Chengdu Polar Ocean Park In-Depth Travel Guide｜Tips to Avoid Crowds

🔹 Insider Tips for Visiting During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid weekends and holidays; instead, opt for Tuesday to Thursday mornings right at opening time (9:00 AM) and head straight to the "Polar Bear Passage." During this time, keepers conduct morning feedings, allowing you to observe polar bears diving and hunting up close. The glass wall creates a "double rainbow halo" effect under the morning light—use your phone's wide-angle mode to capture this magical scene.

🔹 Hidden Interactive Experience
Behind the "Deep Sea Cafeteria" lies the "Jellyfish Breeding Lab," open daily at 2:30 PM for limited visits (reservation required at the service desk upon entry). You can simulate jellyfish habitats using LED lighting and observe jellyfish larvae tentacle structures under a microscope, guided by staff. Perfect for school-aged children seeking an educational exploration.

🔹 Best Spots for Light and Shadow Photography
At the base of the spiral staircase on the east side of the "Shipwreck Gallery," the acrylic curved wall and blue light projection create the perfect setting for "Deep Sea Mermaid" illusion photos. Wear pure white or silver-gray clothing and use your phone's long-exposure mode (a mini tripod is recommended) to achieve a floating hair effect.

🔹 Exclusive Nighttime Highlights
During extended summer hours, the "Icefield Plaza" hosts an Aurora Projection Show every evening at 7:30 PM. The best viewing spot is the rooftop of the Penguin Pavilion (access requires a dining purchase for a passcode). Combined with dry ice fog and a -5°C temperature zone, you can experience the enchanting "Polar Glacier Midnight Sun."

🔹 Fun Facts About Themed Dining
The "Whale Wonders Café" offers a hidden menu featuring Sea Salt Toffee Latte (with edible shell-shaped sugar on the rim) paired with squid ink croissants shaped like whale tails. Use the secret phrase "Is the tide high today?" to unlock exclusive whale and dolphin latte art.

🔹 Metro Shortcut
Take Line 1 to "Haichang Road" Station, exit from E, then turn right and walk along the "Riverside Greenway" for 7 minutes (5 minutes faster than the official route). Along the way, enjoy the ocean-themed Sichuan embroidery wall, perfect for shooting artistic vlog opening scenes.

🔻 Essential Gear Tips
• Bring a small hand warmer (temperature difference between indoor and outdoor polar exhibits can reach 25°C).
• Prepare a waterproof phone case (interactive spray devices are installed in the underwater tunnel).
• Download the official AR guide app (scan specific tanks to trigger virtual keeper explanations).

This guide avoids conventional routes, focusing on uncovering the spatial charm and time-specific experiences of the park. It helps you discover often-overlooked hidden gems. Pair it with a flexible itinerary to truly appreciate the philosophy of "observing the ocean from land."