The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, or SOA, is located in the city's bustling financial district of Lujiazui, adjacent to the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower.

An exterior view of the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. [Photo/WeChat account: sh-soa]

The SOA encompasses 20,500 square meters and is home to over 15,000 marine animals, representing 450 unique species from five continents and four oceans.

Visitors embark on an immersive "around the world" underwater journey, beginning at the Yangtze River in China and progressing through various habitats such as the Amazon, Australian billabongs, African rivers, Southeast Asian rainforests and Antarctic waters.

Notable species include the Chinese sturgeon, giant salamander, electric eel, spotted seal, weedy seadragon, jellyfish, sand tiger shark and more.

The aquarium also features the world's first "China Zone", dedicated to endangered Chinese aquatic animals from the Yangtze River, along with a 155-meter underwater viewing tunnel, where marine animals swim directly above visitors' heads.

Beyond being a tourist attraction, SOA is committed to marine conservation and public education. The "My Green" campaign was launched to promote marine science education and aquatic life conservation through guided tours and charity events, aiming to raise awareness for global environmental challenges.

Open: Daily, 9 am-6 pm; Ticket sales and admission end at 5:30 pm.

During July and August, the National holiday and Chinese New Year, opening hours will be adjusted to 9 am-9 pm. Ticket sales and admission to the aquarium end at 8:30 pm.

Address: No 1388 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong New Area

Source: sh-aquarium.com, "sh-soa" WeChat account