Shanghai Aquarium

About

The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is one of the largest in Asia, uniquely featuring a 155-meter underwater tunnel—one of the world’s longest—that takes you through various marine environments. The aquarium is divided into nine thematic zones, including China, South America, and Australia, highlighting rare species like the Yangtze alligator and giant salamander. The sensory experience of sharks and rays swimming directly overhead in the tunnel is mesmerizing. Expert recommendation: The 'Deep Sea' and 'Antarctic' zones are highlights, especially the jellyfish displays which use creative lighting to stunning effect. Pro Tip: It is located right next to the Oriental Pearl Tower, so it gets very crowded during school holidays and weekends. Buy tickets online to skip the main queue and try to visit during the evening when the crowds thin out.

Highlights

• World's longest travelator tunnel
• Rare Yangtze sturgeon exhibit
• Diverse marine life collection
• Great for families and kids

Amenities

Why go

• Visit Shanghai Aquarium to experience world's longest travelator tunnel.
• Spend time on rare yangtze sturgeon exhibit rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.
• The experience is rounded out by diverse marine life collection.

Know before you go

• Allow about 150m on site, excluding transfers and queues.
• Confirm current opening hours, ticket rules, temporary closures, and entry restrictions before departure.
• Carry the local-language name and address for navigation, taxi, or entrance checks.

Tips

• Morning is the most practical general visit period for this stop.
• Group the stop with nearby places to reduce backtracking and keep a realistic transfer buffer.
• Carry water, weather protection, and the local-language place name when conditions require them.