Chengdu Aquarium

Introducing Chengdu Aquarium

Chengdu Haichang Polar Ocean Park, located at 2039 Tianfu Avenue South, Tianfu New District, Chengdu, covers an area of ​​240,000 square meters. It is a polar ocean theme park that focuses on educational activities, exhibitions, interactive activities, and performances about Antarctic and Arctic animals, offering a variety of leisure, vacation, and parent-child entertainment opportunities.

The park now has the fantastic Dream Jellyfish House, as well as 10 major animal venues including the Whale and Dolphin House, Polar Bear House, Penguin House, Walrus House, Sea Lion House, Seal Bay, Turtle House, and Shark House.

At the same time, the park has also created four major theme interactive areas: Mermaid Light and Shadow Park, 4D Cinema, Deep Sea King Kong Experience Hall, and Children's Play Area. Here, you will encounter a colorful and changing ocean world and appreciate the wonders of the ocean you have never seen before.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons, best in spring and autumn

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Mermaid Light and Shadow Park

This indoor children's theme park integrates interactive light and shadow experiences. A variety of interactive experiences perfectly combine real-world environments with light and shadow to create a vibrant experience. Here, you can pet cute yet ferocious polar bears, watch dolphins leap, and even play games with adorable penguins and giant mammoths.

Children's Playground

This is a playground dedicated to children. High-speed children's slides, spinning dolphins, submarines, and samba balloons will also provide you with the most unique parent-child experience.

Deep Sea King Kong

A fully sensory, audio-visual interactive experience hall. Experience a highly realistic simulation, transporting you to a thrilling world of dinosaurs and a journey back to the Ice Age. Here, follow an alien spaceship as it lands on Earth, traverse a laser maze, and journey to a lost world.

4D Experience Hall

A deep combination of visual experience and dynamic stimulation, colorful and dazzling scenes, ultra-large pictures and realistic scene design; simulation of real scenes such as smoke, rain, and smell, recreates a thrilling adventure.

Recommended play time: 3-4 hours

Tickets

Standard ticket: 240 yuan/person

Student ticket: 180 yuan/person

Senior/child ticket: 170 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

9:00-18:00

---

Most Popular FAQs for Chengdu Aquarium

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Chengdu Aquarium is one of the largest and most popular aquariums in southwestern China, aiming to educate visitors about marine conservation and the diversity of aquatic life. It houses over 300 species of marine animals and provides an immersive experience through innovative exhibits, showcasing the rich aquatic biodiversity found both locally and globally.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Chengdu Aquarium is located in the southwestern part of Chengdu, near the Shuangliu District. It is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or metro. The closest metro station is Shuangliu Station (Line 10), from where you can take a short taxi ride or walk to the aquarium.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The aquarium is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the afternoon, as it can get crowded, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Weekdays tend to be quieter for those looking for a more relaxed visit.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee for Chengdu Aquarium is approximately 100-150 RMB for adults, with discounted rates for children, seniors, and students. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance or online through popular platforms like WeChat or Alibaba travel services.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak seasons or for special events. Booking at least a few days in advance is advisable, especially if you plan to visit during weekends or public holidays.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It typically takes about 2-3 hours to fully explore the Chengdu Aquarium, especially if you take time to enjoy the exhibits, watch animal shows, and visit the touch tanks. If you are interested in staying longer or attending multiple shows, plan for a half-day visit.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights of the Chengdu Aquarium include the underwater tunnel, where you can walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks and other marine creatures. The penguin and sea lion exhibits are also popular, along with the interactive touch tanks and the tropical fish section.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available at Chengdu Aquarium, mainly in Chinese. For non-Chinese speakers, there are limited audio guides in English, but it's a good idea to confirm their availability in advance if you're interested.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are in the underwater tunnel, where you can capture the marine life swimming around you. The large aquariums featuring sharks, rays, and tropical fish also offer great photo opportunities. The penguin exhibit is another favorite spot for photos.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by exploring the large aquariums housing sharks and tropical fish. Then, head to the underwater tunnel for a 360-degree view. Afterward, visit the penguin and sea lion areas, followed by the interactive touch tanks. Don’t miss any live shows or feeding sessions that may be happening during your visit.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

The Chengdu Aquarium does not typically offer night visits, but they may host special light shows or themed events during holidays or special occasions. Check in advance if you're visiting around a particular event.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

It can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, holidays, and during school vacations. The least crowded times are during weekdays, particularly in the morning or late afternoon when many local schools are not visiting.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Chengdu Aquarium offers clean toilets, food stalls, and rest areas throughout the venue. There are also a few shops selling souvenirs and aquarium-themed merchandise, along with light snacks and drinks available for purchase.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The aquarium is wheelchair accessible and has facilities to accommodate elderly and disabled visitors. The walkways and exhibits are designed to be easily accessible, with benches available for resting. Strollers are also welcome for children.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted at the Chengdu Aquarium, along with credit card payments. Cash is not commonly used, so it’s recommended to carry a mobile payment method or card for convenience.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside the aquarium, you’ll find a few snack bars offering drinks and quick bites. For a more substantial meal, there are several restaurants nearby, including Chinese restaurants and international fast-food chains.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants, but the aquarium’s in-house food offerings may have limited options. Halal food is less common in the immediate vicinity but can be found in specific restaurants in Chengdu.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels near Chengdu Aquarium, ranging from budget options to mid-range hotels. Popular choices include the Holiday Inn Chengdu and the Chengdu Tibetan Hotel, both of which are just a short drive from the aquarium.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a must-see for animal lovers, as well as Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street, which are great for exploring Chengdu's historical side. These can easily be combined with a trip to the aquarium.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops inside the aquarium where you can buy aquatic-themed merchandise, including stuffed animals, keychains, and other gifts related to marine life.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting the aquarium, you can take a taxi, use the metro (Line 10), or catch a bus to other parts of Chengdu. The metro is the most convenient option if you're heading toward downtown Chengdu or other attractions like Wuhou Shrine.