
The project was founded by entrepreneurs Thomas and Raymond Kwok, with construction beginning in 2005. The park opened to visitors in 2009 after several years of development and building.
Staff in Roman legionary costume pursue colleagues playing the Holy Family through the grounds, a scene visitors may encounter without warning. Guides narrate in English and Cantonese, and the multimedia walk-through ends with a section on how the Bible reached China. Photography and filming are not allowed inside the theatres.
The park is easiest to reach by ferry from Central Pier or by buses that connect to the island. Comfortable shoes and weather protection are advisable, as parts of the site are outdoors and pathways can be uneven in places.
The ship includes lodging on its upper levels, where guests can stay in hotel rooms or youth hostel beds. This unusual feature lets visitors spend nights directly inside the structure and wake to views across the surrounding waters.
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