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Visitors can explore the diverse marine life in the aquarium, enjoy the underwater tunnel, and watch the daily feeding shows. It's an excellent spot for families with children, as there are interactive exhibits and educational programs about ocean conservation.
Qingdao Underwater World is located on the shores of Huiquan Bay in Qingdao, adjacent to famous scenic spots such as Luxun Park, Qingdao No. 1 Bathing Beach, and May Fourth Square. It integrates existing tourist resources such as the Qingdao Aquarium, the Specimen Museum, and the Freshwater Fish Museum, blending them with the natural beauty of the mountains and the sea, creating a unique landscape of mountains and sea.
Qingdao Underwater World is mainly composed of three parts: the intertidal zone, the submarine tunnel and the four-story underground sightseeing building. The exhibition part is completely underground.
Qingdao Underwater World is a modern large-scale marine ecological tourism display project that integrates marine sightseeing tourism and science education. It is a national 4A-level tourist scenic spot.
Its unique geographical location, modern display methods, and good integration and complementarity with aquariums, specimen museums, and freshwater fish museums make it a unique marine ecological park in the country.
Qingdao Underwater World is divided into several major areas: intertidal zone, submarine tunnel, cabin passage, ocean theater, cylindrical exhibition tank, tropical rainforest area, biological boutique area, science and education area, etc.
Qingdao is located in the northern temperate monsoon region and has a temperate monsoon climate with humid air, abundant rainfall, moderate temperature and distinct four seasons.
It is recommended to visit for half a day
150 yuan/person
08:00-17:30 (Monday to Sunday, May 5th to June 30th)
07:30-17:30 (Monday to Sunday, July 1st - July 4th)
Opened in 2006, Qingdao Underwater World is one of the largest aquariums in China. It is dedicated to educating visitors about marine life and preserving aquatic ecosystems. The aquarium houses thousands of marine species, showcasing both local and international sea life.
The aquarium is located in the eastern part of Qingdao, near the coastline. You can easily reach it by taking a taxi or public bus from downtown Qingdao. The nearest metro station is the Qingdao Railway Station, approximately 15-20 minutes by taxi.
The aquarium is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. It is less crowded early in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier, especially in the summer months.
The entrance fee is around ¥100-150 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. Tickets can be purchased both online through the official website and onsite at the ticket booth.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons (summer and holidays) to avoid long lines. It can be booked online a day or two before your visit.
Plan for around 2-3 hours to fully explore the aquarium, including the underwater tunnel, animal shows, and exhibits.
The must-see areas include the Underwater Tunnel, the Shark Tank, the Tropical Rainforest zone, and the interactive touch pools where you can get close to starfish and other sea creatures.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides are offered in English and Mandarin. It's a good idea to check availability at the entrance or book in advance if you're visiting during peak times.
The best photography spots include the Underwater Tunnel, the large tanks with schools of fish, and the Shark Tank, where visitors can get up close to the predators. The viewing platforms on the upper floors offer excellent panoramic views of the aquarium.
Start by entering the tropical rainforest zone, move through the fish tanks, and then head to the highlight of the Underwater Tunnel. Don't miss the shark tanks and the dolphin show, if available.
Currently, night visits and light shows are not available. However, there are occasional special animal shows and themed events during holidays or festivals.
It can be crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or on weekdays, preferably outside the summer vacation period.
There are clean public restrooms, a small café with snacks and drinks, and souvenir shops selling marine-themed items like toys, T-shirts, and postcards. Water stations are available throughout the aquarium.
The aquarium is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators for easier access to different floors. It is also child-friendly with interactive exhibits and play areas. However, some parts might be crowded during peak hours, making it less comfortable for elderly visitors.
Cards and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted both for ticket purchases and at the on-site café and gift shop. It’s recommended to have mobile payment options for ease of transaction.
Inside, there is a small café offering snacks and drinks. Nearby, you can find various restaurants serving local Qingdao seafood and Chinese cuisine, such as seafood restaurants along the coastline.
Vegetarian options are available in some nearby restaurants, though vegan and halal food options may be more limited in the immediate area. It’s a good idea to explore further in Qingdao city for more diverse food choices.
Nearby accommodations include the Qingdao Fusheng Hotel and the InterContinental Qingdao, both offering easy access to the aquarium and other tourist attractions in the city.
Other nearby attractions include the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, Zhongshan Park, and the scenic Badaguan area. These sites are all within a short drive or walk from the aquarium, making for an easy day trip.
The souvenir shop inside the aquarium sells marine-themed items such as plush toys, T-shirts, sea shells, and postcards. There are also shops near the coastline selling local arts and crafts.
Public buses, taxis, or the metro are good options to continue your trip. The Qingdao Railway Station and Qingdao Bus Terminal are both easily accessible from the aquarium for onward travel.
