As the capital of China, Beijing boasts a variety of aquariums, with three of the most well-known being the Beijing Aquarium, Blue Zoo Beijing, and Beijing Andover. But which of these is the best? Let us delve into a detailed analysis of each aquarium.
Beijing Aquarium
The Beijing Aquarium, located within Beijing Zoo, covers an area of 120,000 square meters, with a building area of 42,000 square meters. As one of the largest aquariums in China and Asia, it offers a rich collection and vivid displays, providing an ideal space for both leisure and educational activities. Upon entering the aquarium, visitors are greeted by seven thematic zones, including the "Rainforest Wonder,""Shark Town,""Bering Strait,""National Treasure Chinese Sturgeon Hall,""Underwater Adventure,""Ocean Fun Show," and "Whale and Dolphin Bay Leisure Area." Each zone feels like a lively oceanic painting, keeping visitors mesmerized.
In the "Rainforest Wonder" zone, the lush greenery and touch pools allow visitors to interact with various marine invertebrates, while the performances of arrowana and arowana are particularly captivating. The "National Treasure Chinese Sturgeon Hall" gives visitors the rare opportunity to admire the Chinese sturgeon, a national treasure, and watch feeding demonstrations by staff. In the "Underwater Adventure" area, divers interact with marine creatures, offering an immersive experience with underwater life. The "Ocean Fun Show" features dolphin and sea lion performances, while a stage play (separate ticket required) provides a visual and auditory feast.
Ticket prices for the Beijing Aquarium are divided into general admission and annual passes. The adult general ticket is priced at CNY 175 Yuan per person, while the annual pass costs CNY 600 Yuan (valid for one year with unlimited visits during the daytime, with student discounts). Children under 1.2 meters in height are admitted free. Tickets for the Beijing Aquarium also grant free access to the Beijing Zoo.
Blue Zoo Beijing
Located beneath the artificial lake at the Beijing Workers' Stadium, Blue Zoo Beijing is one of China's earliest underwater worlds, with a total building area of 7,800 square meters. Its most notable feature is the 120-meter-long underwater tunnel, which is the longest in Asia. Visitors can observe marine life in all directions, surrounded by seawater. Within the tunnel, large sharks, graceful stingrays, yellow stingrays, and cow-nose rays swim alongside a variety of other marine species. In addition, the tunnel features large marine fish and schools of coral reef species, along with over 100 distinctive marine creatures, the critically protected hawksbill turtles, and more than 2,000 specimens.
The touch pool allows visitors to interact closely with marine creatures such as starfish and sea cucumbers. Blue Zoo Beijing also features exhibits on marine and freshwater fish, sea turtles, sharks, and giant salamanders. A highlight is the thrilling "Shark Dance" performance, where performers interact closely with sharks, which is truly remarkable. Other shows, such as the "Underwater Fairy Dance,""Golden Storm," sea lion shows, and "Mermaid" performances, offer a blend of beauty and excitement, providing endless enjoyment for visitors.
The adult general admission ticket for Blue Zoo Beijing is priced at CNY 150 Yuan, which includes access to some of the exciting shows. If you wish to experience more, you can opt for the all-inclusive ticket priced at CNY 198 Yuan, which covers all performances and VIP tour services. Children under 1 meter in height and seniors aged 80 and above can enter free of charge.
Beijing Andover
Beijing Andover, located beneath the CCTV Tower, covers an area of approximately 8,000 square meters. This aquarium showcases marine life, combining elements of education, entertainment, and sightseeing. It consists of several areas, including the underwater tunnel, roaming area, koi pond, animal performance zone, penguin pavilion, sea lion bay, miniature aquarium, jellyfish pavilion, and a 5D cinema. Hundreds of marine species, including fierce sharks, colorful coral fish, and rare freshwater fish, roam freely. Performances like the sea lion shows, mermaid dance, and Shark Dance leave a lasting impression on visitors. Beijing Andover also offers a gift shop and snack bar, allowing visitors to refuel and purchase beautiful ocean-themed souvenirs as they explore.
The adult general admission ticket for Beijing Andover is priced at CNY 90 Yuan. Children under 1.2 meters in height, seniors aged 80 and above, and disabled individuals (including disabled veterans and firefighters) can enter free of charge, with the exception of statutory holidays.
In conclusion, each of these three aquariums offers something unique, and the choice of which one to visit depends on your interests and preferences.
