Hello, I’m Lily Jiang, a travel industry professional with over 5 years of experience organizing cultural trips across China. Having explored countless aquariums and marine parks, I’ve gained helpful insights for planning unforgettable underwater adventures. This 2026 Shanghai Ocean Aquarium guide covers all you need for a perfect, immersive visit to one of Asia’s largest and most unique ocean attractions.
Introduction to Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium Quick Facts
- Location: Lujiazui, Pudong (1388 Lujiazui Ring Road)
- Entry Fee: Adults ¥160; Kids (1.0–1.4m) ¥110; Free for under 1.0m
- Opening Hours: 9:00–18:00 (daily; last entry 17:30)
- Best Transport: Subway Line 2 to Lujiazui Station (3-min walk)
- Must-See: Chinese Sturgeon, 155m Tunnel, Humboldt Penguins, Moon Jellyfish
- Pro Tip: Arrive by 9 am; visit the Underwater Tunnel first to avoid crowds
Shaped like a giant glass pyramid in the heart of Shanghai’s Lujiazui financial district, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (SOA) is a world-class marine attraction. It’s the only aquarium on Earth with a dedicated zone for China’s Yangtze River species. Home to over 450 species and 15,000+ marine creatures from all five continents, it features a breathtaking 155-meter underwater tunnel—one of the longest in the world.
More than just an aquarium, it’s a living journey from the Amazon rainforest to the Antarctic ice, and from the warm coral reefs to the mysterious deep sea. Every step brings you face-to-face with nature’s most incredible aquatic wonders.
Tickets & Opening Hours 2026
Ticket Information
- Standard Adult Ticket: ¥160 (≈22 USD)
- Child Ticket: ¥110 (≈15 USD) — For children 1.0–1.4 meters tall
- Free Entry: Children under 1.0 meter (must be accompanied by an adult)
- Senior/Student Discount: ¥110 (with valid ID/passport)
- Special Exhibits: Occasional temporary exhibits (¥30–50 extra)
Reservation Tips:
International visitors can book tickets via the official English website or on-site. No advance booking is required for regular days, but booking is recommended for weekends and holidays. Simply show your e-ticket and passport for entry.
Opening Hours
- Daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Last Admission & Ticket Sales: 5:30 PM (no entry after)
- Extended Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM during summer (July–Aug) and holidays
- Closures: Open 365 days a year (closed only for extreme weather)
Best Time: Weekday mornings (9:00–11:00). The aquarium is quiet, and animals are most active.
Must-See Zones & Exhibits
China’s Yangtze River Zone (World Exclusive)
The aquarium’s proudest feature—found nowhere else on Earth.
- Chinese Sturgeon: “The Panda of the Water.” A massive, prehistoric fish that has existed for 140 million years. Watch these gentle giants glide gracefully.
- Chinese Giant Salamander: The world’s largest amphibian, often called the “Baby Fish” for its unique cry.
- Horseshoe Crab (Hòu): A 450-million-year-old “living fossil” with bright blue blood. A true ancient marvel.
155-Meter Underwater Tunnel
The star attraction! Walk along a moving walkway through a clear glass tunnel.
- Sharks & Rays: Blacktip sharks, white tip sharks, and giant stingrays glide inches above your head.
- Silver Cyclone: Hundreds of silvery fish swarm together, creating a swirling, shimmering “tornado”.
- Giant Sea Turtle: A massive, ancient turtle slowly cruises past, like a wizard of the deep.It feels like you’re walking on the seabed, surrounded by the entire ocean.
Jellyfish Zone
A magical, colorful light show. Dozens of translucent jellyfish float in neon-lit tanks.
- Moon Jellyfish: Pale, ghostly bells pulse softly through the water.
- Purple-Striped Jellyfish: Bright, flowing tentacles that look like underwater fire.Perfect for stunning, otherworldly photos.
Penguin Pavilion
Meet the adorable Humboldt Penguins from South America.
- Watch them waddle awkwardly on land, then transform into agile, speedy swimmers underwater.
- Daily feeding sessions at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM — their funniest, most active time.
Other Highlights
- Amazon Rainforest Zone: Huge, prehistoric arapaima and electric eels.
- Cold Water Zone: Fur seals and playful sea otters.
- Deep Sea Zone: Weird and wonderful glowing fish and creepy crustaceans.
