Xiamen Underwater World (厦门海底世界), located on the picturesque Gulangyu Island, spans over 10,000 square meters and opened to the public in January 1998. Resembling a blue crystal palace, it is renowned as the aquarium with the most diverse collection of fish species in China, earning the nickname “Undersea Dragon Palace.” The aquarium houses over 350 species of marine and freshwater fish, totaling more than 10,000 individuals from around the globe.
One of the standout features of Xiamen Underwater World is its innovative facilities. The highlight attraction is the Undersea Tunnel, measuring 80 meters long and 1.5 meters wide. Visitors can enter the tunnel and stand on an electric walkway to observe concave fish tanks on both sides. Without the need for scuba diving, visitors can immerse themselves in the underwater world, surrounded by fish swimming in all directions. Schools of fish swim close by, showcasing their vibrant colors and distinctive behaviors, while majestic sharks with their sharp teeth glide past. Divers also perform underwater feeding shows, adding to the spectacle of the aquarium.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Xiamen Underwater World
- Vlog about Xiamen Underwater World
- Other Attractions on Gulangyu
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 117 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 21.00 (1st April – 31st October) 8.00 – 18.30 (1st November – 31st March) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0592-2067668 |
Location and Transportation
Xiamen Underwater World is located at No. 2 Longtou Road, Gulangyu Island, Siming District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province. To reach there, first take a ferry to Gulangyu Scenic Area. Upon arrival on the island, walk to the right for approximately 100 meters to reach Xiamen Underwater World.
Highlights of Xiamen Underwater World
The Oceanarium
The Oceanarium features 20 large and small fish tanks with a combined water volume of approximately 4,000 tons. It highlights tropical and subtropical fish species sourced from oceans worldwide. Visitors can marvel at majestic creatures such as giant sharks, manta rays, enormous groupers, colorful coral reef fish, giant groupers, doctor fish, seahorses, hermit crabs, Australian lobsters, starfish (a prominent representative of echinoderms), octopuses, stonefish, pufferfish, lionfish, sea turtles, and more.
Penguin Freshwater Fish Pavilion
One of the unique attractions is the Penguin Freshwater Fish Pavilion, where two species of penguins, the Humboldt penguin and the Magellanic penguin from Peru, reside. Penguins, birds that don’t fly due to wing degeneration, thrive in water and are adept swimmers. They feed on Antarctic krill, squid, and small fish. Known for their gregarious nature, they gather in colonies ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands, making the Penguin Pavilion a pioneering feature in China.
Additionally, Xiamen Underwater World houses an impressive collection of freshwater fish species, including the anglerfish, koi, sturgeon, paddlefish, sawfish, mahi-mahi, Amazonian river fish, spotted seals, Chinese white dolphins, piranhas, and map fish. The anglerfish, cylindrical in shape with cloud-like patterns and black spots, measures over 2 meters in length and weighs between 30 to 50 kilograms.
Sperm Whale Specimen Museum
In March 11, 2000, a deceased sperm whale, the largest individual recorded in China to date, measuring 18.6 meters in length and weighing 46 tons, was found in the waters near Xiamen. According to national regulations and procedures, Xiamen Underwater World received this colossal whale and preserved it as two specimens: one in skin form and the other as a skeleton.
Sperm whales are among the internationally protected endangered whale species, with the largest individuals reaching lengths of over 19 meters and weighing more than 50 tons. The Sperm Whale Specimen Museum uses VCDs and images to recreate the impressive scenes of handling the sperm whale and the process of creating the specimens. Additionally, the museum features extensive displays of photographs and explanations about the life history of whales, offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature and its magnificent creations while gaining knowledge about these remarkable marine mammals.
