Aquatic Organism Hall

The Beijing Aquarium is an impressive facility recognized as the world's largest inland aquarium. Located in the heart of Beijing, this site covers an expansive 12 hectares within the city zoo grounds. Its architecture is particularly striking: the building is designed in the shape of a giant blue conch shell that blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscaped gardens and vibrant flowerbeds of China.

Inside this unique complex live more than 1,000 species of marine and freshwater creatures. The 42,000-square-meter space is divided into seven themed zones, each transporting visitors to different corners of the world's oceans. It is not only a place for entertainment but also an important educational resource for studying our planet's biological diversity in detail.

Visitors can look forward to meeting exotic fish, graceful rays, and majestic marine mammals. Thanks to modern technology and thoughtful design, the aquarium creates a fully immersive experience, making a stroll through its halls an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.

When planning your visit to the Beijing Aquarium, we recommend checking the latest contact information and visiting rules in advance. Since event schedules and ticket prices can change depending on the season, checking these details beforehand will help ensure your stay in Beijing is as comfortable as possible.

One of the most vivid experiences is a walk through the 60-meter underwater tunnel made of transparent acrylic. Here, you will find yourself surrounded by sharks, rays, and massive schools of fish, creating the sensation of walking along the ocean floor. In the "Tropical Rainforest" zone, you can admire cascading waterfalls and observe rare river inhabitants such as giant salamanders and parrotfish.

For those who prefer interactive activities, there is a touch pool where you can gently touch starfish, sea urchins, and crabs. At "Shark Pier," visitors often witness the thrilling sight of divers feeding the predators, and the most adventurous guests can even try diving under the supervision of instructors.

Don't forget to visit the Ocean Theater, which hosts daily shows featuring dolphins and beluga whales. These graceful animals perform amazing acrobatic tricks that delight both children and adults. You can conclude your tour in the "Coral Reef" hall by riding an escalator through a tilted glass tunnel or by visiting the state-of-the-art 4D cinema.

This aquatic world is located within the Beijing Zoo in the Haidian District. The most convenient way to enter is through the zoo's north gate. The exact address of the complex is: No. 18, Gaochunqiao Xiejie, Haidian District. Its location in the city makes it easily accessible for most travelers.

The best way to get there is by public transport or taxi. If you prefer the subway, look for stations near the zoo, as this is one of the most reliable ways to avoid city traffic. For those using navigation apps, it is recommended to use the Xizhimen area as a landmark, as the main exhibits are concentrated nearby.

The Beijing Aquarium opened its doors in 1999. Since its debut, it has held the status of the largest facility of its kind in China. The project was originally envisioned not just as a tourist attraction, but also as a significant platform for scientific research and educational initiatives in marine ecology.

A particular point of pride for the institution is the hall dedicated to Chinese sturgeons. These amazing fish are often called "aquatic giant pandas" due to their rarity and national importance. The aquarium has recreated the natural habitat of the Yangtze River basin, allowing scientists and visitors to observe creatures that have remained almost unchanged since the Cretaceous period.

The Chinese sturgeon is considered a living fossil that outlived the dinosaurs. Conserving this species in an aquarium setting is a vital contribution to maintaining global biodiversity. Visiting this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to connect with the ancient history of our planet and appreciate the fragility of river ecosystems.

To leisurely explore all seven themed zones and enjoy the atmosphere of the underwater world, we recommend setting aside 3 to 5 hours. This is sufficient time to see all the exhibits, including the famous underwater tunnel and the halls featuring rare sturgeons.

If you plan to attend a dolphin show or spend time in interactive zones like the touch pool or 4D cinema, it is best to aim for the upper end of this range. Given the size of the complex, a visit could take almost a full day, especially if you are traveling with children who will likely want to spend more time observing the marine life.

The operating hours of the Beijing Aquarium may change depending on the season, holidays, or scheduled maintenance. Since the exact schedule is not always fixed, we strongly recommend checking the current opening hours on the institution's official website before heading out.

It is also useful to know that ticket offices may close slightly earlier than the aquarium itself. For the most up-to-date information, you can use the contact phone number or speak with staff at a tourist center in the Haidian District.

A visit to the aquarium can easily be combined with exploring other iconic sites in the capital, making your day even more fulfilling. Nearby is the majestic Temple of Heaven—one of the city's symbols, where you can enjoy the silence and architectural perfection of ancient buildings.

If you work up an appetite after your walk, the famous Li Qun Roast Duck Restaurant is located in the city, serving one of the signature dishes of Chinese cuisine. For lovers of shopping and local flavor, a visit to the Hongqiao Market is an excellent way to continue your day.