How to Get to Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
Subway (Most Recommended)
- Line 2: Get off at Lujiazui Station
- Exit: Exit 1 → 3-minute walk north to the pyramid building
- Cost: ¥3–7 (≈0.4–1 USD)
- Note: Clear English signs; direct connection from Pudong Airport and Hongqiao Station.
Bus
- Lines: 81, 774, 939, 993, or Lujiazui Loop Bus
- Stop: “Lujiazui Ring Road, Fenghe Road”
- Cost: ¥2 (≈0.3 USD)
- From The Bund: ~15 mins, ¥25–35 (≈3.5–5 USD)
- From Pudong Airport: ~45 mins, ¥120–150 (≈17–21 USD)
- Tip: Ask for “Shanghai Haiyang Shuizu Guan” (Chinese name).
Self-Driving
- Parking: Underground parking lot
- Fee: ¥15/hour (≈2 USD)
- Note: Limited spots; fills fast on weekends.
Interactive Activities & Experiences
Mermaid Meet & Greet (Free)
Daily performances (6 times a day). Beautiful “mermaids” swim and dance with fish and rays in the main tank. A magical, unmissable show.
Marine Touch Pool (¥30)
Get hands-on with gentle tide-pool creatures.
- Touch: Starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers (under staff guidance).
- A huge hit with kids and curious adults.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour (¥100, 45 mins)
Go backstage to see how the aquarium works.
- Visit the massive filtration system and food preparation kitchen.
- Learn how experts care for sharks and rare fish.
Night Aquarium (Summer Only)
Late-night visits (until 9 PM) to see nocturnal marine life. The dark tanks and glowing jellyfish create an unforgettable, serene atmosphere.
Practical Tips & Etiquette
Etiquette Rules
- No Flash Photography: Flash blinds fish and damages their eyes.
- No Tapping Glass: Loud noises and tapping stress the animals.
- No Feeding: Never feed or attempt to touch any animals except in the official Touch Pool.
- No Running: The floors can be wet; walk slowly for safety.
- No Littering: Keep the aquarium clean for the animals and other visitors.
Useful Tips
- Bring: Passport (for ticket check), comfortable shoes (lots of walking), a small notebook.
- Free Map: English maps available at the entrance.
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the building.
- Crowds: Weekends/holidays = very busy. Arrive at 9 AM to beat the crowds in the tunnel.
- Time Needed: 3–4 hours to fully explore all zones.
Food Guide
Aqua Restaurant (1st Floor)
Ocean-themed dining with large aquarium windows.
- Seafood Fried Rice: Fresh shrimp, squid, and veggies (¥48).
- Fish Burger: Crispy fish fillet with tartar sauce (¥42).
- Kids’ Fish Nuggets: Bite-sized fried fish with fries (¥38).
Ocean Café (Near Tunnel Exit)
Quick snacks and drinks.
- Fish-Shaped Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream in a crispy fish cone (¥25).
- Seafood Buns: Steamed buns stuffed with shrimp and pork (¥30/2).
- Fruit Smoothies: Mango, strawberry, or blueberry (¥35).
Snack Stalls
- Cotton Candy: Blue or pink “clouds” (¥20).
- Seaweed Fries: Crispy fries with salty seaweed powder (¥22).
Q&A
Q1: Is the Underwater Tunnel wheelchair/stroller friendly?
A: Yes! The tunnel has a flat, moving walkway with no stairs. The entire aquarium is fully accessible.
Q2: Can I bring my own food and drinks?
A: Small snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed. No large picnic lunches.
Q3: Are there English signs and staff?
A: Yes! All zones and tanks have detailed English labels. Most staff speak basic English.
Q4: Is this aquarium suitable for toddlers?
A: Absolutely! The colorful fish, penguins, and gentle Touch Pool are perfect for young children.
Q5: What’s the best season to visit?
A: All year! Summer offers extended night hours; winter is quiet with fewer crowds. Spring and Autumn have perfect weather for combining with a visit to the nearby Bund.
Lila Jiang
She is Lila Jiang, a 28-year-old girl.
With over 10 years in the travel industry, she’s chased wanderlust near and far;
what she loves most is diving into local cultures,
finding hidden gems, and connecting with people who bring journeys to life.