The largest waterpark in Asia has opened its doors as part of a major resort development in Sanya, China.

Located on the island of Hainan – referred to as the "Hawaii of China" thanks to its warm climate and numerous beaches – the waterpark is the third Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark to open worldwide.

Covering 200,000sq m (2.15m sq ft), the attraction boasts 15 waterslides, with theming based on the ancient Atlantis civilisation. The park also has a 1.8km–long (1.1mi) lazy river. ProSlide has been working on the waterpark and its 15 rides, including a FreeFall plunge slide that travels through an underwater shark tank.

“Atlantis Sanya and Aquaventure is the ultimate vacation destination in the region – it delivers so many incredible guest experiences in one park experience,” said ProSlide CEO and president Rick Hunter.

“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 waterpark is part of the larger Atlantis Sanya, the first Atlantis resort to come to China. Opened on 28 April, Fosun International is behind the US$1.74bn (€1.49bn, £1.3bn), 540,000sq m (5.8m sq ft) development, which features 1,324 bedrooms, including five underwater suites.

The resort also has one of the largest open-air aquariums in the world, The Ambassador Lagoon – which is home to more than 86,000 species of marine life. Atlantis offers a selection of 21 restaurants, cafés, and bars, such as the signature Ossiano Underwater Restaurant and Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen.