Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Address No. 1388 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Hours 09:00–18:00 (Summer holidays 09:00–21:00)
Phone +86 21 5877 9288
Announcement: Aquarium
Entrance ¥160
Hours 09:00–18:00 (Summe...
Best Season Early morning righ...
Time needed 2-3 hours
Last visit: Aug 25, 2026
Author: Fang Wang
Reviewer: Yingjie He

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium Overview

Located next to the Oriental Pearl Tower, featuring exhibits from various continents and boasting one of the world's longest underwater viewing tunnels.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 09:00–18:00 (Summer holidays 09:00–21:00)
  • Best season: Early morning right after opening.
  • Ticket note: Tickets can be bought on-site or online. Discounts for children and seniors.

Essential Shanghai Ocean Aquarium Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 21 5877 9288
  • Restrooms
  • Gift shop
  • Fast food restaurant

How to Get to Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Metro Line 2 (Lujiazui Station, Exit 1), right next to the Oriental Pearl Tower.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium Travel Safety & Advice

First aid available; dial 120 for medical emergencies.

Practical Info

  • No. 1388 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
  • 09:00–18:00 (Summer holidays 09:00–21:00)
  • +86 21 5877 9288
Fang Wang
Fang Wang
Certified National Tour Guide
Fang Wang, a Shanghai-based Certified National Tour Guide, specializes in East China itineraries covering the Shanghai Bund, Jiangnan water towns, and Yuyuan.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.3 (40 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Tickets can be bought on-site or online. Discounts for children and seniors.

Online booking may be required

Tips

Features a unique exhibit focusing on aquatic life from China's Yangtze River.

Reality Check

  • Can feel cramped during peak hours; strollers are difficult to navigate in crowds.

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Recent Reviews

4.3 ★★★★☆ (40)
Lizzy_explor Aug 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

My favorite part of the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is definitely the jellyfish exhibition - the lighting and music make it so dreamy. The whole place has a nice flow and the underwater tunnel with sharks is epic. I am not usually someone who leaves reviews, but this was a highlight of my Shanghai itinerary. I bought tickets online and skipped the line. The only thing is that souvenirs are overpriced, but I avoided that. Would come back!

mrsMelissaC Aug 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Took my family here during our Shanghai trip. The kids couldn't stop talking about the shark tunnel! It feels like you are walking on the ocean floor - magical. The exhibits are well planned, not too crowded when we visited around 3pm. Spent a good 2.5 hours here. A bit pricey but the experience is memorable. Also there are some nice photo spots with the jellyfish lighting. Highly recommend!

BrendanWande Aug 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely loved this place! As someone who visits aquariums in every city, this one ranks high. The long tunnel is stunning and the variety of marine life is impressive. I went on a weekday morning and had no crowd issues at all. The seahorse exhibit was my favorite - so delicate and strange. Staff were helpful and the place was clean. Definitely worth the ticket. Don't miss the zone with the giant crabs!

Lauragonzale Aug 03, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Really enjoyed the underwater tunnel - it’s probably the highlight. We saw rays and a few sharks gliding overhead. The tanks are big and well-maintained, though the overall aquarium feels smaller than I thought. The jellyfish display is beautiful and made for great photos. Only downside: gift shop and restrooms felt a bit dated, and no clear signage for the exit. Still, a solid way to spend half a day.

pete_adventu Aug 03, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Maybe I set the bar too high after seeing videos of the tunnel. The aquarium itself is fine but the layout felt a bit tired and the crowd made it hard to stop and look. We went on a Saturday afternoon; big mistake. The shark tunnel section is still cool, but you're basically shuffled along. For 160 RMB, I expected more. The jellyfish room was pretty, but it’s a short section. If you have kids, it's okay, but for adults, it's not a must-do.

Sarah_J_M Jul 27, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Visited on a weekend and was surprised how manageable the crowds were. The underwater tunnel is world-class—felt like I was walking through the ocean. My personal favorite was the colorful reef tank with clownfish and tangs. The gift shop had some cute souvenirs too. Clean facilities and good air conditioning for a hot day. Would 100% come back. Worth every penny!

Paco_Adventu Jul 27, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Stumbled upon this gem while wandering the Bund area. Best decision of the day! The variety of marine life is impressive—saw seahorses, penguins, and even a giant spider crab. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I especially appreciated the clear English signage. Definitely a must-do if you're in Shanghai, even with the slightly steep ticket price. Five stars!

OceanLover_N Jul 27, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely loved every second of this aquarium! The layout is excellent, guiding you through different zones without feeling crowded. The jellyfish exhibit is mesmerizing, and the huge viewing panel for the open ocean tank left me speechless. We went right at opening and had the place to ourselves for a while. Easily one of the best aquariums I've visited worldwide. Highly recommend!

