Guangzhou Oceanarium

Summer heat can be hard to bear — looking for a cool yet fun place to go? Guangzhou Aquarium is an excellent choice. With a constant temperature of around 25°C, it offers a break from the scorching sun while letting you explore the mysterious underwater world, making it ideal for families with kids and visitors who can't stand the heat.

Highlights

The aquarium is home to over 300 species and nearly 10,000 marine animals. The central underwater tunnel stretches 40 metres — as you stroll through it, giant manta rays glide overhead and sharks swim past, making you feel as if you're in the deep sea. The newly added "Fluorescent Jellyfish Pavilion" this summer is a real highlight: in the dim environment, jellyfish of all colours dance like dreamy spirits, perfect for atmospheric photos. The scheduled "Mermaid Show" and "Dolphin & Sea Lion Show" are highly interactive and especially popular with children. There's also a touch pool where kids can get up close with starfish and sea cucumbers, adding to the fun.

Why You Must Go

Visiting in summer lets you completely escape the outdoor heat while learning about marine life in a cool environment. The aquarium features a children's play area, so parents can rest while keeping an eye on the little ones. Unlike outdoor attractions, it's unaffected by the weather — you can enjoy your visit worry‑free whether it's pouring rain or scorching hot. During summer, show sessions are increased to 5 per day, so you won't miss any spectacular moments.

Getting There

MTR: Take Line 1 or Line 6 to Dongshankou Station, then walk about 10 minutes. The entire journey is air‑conditioned, so you won't be exposed to the sun.

Bus: Take routes 102, 107, 108, etc. to Dongshankou Station, then walk about 5 minutes after getting off.

Driving: Navigate to "Guangzhou Aquarium Car Park". Parking spaces are limited, so green travel is recommended in summer to avoid parking hassles.

Tips for Your Visit

The air conditioning inside is strong, so bring a light jacket for the kids. You'll need to enter and grab seats 30 minutes before each show; for popular sessions (e.g., 11:00 and 15:00), it's best to queue up early. Bring your own drinking water, as drinks inside are pricey. At the exit, there's a marine‑themed souvenir shop where you can pick up small gifts. If you have extra time, you can also visit the zoo next door along the way — a combined ticket offers better value.