Laoli Aquarium

The Beijing Aquarium (also known as the Laoli Aquarium) is a grand complex that rightfully holds the title of one of the largest indoor aquariums on the planet. Located within the zoo in Beijing, it covers an impressive area of 12 hectares. This site in China has become a real magnet for travelers of all ages who want to see the wonders of the ocean in the heart of the metropolis.

The aquarium building stands out for its architecture: a massive blue structure surrounded by the greenery of the park, resembling a huge sea shell or a wave. Inside, guests will find incredible biodiversity—it is home to more than 1,000 species of fish and mammals. The heart of the complex is a giant 3-million-liter tank, creating the complete illusion of walking along the seabed.

The space is divided into seven thematic zones, each dedicated to a specific ecosystem. Here, you can see not only exotic inhabitants of coral reefs but also rare freshwater fish. Additionally, the Beijing Aquarium features a massive 3,000-seat theater where spectacular marine animal performances are regularly held, making a visit here an essential part of any tourist itinerary.

When planning a visit to the Laoli Aquarium (Beijing Aquarium), it's worth remembering that it is part of the extensive Beijing Zoo complex. We strongly recommend checking the latest information regarding ticket prices and special event schedules directly before your trip.

Since operating hours and access to specific exhibits can change depending on the season, maintenance work, or public holidays in China, it is best to consult the official Beijing tourism portal or use up-to-date map data to contact the administration.

A diverse program awaits visitors at the Laoli Aquarium. Be sure to check out the “Jungle Adventure” zone, which recreates the atmosphere of the Amazon with its exotic inhabitants, including giant salamanders. For those who love interactive experiences, there is a special touch tank where you can gently touch starfish, crabs, and sea urchins under the supervision of staff.

One of the most vivid experiences is a walk through the glass tunnel in the “Coral Reef Wonders” zone. Standing on a moving walkway, you can watch rays and schools of tropical fish soaring overhead. An equally exciting sight awaits in “Shark Pier,” home to ten species of these majestic predators, where professional divers perform underwater dances for the audience during feeding sessions.

The highlight of the day for many is the show at the oceanic theater, featuring trained dolphins, sea lions, and graceful beluga whales. Also, don't miss the chance to see the unique Chinese sturgeons in a specialized hall—their size is truly impressive. Biology enthusiasts will be interested in seeing the arapaimas—one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, which can reach up to four and a half meters in length.

The Beijing Aquarium is conveniently located within the Beijing Zoo in the Haidian District. Its futuristic blue building is situated near the zoo's north gate and is easily visible from a distance. The official address of the site is Zi Yun Bei Jie, Tong Zhou Qu, Bei Jing Shi.

The easiest way to get here is by using Beijing public transport. You can take the subway (Line 4) to the Beijing Zoo station and then walk through the park grounds to the aquarium building. Many city buses from various parts of the city also run to the zoo.

An important detail for tourists: to visit the aquarium, you must first pay for an entrance ticket to the zoo grounds. The cost of visiting the aquarium itself is usually paid separately and is approximately 100 yuan. After purchasing your ticket, follow the signs toward the north entrance to reach the main tanks.

The Beijing Aquarium opened its doors to the public in 1999, quickly gaining status as one of the most visited attractions in Beijing. The project was created not only as an entertainment center but also as a large-scale educational platform designed to introduce residents and guests of China to the incredible diversity of the planet's aquatic ecosystems.

The architectural concept of the aquarium implies an exciting journey around the world: visitors move sequentially from the warm waters of the South China Sea to the vast expanses of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, stopping by the Red and Mediterranean Seas and ending their journey in the Atlantic. Each of the seven thematic zones was carefully designed to recreate the natural habitat for thousands of marine creatures.

Over more than two decades of existence, the complex has accumulated an impressive collection of rare species. One of the main historical and scientific values of the aquarium is its work on conserving fish unique to the region, including the giant Chinese sturgeon. Today, the aquarium continues to be an important center for the study of marine biology and a favorite spot for family vacations.

To leisurely explore all seven thematic zones of the Beijing Aquarium, the average visitor needs about 2–3 hours. This is enough time to walk through the glass tunnels, watch the fish being fed, and study the information boards about the inhabitants of the Amazon and coral reefs.

If you plan to attend the show featuring dolphins and sea lions held in the local theater, we recommend setting aside at least 4 hours for your visit. Keep in mind that performances are held on a schedule, so it is better to arrive in the first half of the day to catch the show and avoid the peak tourist flow that usually occurs in the afternoon.

The operating hours of the Beijing Aquarium usually coincide with the schedule of the Beijing Zoo. Generally, the complex is open daily; however, hours may vary slightly depending on the season—the aquarium often closes later during the summer months than in the winter period.

Since the exact schedule may depend on public holidays in China or technical maintenance, we strongly recommend checking the current information on the official website or at the ticket offices at the entrance. Note that ticket sales and entry to the territory usually stop one hour before the official closing time.

A visit to the aquarium can be perfectly combined with exploring other Beijing landmarks. Since the complex is located within the zoo, a logical continuation of your walk would be meeting its inhabitants. However, if you are ready to venture a bit further, the city offers many contrasting experiences.

For example, modern art lovers can head to the famous 798 Art Zone, where creative life thrives within the spaces of former factories. If you wish to touch upon spiritual history, consider the Yonghe Temple—one of the most beautiful and significant Tibetan Buddhist temples in China. For those traveling with children looking for active entertainment, a trip to the Happy Valley Beijing amusement park would be an excellent choice.