Shanghai Ocean Aquarium – Ticket, Opening Hours, Highlights, and Tips

shanghai ocean aquarium

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (上海海洋水族馆) is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world, located in Lujiazui in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China. The aquarium covers an area of 20,500 square meters and boasts a collection of over 450 species of aquatic animals from around the world, including rare and endangered species such as the Chinese sturgeon and the Yangtze alligator.

The aquarium is divided into various themed zones, including the China zone, which features animals indigenous to China’s rivers, lakes, and oceans, and the Deep Ocean zone, which showcases the diversity of deep-sea creatures. Visitors can also explore the Rainforest zone, the Polar zone, the Ocean Theater, and the Touch Pool, where they can interact with marine creatures.

The aquarium’s main attraction is the world’s largest underwater tunnel, which offers visitors a unique and immersive experience of being surrounded by sharks, rays, and other sea creatures as they pass through. In addition to its exhibits, the aquarium offers educational programs, interactive displays, and shows that provide insight into the world of marine life.


Table of Contents


Basic Information

Websitehttps://www.sh-soa.com/
Estimated Length of Tour1 – 2 hours
Ticket PriceAdult: 160 RMB
Children between 1.0 and 1.4 meters: 110 RMb
Children below 1 meter: Free
Opening Hours9.00 – 18.00; Last admission: 17.30
Telephone Number0086-021-58779988

Location and Transportation

The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is located in the heart of Shanghai’s Lujiazui Financial District, on the east bank of the Huangpu River. Its exact address is No.1388 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China. The aquarium is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus and metro lines stopping nearby.

Bus: Take bus 82, 314, 939, Lujiazui Financial District 1 or 3, Tourist Line 2, or Pudong 62 and get off at Lujiazui Ring Road Fenghe Road (陆家嘴环路丰和路) to reach the entrance.

Subway: The nearest subway station to Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is Luzjiazui on lines 2 and 14. After getting out from Exit 1, walk about 50 meters along the street to the north to reach the entrance.


Highlights of Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Underwater Tunnel

underwater tunnel in shanghai ocean aquarium

The 155-meter-long underwater tunnel in the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium takes visitors through an incredible underwater world, where they can see a wide range of marine creatures swimming all around them. The tunnel is designed to simulate a walk on the ocean floor, with glass walls on either side that provide a clear view of the aquatic life. Visitors can see various species of sharks, rays, sea turtles, and other fascinating creatures as they pass through the tunnel. It’s an immersive and unforgettable experience that gives visitors a close-up view of the wonders of the ocean.


China Zone

china zone in shanghai ocean aquarium

The China Zone in the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is a fascinating exhibit that showcases the aquatic life found in China’s rivers, lakes, and oceans. It covers an area of 1,800 square meters and features over 100 species of marine creatures, many of which are rare or endangered. Visitors can see Chinese sturgeons, giant salamanders, Yangtze alligators, and other aquatic animals that are unique to China. The exhibit is designed to educate visitors about China’s rich aquatic biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts.


Polar Zone

polar zone in shanghai ocean aquarium

The Polar Zone in the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium showcases the marine life found in the polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. It’s a fascinating area of the aquarium that offers visitors a glimpse into the world of penguins, polar bears, and sea lions. The exhibit is designed to simulate the icy environments of the polar regions, with chilly temperatures and special lighting that recreates the feeling of being in these cold and remote locations. Visitors can see penguins waddling on the ice, polar bears swimming in the water, and sea lions performing tricks in a specially designed pool.


Ocean Theater

ocean theater in shanghai ocean aquarium

The Ocean Theater in the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium offers visitors a chance to see trained sea lions and dolphins perform in a specially designed pool. The theater can accommodate up to 1,200 visitors and features daily shows that are both entertaining and educational. Visitors can watch as the sea lions and dolphins perform a variety of tricks and behaviors, such as jumping through hoops, balancing balls on their noses, and spinning in the water. The shows are accompanied by commentary that provides information about the animals and their behavior, making it a great learning experience for all ages.


Jellyfish Exhibit

jellyfish exihibit in shanghai ocean aquarium

The Jellyfish Exhibit features over 20 different species of jellyfish from around the world. It’s a dimly lit area that showcases the stunning beauty of these gelatinous creatures as they swim and pulsate in their tanks. Visitors can see a variety of jellyfish species, including the moon jellyfish, lion’s mane jellyfish, and flower hat jellyfish. The exhibit is designed to educate visitors about these fascinating animals and their role in the marine ecosystem.


Deep Ocean Zone

deep ocean zone in shanghai ocean aquarium

The Deep Ocean Zone in the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is a fascinating exhibit that takes visitors on a journey to the depths of the ocean. It features a variety of deep-sea creatures such as anglerfish, jellyfish, and giant octopuses that are rarely seen by humans. The exhibit is designed to simulate the environment of the deep ocean, with special lighting and sound effects that create an immersive experience. Visitors can see creatures that have adapted to survive in extreme conditions such as darkness, pressure, and cold temperatures.


Vlog about Shanghai Ocean Aquarium


Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews

Floor Layout: The aquarium is divided into three floors. Upon entering, head directly to the 3rd floor and explore downwards. Note that all elevators are one-way only, so once you go down, you cannot return to the upper floors.

Duration of Visit: The variety of marine species is not extensive, and you can typically explore the aquarium in about 50 minutes to an hour. The space is relatively small and narrow, and it can feel crowded and stuffy, especially during peak hours.

Interactive Touch Experience: Despite the limited variety, there are two interactive touch experiences offered daily, mainly aimed at children but can be enjoyable for all visitors:

Time Table of Feeding:

  • A: Feeding of Spotted Seals: 9:45 AM and 2:15 PM
  • B: Feeding of Polar Penguins: 10:10 AM and 2:30 PM
  • C: Feeding of Devil Fish: 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM
  • D: Feeding of Shark Bay: 10:50 AM and 3:20 PM
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