The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is located in the Lujiazui business district, near the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai`s financial center. It opened in 2002 and has since remained an interesting attraction in the city, welcoming millions of visitors annually. This Shanghai aquarium is one of the largest in Asia, covering an area of 20,500 m² with a total water volume exceeding 3.7 million liters.
Exhibitions at Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
China Zone. Features freshwater and river species native to China, including:
• Chinese sturgeons (including the rare kaluga sturgeon)
• Giant salamanders (the world`s largest amphibians)
• Goldfish – a traditional Chinese symbol
South America Zone. Displays species such as:
• Piranhas – famous Amazonian predators
• Electric eels
• Arapaima – one of the largest freshwater fish
Australia Zone. Dedicated to the continent`s unique fauna:
• Harlequin fish and other coral inhabitants
• Australian yabby crayfish
Africa Zone. Showcases:
• Nile crocodiles
• Lungfish (ancient air-breathing fish)
• Tigerfish – aggressive African river predators
Cold Ocean Zone. One of the most spectacular areas, home to:
• Penguins (including rare emperor penguins)
• Fur seals
• Beluga whales – Arctic cetaceans
Deep Ocean Zone. The aquarium`s highlight – a 155-meter underwater tunnel (one of the world`s longest), where visitors can observe:
• Sharks (including sand, tiger, and reef sharks)
• Rays (giant manta and eagle rays)
• Turtles
• Schools of tropical fish
Jellyfish Zone. One of the most beautiful exhibitions – a jellyfish hall with illuminated tanks displaying:
• Moon jellyfish
• Box jellyfish (among the world`s most venomous)
• Enormous lion`s mane jellyfish
Coral Reef Zone. Recreates a tropical reef ecosystem featuring:
• Clownfish
• Angelfish
• Sea urchins and starfish
Technical Features
• The aquarium uses advanced filtration and climate control systems.
• It features a 4D cinema showing films about marine life.
• Interactive zones allow visitors to touch sea stars and other safe marine creatures.
Why Visit?
• One of the world`s most technologically advanced aquariums
• Unique exhibits not found elsewhere (e.g., Chinese giant salamanders)
• Spectacular underwater tunnel with sharks and rays
• Beautiful light shows (especially impressive in the evening)
