One of Asia’s most anticipated waterpark projects is almost complete, with the Atlantis Sanya resort approaching its May 2018 opening date.

The resort – like its sister Atlantis The Palm in Dubai – will boast a world-class Aquaventure waterpark with an array of twisting waterslides and theming inspired by the the ancient Atlantis civilisation.

Atlantis Sanya is located at Haitang Bay in Sanya on the south of Hainan Island, China – a popular destination with domestic tourists from the mainland thanks to its tropical climate. The 540,000sq m Fosun International-owned resort is inspired by the underwater world, the jewel in the crown being the 200,000sq m Aquaventure Waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium and open-air lagoon, a saltwater marine environment home to some 86,000 sea creatures and a centre for ocean protection and conservation.

The RMB11bn (US$1.7bn, €1.4bn, £1.2bn) Atlantis Sanya development, managed by Kerzner International, will have 1,314 guest rooms, including five underwater suites with views into the lagoon itself.

ProSlide has been working on the waterpark and its 15 rides.

“Atlantis Sanya and Aquaventure will be the ultimate vacation destination in the region,” said ProSlide CEO and president Rick Hunter. “They will deliver so many incredible guest experiences in one park experience. One of the most exciting attractions at Aquaventure is the ProSlide RocketBlast water coaster, the first ever in China.

“Consumers in China are hungry to experience the absolute best in waterparks, and ProSlide is up to that challenge. We’re energised by that demand”

The Canadian manufacturer is also supplying a FreeFall plunge slide which travels through an underwater shark tank, a Tornado 60 funnel and BehemothBowl 40 hybrid ride, kids’ WaterKingdom and much more.

“We are thrilled for Atlantis Sanya,” says Yongneng Li, vice president of business development at ProSlide. “They really have an incredible water rides mix that is going to deliver thrills big and small for any age and interest. From traditional gravity rides to the water coaster to a huge kids’ water play area, they really have it all.”

Atlantis will also offer a selection of 21 restaurants, cafés, and bars, such as the signature Ossiano Underwater Restaurant and Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen.