Laohutan Ocean Park (老虎滩海洋公园, Tiger Beach Ocean Park), located in Dalian, covers an area of 1.18 million square meters and boasts over 4,000 meters of winding coastline. It is a vibrant world of marine animals and birds, making it an ideal destination for enjoying seaside scenery.
At the Polar Pavilion, visitors can watch spectacular performances featuring beluga whales, sea lions, dolphins, and walruses, making it a perfect choice for family outings. For a unique experience, you can take the longest sea-crossing aerial cableway in the country to reach the “Bird Language Forest,” home to dozens of bird species, including peacocks, red-crowned cranes, and egrets.
The park also offers a variety of attractions, such as sightseeing boats, a 4D cinema, and thrilling rides like the Jurassic River Adventure and bungee jumping.
Due to the indoor nature of the ocean park and Dalian’s mild climate throughout the year, it is a great destination in every season. However, the best time to visit is from May to October when the sea breeze adds to the pleasant atmosphere. The park features several restaurants and a snack street, though prices tend to be higher. If you don’t plan to spend the entire day there, it’s advisable to bring some snacks and water with you.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Laohutan Ocean Park
- Vlog about Laohutan Ocean Park
- Attractions near Laohutan Park
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | 220 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0411-82046666 |
Location and Transportation
Laohutan Ocean Park is situated in the southern coastal area of Dalian, specifically at 9 Binhai Middle Road, Zhongshan District, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 2, 4, 30, 403, or 404 and get off at Laohutan Stop (老虎滩站).
Metro: The closest metro station to the attraction is Hutan Park (虎滩公园) on line 5. After getting out of the station from Exit C, you will be standing at the entrance.
Highlights of Laohutan Ocean Park
Coral Hall
Coral Hall is the largest marine museum in Asia, showcasing over 200 species and more than 3,000 coral reef organisms. This stunning exhibit includes a unique underwater laboratory area featuring interactive experiences such as whirlpool fish displays, electronic albums, periscopes, electronic microscopes, vacuum water tanks, and underwater concerts, allowing visitors to engage with marine life up close. Additionally, the performance area hosts captivating shows like underwater ballet, mermaid performances, and enchanting underwater dream weddings, making it a highlight of Laohutan Ocean Park.
Bird Singing Forest
Nestled in the scenic Tiger Beach Bay, the Bird Singing Forest spans 18,000 square meters and is the largest semi-natural artificial birdcage in China. Centered around a towering 43-meter column, the enclosure is designed with 18 fixed points that create an impressive structure covered by a massive gray polyethylene net, enveloping half of the valley. This immersive environment allows visitors to feel embraced by nature. Home to over 80 species of birds and more than 2,000 rare birds, including peacocks, red-crowned cranes, and swans, the Bird Singing Forest is a must-visit attraction for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Jurassic Adventure
The Jurassic Adventure, covering an area of 8,600 square meters, features a stunning landscape design that transports visitors back to the Jurassic period. This attraction showcases eight different species of dinosaurs set in a fantastical ancient village. Guests can board a traditional boat that navigates a 210-meter-long, 15-meter-high waterway, where they encounter the colossal mechanical dinosaur “Giant,” standing 9 meters tall, 19.8 meters long, and weighing approximately 8 tons. As the boat surges through the rapids, the Giant occasionally shakes its head, roars, and sprays water at thrill-seekers, creating waves that soar up to 25 meters high.
Polar Pavilion
The Polar Pavilion, located in the picturesque Tiger Beach Scenic Area of Dalian, consists of three main levels, with some areas reaching four levels. The pavilion is divided into five primary sections:
Polar Animal Exhibition: This section showcases marine animals from the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Visitors can observe rare polar species like beluga whales, walruses, northern sea lions, seals, polar bears, and emperor penguins in a simulated polar environment.
Science Education Area: Here, guests can witness exciting displays such as whale fights and experience a unique underwater world without water. Interactive computer platforms allow visitors to explore various scientific knowledge about polar regions, oceans, and animals. The upcoming Polar Museum will feature items from polar expeditions, photos of scientific research, signed flags by Chinese Antarctic expedition members, clothing, sleds, and taxidermy specimens of polar animals like Eskimo dogs and Arctic wolves, all enhanced by high-tech educational displays.
Mysterious Underwater World: This area includes a 360-degree underwater tunnel and viewing hall, where visitors can marvel at valuable marine life such as king crabs, leafy sea dragons, jellyfish, seahorses, nautiluses, rays, groupers, and various sturgeon species.
Marine Animal Performance Arena: A large theater dedicated to performances featuring marine mammals, providing an entertaining and educational experience for visitors.
Visitor Support Services Area: This section offers various amenities to enhance the overall experience for guests.
Marine Mammal Pavilion
The Marine Mammal Pavilion consists of one underground level and two above-ground levels, featuring a state-of-the-art water circulation system that purifies and maintains the water quality 24 hours a day. The high transparency of the water allows visitors to observe marine animals from various perspectives, including underwater, above the water, and from high vantage points.
In the Marine Mammal Pavilion, guests can see a variety of marine animals, including sea lions, seals, South American sea lions, California sea lions, and African sea lions. The pavilion provides a unique opportunity to witness the lively behaviors and interactions of these fascinating creatures in a well-maintained environment, making it an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
