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 right after opening.
Time needed 2-3 hours
Last visit: May 29, 2026
Author: Qiang Huang
Reviewer: Zhihao Wang

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
Qiang Huang
Qiang Huang
Certified Senior Tour Guide
Qiang Huang, a Shanghai-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in East China itineraries covering the Shanghai skyscraper and luxury shopping tour, culinary innovation tour, and West Bund art walk.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.0 (10 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

4.0 ★★★★☆ (10)
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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