Tourist complex operator Guangdong Chimelong Group Co started construction of the second phase of its ocean-themed resort on Thursday in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

The resort's second phase, with an investment of up to 20 billion yuan ($3.2 billion), includes a 300-hectare wild animal park, an indoor ocean park and a circus hall, according to the company.

The resort is located in Hengqin, a new development district in Zhuhai, which was recently approved as part of the Guangdong Free Trade Zone.

"Enhanced investment in the resort will help boost exchanges between Zhuhai and the neighboring Macao Special Administrative Region in tourism, as a series of preferential measures including the approval of the free trade zone and a 24-hour customs passing policy between the two cities, will attract more visitors," said Chen Jie, general manager of Chimelong Group (Zhuhai).

As of December, the Zhuhai resort had attracted more than 8 million visits since its first phase opened in March 2014, according to Chen.

"There will be more foreign visitors, especially from Southeast Asia, to the ocean-themed resort after the second phase is completed in 2016," said Chen.

Besides operating the Zhuhai resort, Chimelong Group also has developed a tourist resort in Guangzhou, the provincial capital, which includes a circus, safari, water parks and crocodiles.

Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou has raised the world's first giant panda triplets, which are all in a healthy condition.