Hi! I am Lily Xia, and I am a professional travel consultant with over 2 years of experience in the tourism industry, specializing in destinations within China. My expertise lies in creating practical and informative guides for international visitors. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to planning your visit to Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park!
Introduction to Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park is a large-scale theme park located in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai, China. It sits on approximately 297,000 square meters of land. Opened to the public in late 2018, the park is a relatively new but major addition to Shanghai’s entertainment offerings. It is dedicated to ocean conservation and themed around marine life, providing a blend of educational exhibits, thrilling rides, and live animal performances.
Tickets & Opening Hours
Opening Hours: The park’s operating hours typically run from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays and may extend until 6:00 PM or later on weekends and during peak seasons (summer holidays, Chinese national holidays). However, these hours are subject to change; it is crucial to check the official website or app for the most up-to-date schedule before your visit.
Tickets: Ticket prices vary based on age and date (peak vs. non-peak seasons).
Adult Ticket (Ages 12-64): Approximately CNY 399 on standard days.
Child Ticket (Ages 3-11) & Senior Ticket (Ages 65+): Approximately CNY 299 on standard days. Valid ID may be required for seniors.
Peak Season Surcharge: Prices may be higher during holidays and weekends.
Infants (below 3 years old or under 1m height): Usually free.
Purchasing Tickets: It is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance through the park’s official WeChat mini-program, app, or authorized travel platforms like Trip.com.
Main Attractions
The park is divided into several themed zones, each offering unique experiences:
Ocean Aquarium: Features a massive underwater tunnel and tanks housing over 10,000 marine creatures, including sharks, rays, and diverse fish species.
Penguin Pavilion: Home to different penguin species in a climate-controlled environment, allowing observation above and below water.
Polar Expedition: This area allows you to see Arctic animals like polar bears, walruses, and beluga whales.
Coral Reef Jellyfish Aquarium: Showcases delicate coral ecosystems and mesmerizing jellyfish displayed with dramatic lighting effects.
Volcano & Rafting Area: Features thrilling rides like the Rafting Adventure through a volcano-themed landscape.
Amphitheatre: Hosts large-scale live shows, most notably the Ocean Paradise show involving acrobats, drones, and water effects. Another key show is the Ice-Penguin Theatre performance.
Transportation: How to Get There
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park is located relatively far from the city center. Here are the main options:
Metro (Subway) – Recommended: Take Line 16 to Haichang Ocean Park Station (Exit 1 or 3).
From central locations like People’s Square, you will need to transfer lines (e.g., Line 2 to Longyang Road, then transfer to Line 16). The journey can take 60-90 minutes.
Taxi / Ride-Hailing (Didi): Convenient but more expensive, especially for the return journey. Useful if you have a group or lots of gear. Expect a 60-90 minute ride from downtown depending on traffic.
Drive: The park has a large parking lot. However, traffic can be heavy, and parking fees apply. Navigation apps like Baidu Maps are essential.
Bus: Public bus routes serve the park (e.g., Bus 1077 from Lingang Avenue station), but the metro is generally simpler for tourists.
Experiences & Activities
Animal Encounters: Observe a vast array of marine life and polar animals up close in habitats designed to mimic their natural environments.
Live Shows: Do not miss the signature shows. Check the daily schedule upon arrival (available at the entrance, on the app, or on park maps) and plan your day around showtimes, as they are very popular. Arrive early for good seats.
Rides: Enjoy various rides suitable for different age groups, from family-friendly carousels to more thrilling roller coasters and rafting adventures.
Educational Talks: Attend scheduled keeper talks and feeding sessions to learn more about the animals and conservation efforts.
Accommodation
Staying nearby can maximize your time at the park, especially if traveling with children.
Hanghai Haichang Ocean Park Resort Hotel:The official themed hotel located right next to the park. Offers direct access and family-friendly rooms with ocean or pirate themes. Most convenient option.Price: Mid to High-range. Approximately CNY 1,200 – 2,000 per night (including park tickets is common).
Food Guide
Inside the Park: Numerous themed restaurants and fast-food outlets are available inside (e.g., Burger King, Tandoor, Chinese fast food, seafood options). Prices are higher than outside. Consider buying a meal deal or bringing some snacks if allowed (check park rules).
FAQ
Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: Weekdays are less crowded than weekends and holidays. Avoid Chinese national holidays (e.g., Golden Week in October, Spring Festival) for a better experience. Mornings are best for popular rides and exhibits.
Q: How much time should I allocate for the park?
A: A full day is recommended to see the major exhibits, catch a couple of shows, and enjoy some rides without excessive rushing.
Q: Is the park suitable for non-Mandarin speakers?
A: Yes. Signage is bilingual (Chinese/English). Show announcements are primarily in Chinese, but the visuals are impressive regardless. The official app provides some English information.
Q: Is there a map or app available?
A: Yes, download the official “Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park” app beforehand. It provides maps (in Chinese, but with icons), show schedules, wait times, and allows mobile payments inside the park. Paper maps are also available at the entrance.
Lily Xia
She is Lily Xia,a 25 years old gilr.
For over ten years, she’ve been traveling with her camera,
and her greatest passion is capturing the beautiful moments,
places, and especially the people she meet along the way.