Tour of Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (上海海洋水族馆)
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (上海海洋水族馆) — one of the largest aquariums in the world, located in the heart of Pudong district beneath the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower. Its main attraction is the 155‑meter underwater tunnel, one of the longest in Asia. Here you will walk among sharks, rays, giant turtles and thousands of tropical fish. The aquarium is divided into 9 thematic zones, representing ecosystems from the Yangtze River to the depths of the open ocean.
Best spots in the aquarium
What awaits you
- Meeting at the aquarium — your Russian guide will meet you at the entrance, help with tickets and lead you through the most interesting route.
- “Rivers of China” zone — rare fish species of the Yangtze, Chinese sturgeons and piranhas.
- 155‑meter underwater tunnel — a moving walkway with sharks, rays and giant turtles swimming overhead.
- Jellyfish zone — hypnotic glowing jellyfish in mirrored aquariums (perfect for photos).
- Penguin pavilion — charming Humboldt penguins and their feeding time.
- Ocean abyss — a huge tank with deep‑sea inhabitants and panoramic views.
- Shark and turtle feeding show (scheduled) — an exclusive spectacle.
- Free time and souvenirs — after the tour you can stay in the aquarium or visit the gift shop.
Sample tour itinerary
*Times may be adjusted depending on crowd levels. The tour is walking, meeting at the entrance.
| Time | Program stage | Details and location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | Meeting the guide | At the main entrance of Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (Pudong district). |
| 10:15 | Rivers and water bodies zone | Sturgeons, arapaimas, freshwater rays. |
| 10:45 | Underwater tunnel | Slow walk, photos and videos under sharks and turtles. |
| 11:20 | Jellyfish and coral zone | Light music, bright installations, rare jellyfish species. |
| 12:00 | Penguin pavilion and seahorses | Observing feeding time (according to schedule). |
| 12:40 | Ocean abyss and conclusion | The guide will answer questions and help with free time. |
| 13:00+ | Free time | You may stay inside the aquarium until closing at 18:00. |
💡 Important notes:
- Entrance tickets are paid separately: adult 160¥, child (1.0‑1.4 m) 110¥, children under 1 m free.
- The aquarium has elevators, ramps, a café and mother‑and‑baby rooms.
- Flash photography is prohibited in the jellyfish zone and tunnel – please follow the rules.
- We recommend arriving at opening time (09:00) to avoid queues.
Price and conditions
Tour cost
Individual with Russian guide
RecommendedGuide escort, ticket assistance.
Additional expenses
Duration
Additional services
Frequently asked questions
Important information
The prices shown are valid at the time of offer. Admission ticket prices are set by the aquarium administration. Booking of guide services is made after a 20% deposit. If cancelled less than 24 hours in advance, the deposit is non‑refundable. In case of force majeure, the guide will contact you to reschedule. The guide service fee does not include entrance tickets, meals, or personal expenses.
Special conditions for this tour: The aquarium has safety rules: do not touch exhibits, do not use flash photography in the jellyfish zone and tunnel. Please follow these rules for the comfort of the animals and other visitors.
🐟 Useful information for the guide (Shanghai Ocean Aquarium) guide only
Best routes, peak hours, secret photo angles.
Weekdays from 09:00 to 11:00 – fewest people. Avoid Chinese holidays (National Day, New Year).
- Regular adult: 160¥
- Child (1.0‑1.4 m): 110¥
- Combo with Oriental Pearl Tower: 240¥
- Family (2 adults + 1 child): 380¥
- The tunnel is best photographed in the first half of the day (even light).
- The corner near the large rays is ideal for portraits.
- Jellyfish – definitely without flash, with a longer exposure.
Toilets on every floor, café at the exit, mother‑and‑baby room (2nd floor). Elevators and ramps for strollers.
📍 When to use: route orientation; notes for difficult situations; feeding schedules – check at the entrance.