destinationShanghai Ocean Aquarium

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

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The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is adjacent to the Oriental Pearl Tower. Here, you can not only admire the characteristic freshwater and marine life from all over the world, but also watch interesting animal shows. The four underwater tunnels inside the aquarium are especially popular. When you step into them, you can see sharks, sea turtles and so on swimming above your head, and have a panoramic view of the amazing undersea world. In addition to some peculiarly - shaped fish such as the archerfish from Australia, the bichir from Africa, the white - tipped shark from Southeast Asia, the electric eel and the arapaima from South America, there are also precious animals like spotted seals, Antarctic penguins and Chinese alligators in the aquarium, as well as cute seahorses, the star attractions - the leafy seadragon and the weedy seadragon. The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is also the only aquarium in the world that has an independent China Pavilion to showcase the unique aquatic life in China, including many national protected animals like Chinese sucker fish and Chinese alligators. Moreover, there are science - popularization exhibitions themed on species in the "Special Exhibition Area", which allow people to understand marine life in depth and enhance their awareness of ocean protection. In particular, teenagers can learn all kinds of ocean scientific knowledge in the "Ocean Classroom".

1. Why Visit Shanghai Ocean Aquarium?

Dive into a mesmerizing underwater world where East meets West, featuring China’s rarest aquatic species and immersive ecosystems.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is a must-visit for its seamless blend of education, conservation, and entertainment. As Asia’s largest aquarium, it transports you through 450+ species across 9 global zones, with a special focus on China’s unique ecosystems. Walk through breathtaking underwater tunnels, witness rare creatures like the Chinese giant salamander, and feel the magic of marine life up close—all in the heart of Shanghai.

2. What Makes It Unique?

a. Unique Exhibits & Chinese Endemic Species

Yes! The aquarium proudly showcases China’s endemic species, including the critically endangered Yangtze alligator, Chinese sturgeon, and rare jellyfish from the Yellow Sea. Don’t miss the “China Zone”, where these national treasures thrive in carefully recreated habitats.

b. Immersive Scenes

From the Amazon rainforest to Antarctica’s icy waters, each zone uses cutting-edge design, ambient lighting, and soundscapes. The Underwater Tunnel (155 meters long) is a highlight—sharks and rays glide overhead as you walk through a glass corridor surrounded by 12,000+ marine animals.

3. Recommended Attractions & Routes

a. Must-See Zones

  • China Zone: Discover endemic species and conservation efforts (10 mins).
  • Jellyfish Planet: Hypnotic displays of glowing, pulsating jellyfish (15 mins).
  • Shark Cove: Thrilling close-ups of sand tiger sharks (20 mins).

b. Suggested Route (2–3 hours)

  1. China Zone (30 mins) → 2. Coral Reef (20 mins) → 3. Jellyfish Planet (15 mins) → 4. Underwater Tunnel (30 mins) → 5. Shark Cove (20 mins).

4. Special Experiences

a. Cultural Connections

The Dragon Gate Archway at the entrance reflects China’s myth of carp leaping into dragons—symbolizing perseverance. Traditional Chinese garden designs in the China Zone echo ancient aquatic poetry.

b. Special Exhibits

Seasonal exhibits like “Deep Sea Mysteries” feature bioluminescent creatures. Check the event calendar for updates.

c. Live Shows

Daily Seal Performances at 11 AM and 3 PM in the Arctic Zone. Arrive 15 mins early for front-row seats.

5. Practical Tips

a. Tickets

  • Price: Adults ¥160 (≈$22), Children (1–1.4m) ¥110 (≈$15).
  • Buy Online: Official Website (10% discount).
  • On-Site: Cash/credit accepted at entrance kiosks.

b. Avoid Crowds

  • Peak Times: Weekends, Chinese holidays (Oct 1–7, Spring Festival).
  • Best Visit: Weekday mornings (9–11 AM) or after 4 PM.

c. Language Support

  • Staff speak basic English. Rent an English audio guide (¥50 deposit) at the entrance.
  • Signage in English/Chinese. Use Google Translate for detailed info.

6. Shanghai Hotels Near Ocean Aquarium

a. Recommended Areas:

  • Lujiazui (5–10 mins walk): Business hub with skyline views.
  • Pudong Riverside (10–15 mins walk): Quiet, scenic, near the Bund.

Luxury (¥1500+/night):

  • Shanghai Ritz-Carlton (5 mins walk): Rooftop bar overlooking the Pearl Tower.
  • Grand Hyatt (8 mins walk): Direct metro access.

Mid-Range (¥600–1200/night):

  • Holiday Inn Pudong (10 mins walk): Family-friendly, near Super Brand Mall.
  • Ramada Plaza (12 mins walk): Next to Dongchang Road metro.

Budget (¥200–500/night):

  • GreenTree Inn (15 mins walk): Basic, 5 mins to Line 2 metro.
  • Hanting Express (15 mins walk): Clean, near LaoLao Dumpling Street.

b. Transportation

  • Metro: Line 2 to Lujiazui Station (Exit 1), 5-min walk.
  • Bus: Routes 81, 985, or 993 to Lujiazui Ring Road stop.
  • Taxi: Show “上海海洋水族馆” to drivers. Cost: ¥20–30 from the Bund.

7. FAQs

a. Opening Hours

Open daily 9 AM–6 PM year-round. Last entry at 5:30 PM.

b. Rules

  • No flash photography.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied.

c. Nearby Attractions

  1. The Bund (2 km): Take metro Line 2 (5 mins) or walk 25 mins. Iconic waterfront promenade showcasing colonial-era architecture along the Huangpu River.
  2. Yu Garden (4 km): Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Station (15 mins). Classical Ming Dynasty garden with exquisite pavilions, rockeries, and traditional tea houses.
  3. Oriental Pearl Tower (800m): 10-min walk. Futuristic TV tower with distinctive pink spheres offering panoramic city views.
  4. Nanjing Road (3 km): Metro Line 2 to People's Square (10 mins). World's longest shopping street blending historic charm with modern retail extravagance.
  5. Shanghai Tower (1.2 km): 15-min walk. China's tallest skyscraper featuring the world's highest observation deck at 632 meters.

d. Local Eats

  • Din Tai Fung (Lujiazui Center, 500m): Michelin-starred dumplings.
  • Hai Di Lao Hot Pot (Super Brand Mall, 800m): 24-hour spicy broth.

e. Photo Spots

  • Underwater Tunnel: Center section for shark backdrops.
  • Jellyfish Hall: Blue-lit tanks create surreal selfies.

8. Final Thoughts

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium isn’t just an attraction—it’s a gateway to China’s aquatic wonders and global marine magic. Plan ahead, soak in the immersive zones, and let the ocean’s stories unfold around you. Dive in!