Shanghai Aquarium

Shanghai Aquarium offers an unforgettable underwater experience with one of the world's longest aquarium tunnels, where kids can stand surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and thousands of colorful fish swimming overhead. The hands-on touch pools and daily feeding shows make marine life education interactive and exciting, while the diverse exhibits showcase creatures from the Yangtze River to the Amazon rainforest.

• ✓The 155-meter underwater viewing tunnel where sharks and rays glide overhead
• ✓Interactive touch pools where kids can gently handle starfish, sea cucumbers, and small rays
• ✓Daily feeding shows and educational presentations featuring penguins, seals, and other marine animals
• ✓Rare Yangtze River species including Chinese alligators and sturgeon
• ✓Jellyfish gallery with mesmerizing illuminated displays

1. 1.Arrive right when doors open at 9am to beat the massive crowds, especially on weekends and Chinese holidays when the venue gets extremely packed
2. 2.Download a translation app beforehand as most signage and presentations are in Chinese with limited English descriptions
3. 3.Purchase tickets online in advance through major travel platforms to save time and often get a discount
4. 4.Bring your passport for ticket purchase verification and potential tourist discounts at the ticket counter
5. 5.The touch pools are located early in the tour route, so visit them first before children lose interest later in the visit

Visit on weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, to avoid weekend and school holiday crowds. The aquarium is open year-round, making any season suitable, though avoiding Chinese national holidays (Golden Week in October, Spring Festival in January/February) is essential for a more enjoyable experience.

Tickets cost approximately 160-190 RMB for adults and 110 RMB for children (roughly $25-30 USD for adults). The aquarium is located in Pudong near the Oriental Pearl Tower with metro access via Line 2 (Lujiazui Station). Food options inside are limited and expensive, so consider eating before or after your visit.

Open year-round with indoor climate-controlled exhibits. Avoid visiting during Chinese New Year (late January to mid-February) and Golden Week (first week of October) when crowds are at their peak and ticket prices may increase.

The Super Brand Mall (Zhengda Plaza) is a 10-minute walk away and offers multiple floors of restaurants including familiar chains like McDonald's and KFC alongside Chinese kid-friendly options. Alternatively, the IFC Mall connected to the metro station has a food court with diverse international options including Japanese, Korean, and Western cuisine.