Mikewithkids Jul 27, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Decent place to take the kids on a weekday. The touch pool was a big hit with my 4-year-old, and the staff member there was super patient explaining the starfish. I just wish there were more interactive stations for little ones. Also, the café prices are ridiculous for what you get. Overall a solid 4 for the experience, but not worth a special trip.

Jenny_Travel Jul 27, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Spent a good two hours here on a rainy Sunday. The tunnel walk is definitely the highlight—watching the sharks glide right over your head is something else. That said, a few of the smaller tanks looked a bit dated, and the lighting made it hard to get decent photos. Not bad for a quick visit, but I wouldn't go out of my way again.

FamilyFunMom Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Perfect for a rainy day activity with kids. My 5-year-old was mesmerized by the colorful fish and the 'bubble' windows. The layout is logical and easy to navigate, with plenty of seating areas to rest. The only downside is the cafe is pretty basic, but there are lots of restaurants nearby. We'll definitely come back!

Mr_Diver Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

One of the best aquariums I've visited in Asia. The long tunnel gives you a 270-degree view of sharks, rays, and huge groupers swimming overhead. I also loved the touch pool where kids (and adults!) can feel starfish and sea cucumbers. Everything is well-maintained and the staff were friendly. A must-see in Shanghai!

Sarah_in_SH Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely loved it! We spent over three hours here and still didn't want to leave. The penguin exhibit is fantastic—you can watch them swim right up to the glass. The jellyfish display is mesmerizing too. Very clean, well-organized, and family-friendly. Highly recommend getting the tickets online in advance to skip the line!

OceanLover88 Jul 13, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

A solid aquarium overall. The underwater tunnel is impressive and the variety of fish is good. My only complaint is that the signage is sometimes confusing and a few tanks seemed small for the inhabitants. Also, the gift shop is overpriced. Worth a visit, but set your expectations accordingly.

Jake_Travels Jul 13, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I was a bit let down. The aquarium is decent, but the ticket price feels way too high for what you get. The main tunnel is cool, but it was so crowded I could barely see anything. Some of the exhibits looked a little tired and needed cleaning. Not bad for a quick visit, but I expected more for the money.

BudgetTravel Jul 06, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I was a bit disappointed for the price. The tunnel is long but so crowded that you barely get a moment to appreciate it – felt like a human conveyor belt. Some of the smaller tanks had poor lighting and looked tired. Also, the gift shop is crazy expensive. Maybe I had too high expectations, but for the ticket cost, I expected a more polished experience.

JL_Adventure Jul 06, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Good aquarium overall – the tunnel section is impressive and the jellyfish display is breathtaking. However, I visited on a weekend and it was way too packed. You couldn't stop to enjoy the views without being pushed. The queue to enter took almost 40 minutes. Still, the marine life is well presented, so I'd give it a solid 4 stars if you go on a weekday.

OceanLover_8 Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

I've been to many aquariums around the world, and Shanghai Ocean Aquarium stands out for its variety. They have some rare species I hadn't seen before, like the Chinese sturgeon and leafy seadragons. The glass panels were spotless, and the exhibits felt well cared for. Spent nearly three hours here and didn't get bored. Exceeded my expectations!

SarahAndMike Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

We came as a couple and had a fantastic time. The penguin feeding show was adorable, and the tunnel gave us so many cool photo opportunities – it really feels like you're walking on the ocean floor. A bit crowded on a Saturday afternoon but still manageable. Would highly recommend for a romantic or family outing.

TravelBugJen Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely loved this place! The underwater tunnel is one of the longest I've ever walked through – you feel completely surrounded by sharks, rays, and giant groupers. The jellyfish section was pure magic with the changing lights. My kids couldn't stop staring at the penguins too. Everything was clean, well-maintained, and the staff were friendly. Definitely a highlight of our Shanghai trip!

philip_trave Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

This aquarium exceeded my expectations. The layout is intuitive and the signage is in both Chinese and English. The highlight for me was the interactive touch pool with starfish and horseshoe crabs—my daughter couldn't get enough. The entire place is spotless and well-maintained. Worth every yuan. Will visit again!

megan_advent Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

We went on a Tuesday afternoon and basically had the place to ourselves. The jellyfish room is mesmerizing, and the otters are so playful! I loved how immersive the exhibits are—you can really see the animals up close. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Highly recommend buying tickets online to skip the queue.

