Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (SOA), located in Pudong’s Lujiazui financial district, is one of Asia’s largest and most innovative marine-themed attractions. Opened in 2002, it spans 13,000 square meters across four floors, housing over 450 species and 30,000 aquatic creatures. The aquarium’s signature 155-meter-long underwater tunnel—the longest in China—immerses visitors in ecosystems ranging from the Yangtze River to the Arctic Circle. A UNESCO-affiliated education center, it promotes marine conservation through interactive exhibits and research partnerships.
Historical Overview
The aquarium’s construction began in 1999, part of Shanghai’s post-2000 urban renewal focused on tourism and cultural infrastructure. Its design, inspired by ocean currents, aimed to bridge traditional Chinese aquatic lore with modern zoological science. Key milestones include the 2004 opening of the “Shark Passage” tunnel, the 2010 World Expo-themed exhibit, and the 2018 launch of the “Coral Kingdom” conservation initiative. Today, SOA collaborates with 20+ global marine research institutes, hosting species rescue and breeding programs for endangered sea turtles and penguins.
Structural Layout & Themed Zones
The aquarium is organized into nine thematic zones, each representing a distinct marine environment:
1. China’s Coastal Waters (Ground Floor)Highlights: Yangtze River fish, jellyfish lab, and touch pools with starfish and rays.
2. Underwater Tunnel (B1 Level)Highlights: 360° view of sharks, stingrays, and giant groupers in a 12,000-ton artificial seawater tank.
3. Coral Reef Zone (B1 Level)Highlights: Clownfish, sea turtles, and a 200-species coral exhibit with live propagation displays.
4. Polar Zone (B1 Level)Highlights: Penguin colony (King and Gentoo), Arctic foxes, and a simulated ice cave.
5. Amazon Rainforest Zone (B2 Level)Highlights: Piranhas, electric eels, and a 10-meter-long freshwater tank with giant arapaimas.
6. Deep Ocean Zone (B2 Level)Highlights: Giant squid model, bioluminescent fish, and a submarine-themed observation deck.
7. Interactive Discovery Zone (B2 Level)Highlights: Virtual reality diving, marine science workshops, and a 4D cinema.
8. Special Exhibition Hall (B2 Level)Rotating exhibits: Past themes include “Ocean Giants” (whale sharks) and “Endangered Species Rescue.”
9. Gift Shop & Café (1F Exit)Highlights: Marine-themed souvenirs and a café with panoramic Lujiazui views.
Major Attractions
Underwater Tunnel: A 155-meter acrylic walkway with 180° shark and ray views.
Penguin Kingdom: A 500-sqm Arctic exhibit with glass-bottom viewing and feeding shows.
Coral Propagation Lab: Live displays of coral fragmentation and breeding techniques.
Electric Eel Tank: Interactive exhibit demonstrating bioelectricity generation.
Giant Pacific Octopus Display: Real-time footage of the aquarium’s resident octopus.
Suggested Itineraries
1. Quick Visit (1.5–2 hrs)
Ground Floor → B1 Tunnel → B2 Coral Reef → Polar Zone → Exit via Gift Shop.
Highlights: Underwater tunnel, penguins, and sharks.
2. Family Exploration (3–4 hrs)
10 AM: Arrive (avoid crowds); start at Amazon Zone (B2).
11 AM: Underwater Tunnel + Shark Feeding Show (11:30 AM).
12 PM: Lunch at Café (1F).
1 PM: Polar Zone Penguin Show (1:30 PM) + Coral Lab.
2 PM: Interactive Zone (VR diving) + Gift Shop.
3. Educational Tour (Full Day)
9 AM: Join guided tour (¥100 extra; Mandarin/English).
10 AM: Coral Reef Workshop + Behind-the-Scenes Tour (11 AM; ¥200).
1 PM: Lunch + Deep Ocean Zone + 4D Cinema.
3 PM: Special Exhibition + Amazon Zone + Electric Eel Demo.
5 PM: Departure (optional Jingshan Park-like walk along Huangpu River).
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via official website or WeChat (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at entrance; queues peak 10 AM–1 PM.
Prices:
Adults: ¥160 (Peak), ¥120 (Off-Peak).
Children (1–1.4m): ¥110 (Peak), ¥80 (Off-Peak).
Free: Children under 1m, disabled visitors, and seniors over 70.
Bundles: Combine with Shanghai Tower tickets (¥280).
Transportation
By Subway:Line 2: Lujiazui Station (Exit 6), 5-minute walk. Line 9:Shangcheng Road Station, Exit 4, 10-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 81, 82, 583, 774, 795, or 992 to Lujiazui Ring Road Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to Shanghai Ocean Aquarium “上海海洋水族馆” (Shànghǎi Hǎiyáng Shuǐzúguǎn).
Departure: Exit to Lujiazui Central Green or Huangpu River promenade.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid weekends/holidays; weekday mornings (9–10 AM) are ideal.
Crowds: Summer (July–August) and school holidays are busiest; winter is quieter.
Weather: Indoor attraction, suitable year-round; ideal for rainy days.
Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (2–3 floors of walking).
Bring a water bottle (filling stations available).
Photography allowed (no flash in tunnels/animal habitats).
Prohibited Items: Outside food, tripods, and laser pointers.
