Hangzhou Changqiao Polar Ocean Park

What are the most recommended things to do in Hangzhou Changqiao Polar Ocean Park?


• Visit the themed zones with polar and marine animals: penguins, polar bears, beluga whales, dolphins, walruses.

• Walk through the underwater tunnel and large aquarium exhibits to view marine life from immersive perspectives.

• Attend animal-shows or performances in one of the park’s theatre venues (sea lion show, dolphin show).

• Explore themed display halls (19 major themed exhibition areas) and enjoy interactive experiences.


Introducing Hangzhou Changqiao Polar Ocean Park

Hangzhou Changqiao Polar Ocean Park, located in Xianghu National Tourism Resort , is a large ocean theme park that integrates polar animals, marine life displays, performances, and landscape experiences.

The upgraded park has 19 themed exhibition areas, 5 performance theaters and 5 theme restaurants. There are many theme exhibition areas waiting for you to visit, such as Manatee Bay, Capybara Tribe, Seal Harbor, and Cute Pet Paradise. There are also theme restaurants such as Beluga Restaurant, Penguin Restaurant, and Mermaid Restaurant.

Here, you can not only admire a wide variety of polar animals such as polar bears and penguins, as well as large marine mammals such as beluga whales, pilot whales, dolphins, walruses, sea lions, but also thousands of species of marine life such as sea turtles, sharks, manta rays, seahorses, jellyfish, corals, as well as land creatures such as sloths, alpacas, and ponies.


Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended play time: about 1 day

Tickets

269 ​​yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

Open from 9:00 to 17:00 , last admission at 16:00


Most Popular FAQs for Hangzhou Changqiao Polar Ocean Park

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Changqiao Polar Ocean Park opened in 2008 and is located within the Xianghu National Tourism Resort in Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou. It covers a large area and is one of China’s major inland marine-theme parks, integrating polar animal exhibits, ocean life display, performance theatres, and themed entertainment.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Address: 777 Xianghu Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
Getting there:

  • By subway: Take Hangzhou Metro Line 1 to Xianghu Station, then taxi or bus to the park.
  • By bus: Use local bus routes that stop near the “Kuahuqiao Site Museum” stop, about 400 m to the park.
  • By taxi or car: Simply drive to the address above; plenty of parking in the resort zone.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Opening hours: Typically 09:00–17:00, with last entry around 16:30–16:00.
Best times: Early morning shortly after opening or late afternoon for fewer crowds, and avoid national holidays if possible.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Full-price ticket: approx ¥350 (CNY) per adult. Preferential ticket: ~ ¥299.
Buy tickets: online via official park channels or travel platforms (Trip.com, Klook), or onsite at ticket office.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Online reservation is advisable especially for peak periods. The park previously reopened with an online reservation system (e.g., 2 hour advance booking minimum during reopening).

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Allocate about 4–6 hours to explore thoroughly, enjoy animal shows, and visit multiple themed zones.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • “Beluga/White Whale Sea” zone (白鲸海) – witness belugas up close.
  • “Penguin Island” – a curated penguin habitat with viewing opportunities.
  • “Dolphin & Sea Lion Performance Theater” – live shows with marine mammals.
  • Underwater tunnel / large aquarium hall – immersive ocean-life display.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

No specific information found about English language guided tours or audio-guides. Visits appear to be self-guided; for multilingual assistance you may need to check onsite.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?


• The underwater tunnel provides spectacular views of marine life.

• Front facade and polar bear/white-whale zone for photo highlights.

• Penguin island viewing windows and performance theatre stage.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Enter through main gate → proceed to penguin/white-whale exhibition → walk through large aquarium/underwater tunnel → attend a scheduled marine mammal show (sea lions/dolphins) → explore other themed halls (e.g., jellyfish, coral) → finish with souvenir shop/café area.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There is no widely documented regular night-light show. However, special events may occur during holidays — check current park schedule.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The park can become busy on weekends and during national holidays. The least crowded time is a weekday morning outside holiday periods.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include: restrooms throughout the park, theme restaurants (the park mentions 4–5 themed dining venues) souvenir shops near exit, rest areas/benches in exhibition halls.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Yes — the park is family-friendly with flat indoor exhibits and performance halls suitable for children. For visitors with mobility issues, accessible routes should be available, but outdoor or steep paths (if any) may be more challenging.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat) are widely accepted in Hangzhou tourist venues; cash may be used for small purchases, but card/QR payment is reliable.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside the park there are themed restaurants as listed (4–5 theme restaurants) Nearby in Xianghu Lake Resort Area various cafés, local eateries and snack vendors serve visitors.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options should be available in the park’s restaurants or nearby; halal certified eateries may require inquiry locally.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Within the Xianghu Lake Resort Area there are several hotels and resorts suitable for families visiting the park.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Xianghu Lake Scenic Area — lake views, walking trails.
  • Kuahu Bridge Site Museum (跨湖桥遗址博物馆) — located nearby.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes — souvenir shops in the exit area sell marine-themed merchandise (plush penguins, polar-bear memorabilia, aquarium-glass gifts).

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting, you can:

  • Take a taxi or ride-hail from the park back to Hangzhou city centre or West Lake area.
  • Use bus or metro from Xianghu station to other parts of Hangzhou.