Shanghai Ocean Aquarium opened in 2002 in the Lujiazui district of Pudong, right beside the Oriental Pearl Tower on the banks of the Huangpu River. Built by Advanced Aquarium Technologies, the facility became known almost immediately for its centerpiece: a long underwater viewing tunnel that carries visitors through a sequence of themed marine habitats.
The aquarium organizes its exhibits by region, guiding guests through zones representing China, Australia, Africa, and South America before reaching its signature tunnel walk. It is also notable as the only aquarium in the world with a dedicated China Zone, spotlighting nationally protected native species such as the Chinese sturgeon and Chinese giant salamander.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Pudong, Shanghai, China
- Opened: 2002
- Size: About 20,500 sq m (221,000 sq ft), holding roughly 4,900,000 liters of water
- Species/Animal count: More than 450 species, around 12,000-15,000 animals
- Annual visitors: About 1 million
- Famous for: A 155-meter underwater viewing tunnel, one of the longest of its kind in the world
The Underwater Tunnel Experience
The aquarium’s best-known feature is its 155-meter underwater tunnel, which moves visitors past a coastal reef, an open-ocean tank, a kelp cave, a shark-filled cove, and a coral reef in sequence. Sharks, rays, and schooling fish pass overhead and to the sides as guests walk through, making it one of the most photographed spots in the building.
Beyond the tunnel, the aquarium’s largest single tank holds hundreds of thousands of gallons of water and anchors the open-ocean exhibit, giving larger species like sharks and rays room to swim freely in view of visitors.
A Showcase for China’s Native Species
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium’s China Zone sets it apart from most large aquariums worldwide, since it is dedicated entirely to aquatic species native to China. Many of the animals on display, including the Chinese sturgeon and Chinese giant salamander, are nationally protected, giving the exhibit a conservation angle alongside its entertainment value.
The rest of the aquarium is arranged by continent, with South American, African, and Australian zones rounding out a collection that draws from five continents and four oceans.
Explore more: Explore more zoos and aquariums.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium FAQs
When did Shanghai Ocean Aquarium open?
It opened in 2002 after construction that began in 1999, in the Lujiazui district of Pudong, Shanghai.
How long is the underwater tunnel at Shanghai Ocean Aquarium?
The tunnel is 155 meters (about 509 feet) long, making it one of the longest underwater viewing tunnels in the world.
How many species does Shanghai Ocean Aquarium have?
The aquarium is home to more than 450 species and roughly 12,000 to 15,000 individual animals from five continents and four oceans.
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