Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium offers one of Asia's longest underwater tunnels where kids can walk beneath sharks, rays, and thousands of colorful fish swimming overhead. The hands-on touch pools let children interact with marine life, while daily feeding shows and educational presentations keep young minds engaged throughout the visit.

• ✓155-meter underwater viewing tunnel with 270-degree views of sharks and rays swimming overhead
• ✓Interactive touch pools where kids can gently handle starfish, sea cucumbers, and horseshoe crabs
• ✓Penguin exhibit featuring adorable African penguins in a rocky habitat
• ✓Nine different themed zones representing oceans from around the world, including China, South America, and Australia
• ✓Daily feeding demonstrations and educational talks (some in English)

1. 1.Purchase tickets online in advance to skip long queues, especially on weekends and holidays. English signage is available but limited, so download a translation app beforehand.
2. 2.Arrive right at 9:00 AM opening time or after 3:00 PM to avoid peak crowds and tour groups that fill the tunnels midday.
3. 3.The spectacular underwater tunnel is at the end of the route, so younger children may get tired. Consider using a stroller for toddlers (elevators available).
4. 4.Bring hand sanitizer for after the touch pool experiences. Photography is allowed, but flash can be distracting and doesn't work well through glass.
5. 5.Located in the Lujiazui financial district near the Oriental Pearl Tower, making it easy to combine with other Pudong attractions in one day.

Visit on weekday mornings right at opening (9:00 AM) for the smallest crowds and most active fish during feeding times. Avoid Chinese national holidays (October Golden Week, Spring Festival) when the aquarium becomes extremely crowded.

Tickets cost approximately 160-190 RMB for adults and 110 RMB for children (roughly $25-30 USD equivalent). The nearest metro stop is Lujiazui Station (Line 2), exit 1, just a short walk away. Small cafe inside serves snacks, but options are limited for picky eaters.

Open year-round with consistent hours. Chinese New Year and National Day holidays (early October) bring massive crowds, so plan accordingly. Summer months (June-August) are busiest with domestic tourists.

The Super Brand Mall (Zhengda Plaza) is a 10-minute walk away and offers numerous kid-friendly dining options including Western chains like Pizza Hut and KFC alongside Chinese restaurants. The IFC Mall food court near Lujiazui metro station has cleaner facilities and more international options that appeal to pickier eaters.