ScubaSteve_N Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely fantastic! The underwater tunnel is world-class—you get so close to the sharks and rays. The variety of species is impressive, from seahorses to giant groupers. Clean, well-organized, and the staff were friendly. Definitely one of the best aquariums I've ever visited. A must-see when in Shanghai!

travelbug_sa Jun 23, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

A solid aquarium with some really cool moments—the long underwater tunnel is the highlight. Kids loved the penguins and the touch pool. My only gripes: it was super crowded on a weekday morning, and the gift shop is overpriced. Still, a decent way to spend a couple of hours in Shanghai.

OceanLover_J Jun 23, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I was a bit disappointed for the price. The main tank is impressive, but the rest of the exhibits felt cramped and poorly lit. Some of the information panels were faded and hard to read. The jellyfish display was nice, but overall it didn't feel like a premium experience. Wouldn't rush back.

OceanLover_K Jun 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Well-maintained facility with friendly staff who clearly care about the animals. The Amazon rainforest section was a nice surprise – real piranhas and anacondas! However, the main tank gallery felt smaller than I imagined from photos. Probably takes about 2 hours to see everything. Good for a quick visit, but not worth a long drive across town.

MomOfTwo_Tin Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

My kids (ages 5 and 8) had the best time! They loved touching the starfish in the interactive pool and watching the penguins waddle around. The tunnel was magical for them – they kept pointing and screaming every time a shark swam by. Clean restrooms and plenty of places to sit and rest. A perfect family afternoon!

Wanderlust_J Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly a bit disappointed. The aquarium feels dated – some tanks had algae buildup and the signage was faded. A few exhibits were empty or had only one fish swimming in circles. For the ticket price (280 RMB), I expected way more. The only highlight was the penguin feeding show, but even that felt rushed. Not coming back.

FishFanatic4 Jun 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Great collection of marine life, especially the Chinese sturgeons and the vibrant reef tanks. The tunnel is impressive, but it gets really crowded on weekends – we had to wait almost 20 minutes just to enter it. Also, the gift shop is overpriced. Still, a solid experience if you go on a weekday morning.

TravelBug_Sh Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely blown away by the underwater tunnel here! It felt like walking through the ocean floor with sharks and rays gliding right above us. The jellyfish exhibit was mesmerizing too – the lighting made them look like living stained glass. Definitely one of the best aquariums I've visited anywhere. Worth every penny!

MikeEx May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Lots of cool species – saw some rare seahorses and a massive grouper. My main gripe: the signage is terrible. I ended up backtracking twice trying to find the exit. Also, the cafeteria food is overpriced. But the exhibits themselves are solid, so I'd say it's a decent visit.

FamilyFun_20 May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Fantastic experience for the whole family! The penguin feeding session was adorable, and the staff were super friendly with our little ones. Everything was spotless and easy to navigate. My daughter still talks about the 'rainbow fish' we saw. Highly recommend!

Sam_C May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I was a bit let down. The aquarium feels a little dated – some tanks had condensation making it hard to see, and there was a weird musty smell in a few areas. Cost us a fortune for a family of four, and we were done in under two hours. Not worth the hype.

Traveler_Tom May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Great variety of sea life and the jellyfish exhibit was mesmerizing. Only gave it 4 stars because the ticket price feels a bit steep for what it is, and some walkways were really crowded even on a weekday. Still, an enjoyable afternoon overall.

Aqua_Jenny May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely loved this place! The underwater tunnel is breathtaking – I felt like I was swimming with the sharks. My kid couldn't stop staring at the giant rays. Clean, well-organized, and the dolphin show was a blast. Definitely a must-do in Shanghai!

Globetrotter Apr 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

One of the best aquariums I've visited in Asia! The long escalator down into the deep zone felt like a journey to the ocean floor. The whole place is so immersive and well-designed. Left feeling both educated and amazed. A must-see in Shanghai!

TravelingFam Apr 23, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Great for a rainy day activity with kids. Our 4-year-old loved the touch pool and the moving walkway in the tunnel. However, the gift shop prices are outrageous, and the cafeteria food was just okay. Overall fun, but budget extra for snacks and souvenirs.

MarineLifeFa Apr 23, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

As a marine biology enthusiast, I really appreciated the diversity of species and the informative signs (in English too!). The Chinese sturgeon and penguin zones were highlights. Staff were friendly. Could use more seating areas though – my feet were killing me by the end!

WanderlustSa Apr 23, 2026
★★☆☆☆ 2.0

It's a decent aquarium but felt overpriced for what you get. The exhibits are cool, especially the jellyfish section, but some tanks looked a bit dated and not as clean. The crowd flow was chaotic – hard to stop and appreciate anything without being pushed along.

J_Lin87 Apr 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

The underwater tunnel is absolutely breathtaking! Spent almost an hour just watching sharks and rays glide right over my head. The lighting and music created such a peaceful atmosphere. A bit crowded on a weekend, but totally worth it. Kids were mesmerized.

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