Guangzhou Ocean World is located inside Guangzhou Zoo in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, at No. 120 Xianlie Middle Road, Yuexiu District. It is an ocean-themed exhibition hall integrating marine life displays, science education, and performance entertainment. It is a national science education base and forms part of Guangzhou Zoo's supporting marine-themed sightseeing area. After renovation and upgrade in 2024, the venue covers approximately 16,000 square meters with a total floor area of about 20,000 square meters. It is divided into four themed zones: Rainforest Adventure, Fantasy Realm, Elf Bay, and Future Ocean. It houses over 300 species totaling about 10,000 marine animals. Its core features include an underwater tunnel, dolphin and beluga whale displays, and marine animal performances. It is an important venue for marine science research and educational trips in Guangzhou. Visitors need to enter Guangzhou Zoo first and then reach the Ocean World area.
History and Culture
Guangzhou Ocean World first opened to the public in 1998. It was one of the earliest indoor urban oceanariums in South China, filling the gap for large-scale marine life exhibition halls in Guangzhou. For many years, it has provided marine science education to the public, especially young people, and has been honored as a National Science Education Base and a Guangdong Marine Science Education Base.
During its old operation period, the venue continuously updated tank species, optimized display environments, and launched science classes and study activities. After years of closure for renovation, it reopened in June 2024 with a new look, restructuring the four major exhibition zones, upgrading facilities and exhibition content, and continuing to leverage Guangzhou Zoo's resources to become an important cultural and educational tourist spot in Guangzhou.
Main Attractions
Turtle Home
Located in the Rainforest Adventure zone, Turtle Home features a large pool and underwater viewing windows, mainly displaying green sea turtles. Visitors can watch turtles swimming and resting through glass. The area has educational signage about turtle species conservation. During certain times, visitors may feed the turtles using feed sold at the venue.
Harbor Pier
Belonging to the Fantasy Realm zone, Harbor Pier is a semi?outdoor habitat display area for sea lions and seals, with spectator viewing areas. Lively interactive sea lion performances are staged here, allowing close observation of their daily activities. Surrounding areas include rest spots and dining outlets.
Elf Bay
Elf Bay is a semi?open dolphin display and performance venue, the main habitat and stage for dolphins. It has a large spectator seating area and hosts the "Dolphin Romance" theme show, one of the most popular performances. Shows are scheduled at fixed times; visitors should check the daily schedule and arrive accordingly.
Shark Lab
Located in the indoor Future Ocean zone, Shark Lab features large water tanks displaying multiple shark species, including sand tiger sharks, blacktip sharks, whitetip sharks, and nurse sharks. Visitors can observe sharks swimming through viewing glass, with educational panels explaining shark survival status and marine conservation knowledge.
Beluga Love
The Beluga Love zone has a giant floor?to?ceiling viewing glass for displaying beluga whales. Visitors can watch them swim and engage in underwater interactions. The area features soft lighting and is a popular photo spot.
Jellyfish Wonderland
A specialty exhibition in the Future Ocean zone, Jellyfish Wonderland consists of multiple independent tanks housing different jellyfish species, with lighting effects creating an immersive viewing experience. Each tank has explanatory signs about jellyfish biology.
Underwater Tunnel
The Underwater Tunnel uses an arched acrylic full?view design. Visitors move through the tunnel on a moving walkway, surrounded by various reef fish and large pelagic schools. The "Mermaid Fairy Tale" underwater show is performed here at scheduled times.
Curious Touch Pool
The Curious Touch Pool features shallow display pools with gentle marine creatures. Under on?site guidance, visitors can lightly touch the animals, focusing on parent?child interactive science experiences.
Suggested Route：
Guangzhou Zoo Entrance → Guangzhou Ocean World Ticket Check → Rainforest Adventure (Turtle Home) → Fantasy Realm (Harbor Pier) → Elf Bay → Future Ocean (Shark Lab → Beluga Love → Jellyfish Wonderland → Underwater Tunnel → Curious Touch Pool) → Exit
Visit Tips：
Elf Bay, Harbor Pier, and Blue Harbor City have scheduled performances. After entering, check the day's show timetable first and plan your route to avoid missing performances.
Seats for popular shows are first?come, first?served; it is recommended to arrive at the venue 15?20 minutes before the show starts.
You can combine Ocean World with Guangzhou Zoo for a half?day to full?day visit.
On weekends and public holidays, visitor numbers are high; prefer weekdays to avoid crowds.
The venue is suitable for family science education; read the educational signs to learn marine life knowledge.
The indoor Future Ocean zone is climate?controlled, but outdoor areas can be sunny; bring sun protection.
Important Notes：
Admission tickets to Guangzhou Ocean World and Guangzhou Zoo are independent. To enter Ocean World, you must first purchase a zoo ticket and then validate your Ocean World ticket separately.
Do not tap or knock on tank glass, and do not feed any marine animals without permission. Feeding turtles is allowed only with feed sold at the venue.
Some indoor floor areas may be slippery due to water; watch your step.
Animal care and equipment maintenance may cause temporary adjustments or cancellations of some exhibits and performances; follow on?site announcements.
Drinking water is allowed inside; outside food cannot be used for feeding animals.
At the touch pool, follow staff instructions and do not grab or squeeze the creatures.
Transportation：
Metro: Take Line 5 to Zoo Station, exit and walk to Guangzhou Zoo's main gate, then enter the zoo and proceed to Ocean World.
Bus: Take a bus to Zoo South Gate Station or Zoo Terminal Station, then enter Guangzhou Zoo.
Driving: Navigate to Guangzhou Zoo Parking Lot. Parking spaces are limited and often full on holidays; public transport is preferred.
Opening Hours：
Guangzhou Ocean World follows Guangzhou Zoo's operating hours. Regular opening hours are 9:30–17:00, with last admission at 16:00. During public holidays, hours may be slightly adjusted; the venue may close temporarily for maintenance. Check official announcements before your visit. Performance times are subject to on?site notices.
Tickets：
Tickets start from 90 RMB per person.