Hefei Ocean World is located at No. 321 Fanhua Avenue, Hefei Economic and Technological Development Zone, Anhui Province. It is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, the first large-scale ocean-themed park in Anhui Province, and a distinctive marine science education base in East China. Centered on marine life displays, marine science education, and parent-child interactive experiences, it integrates sightseeing, entertainment, education, and leisure, and stands as one of Hefei's cultural and tourism landmarks. The main building features a modern aquarium design, with a total floor area of 15,000 square meters, approximately 5,000 tons of water volume, and a site covering about 32 mu (approx. 2.13 hectares). It houses over 200 exhibition tanks and displays more than 300 marine species totaling over 10,000 specimens, making it the largest and most diverse marine-themed venue in Anhui Province.
History and Culture
Hefei Ocean World officially opened to the public in 2008, filling the gap for large-scale marine venues in Anhui and marking a significant milestone in Hefei's cultural tourism development. The facility was planned and built by a professional marine tourism team, with a design that integrates marine ecology and modern architectural aesthetics. Soon after its opening, it became one of the top choices for family and educational tours in the province.
Since its launch, Hefei Ocean World has consistently adhered to the concept of combining science education with cultural tourism. It has been awarded multiple honors, including Anhui Provincial Science Education Base, Hefei Primary and Secondary School Study Tour Practice Base, and National AAAA-Level Tourist Attraction. Through continuous exhibit upgrades, species renewal, and performance enhancements—alongside several renovations and species expansions—it has gradually evolved into a modern comprehensive marine venue integrating conservation, education, and tourism. With a distinctive presence in East China's marine tourism sector, it has welcomed over 10 million visitors in total, serving as a key platform for spreading marine culture and knowledge.
Major Attractions
Undersea Tunnel
The Undersea Tunnel is a core attraction, stretching 35 meters in length and featuring a 180° curved acrylic panoramic transparent tank with a water volume of 1,500 tons. It showcases over 100 species of large marine fish, including sharks, rays, groupers, and humphead wrasse. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sight of marine life swimming all around, making it the most popular viewing area in the park.
Dolphin Hall
Dolphin Hall is a large indoor performance venue covering 1,200 square meters, with a seating capacity of 1,500 spectators. It houses trained bottlenose dolphins and features daily professional shows including dolphin surfing, ball balancing, jumping, and interactive arithmetic, along with educational commentary sessions that combine entertainment and learning.
Penguin Pavilion
Penguin Pavilion is a climate-controlled polar environment exhibit, with indoor temperatures kept constant at 0–5°C. It is home to about 30 Humboldt penguins. The exhibit replicates the rocky habitat of Antarctica, allowing visitors to observe penguins walking, swimming, foraging, and other daily activities up close. It is one of the well-known penguin viewing spots in East China.
Dreamy Jellyfish Hall
Covering 300 square meters, Dreamy Jellyfish Hall features 22 specialized display tanks showcasing over 10 species of jellyfish, including moon jellies, upside-down jellies, and colorful jellies. With gradient lighting and mirror designs, the hall creates a dreamy effect of jellyfish floating gracefully, making it a popular spot for both photography and educational viewing.
Shark Hall
Shark Hall is a large ecological tank with a water volume of 800 tons, displaying various shark species such as whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and nurse sharks. With coral and rock formations recreating a tropical reef environment, the hall also features informational signs explaining shark ecology in detail.
Coral Reef Ecology Hall
This hall exhibits various stony corals, soft corals, and tropical reef fish, with a water volume of 500 tons that recreates a shallow tropical coral reef ecosystem. It showcases small colorful fish such as clownfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish, making it an important area for learning about coral reef ecology.
Sea Lion Theater
The Sea Lion Theater is an indoor interactive performance venue accommodating up to 800 spectators. It features trained California sea lions performing daily shows with arithmetic, ring tossing, basketball, handshaking, and other fun tricks, including interactive segments with the audience. It is a popular area for family visitors.
Tropical Rainforest Hall
Covering 400 square meters, the Tropical Rainforest Hall simulates the ecological environment of Southeast Asian rainforests, displaying freshwater species such as arapaima, oscar fish, electric eels, and snapping turtles. With lush greenery, waterfalls, and artificial rock formations, it integrates freshwater life with rainforest scenery.
Suggested Tour Route：
The official recommended route is: Entrance Ticket Check → Tropical Rainforest Hall → Coral Reef Ecology Hall → Shark Hall → Dreamy Jellyfish Hall → Undersea Tunnel → Sea Lion Theater → Penguin Pavilion → Dolphin Hall. The entire tour takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, covering all core exhibits and shows without backtracking, making it suitable for visitors of all ages to follow in order.
Visitor Tips：
Arrive at the Sea Lion Theater and Dolphin Hall 10 minutes early to secure the best viewing spots and avoid missing performances.
Families with children may prioritize the Penguin Pavilion, Jellyfish Hall, and Undersea Tunnel, which are more child-friendly.
Bring a camera or smartphone throughout the tour; the Undersea Tunnel and Jellyfish Hall are the best photo spots.
Educational visitors are encouraged to read the informational signs at each exhibit and make use of on-site commentary to learn about marine life.
Following the official route is recommended to save time and ensure you see all attractions.
During peak performance seasons, check the show schedule in advance to better plan your visit and viewing times.
In summer, consider visiting in the morning or early evening to avoid the midday heat.
Important Notices：
Pets, food, beverages, flammable/explosive items, and controlled knives are prohibited inside the venue.
Do not tap, climb over, or feed through the tank glass, and do not throw any objects into the water.
While watching shows, do not stand, lean over barriers, or make loud noises that disturb others.
Children must be accompanied by adults at all times; running or chasing in exhibit areas is not allowed.
Smoking, spitting, and littering are prohibited; please help keep the venue clean.
Do not use flash photography on light-sensitive animals such as penguins and jellyfish.
During peak crowds, please line up orderly and follow the guidance of staff.
Do not touch the animals or tank equipment to avoid injury or damage.
Transportation：
Bus: Take routes 20, 52, 80, 126, 150, 226, 602, or 605 to Fanfei Lukou Station, then walk 300 meters.
Metro: Take Hefei Metro Line 3 to Fanhua Dadao Station, exit via Gate 2, then walk 800 meters.
Driving: Navigate to Hefei Ocean World Parking Lot. The venue has 200 ground parking spaces with hourly fees.
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Set your destination to Hefei Ocean World; the ride from downtown takes about 20–30 minutes.
Opening Hours：
Open daily year-round.
Summer schedule (May 1 – October 7): 8:30 – 17:30.
Winter schedule (October 8 – April 30): 9:00 – 17:00.
Open as usual on public holidays. Ticket sales stop 1 hour before closing.
Tickets：
Admission starts at ￥125 per person.