Nanjing Underwater World
Dive into a world of marine wonders at Nanjing Underwater World, featuring an immersive tunnel, playful penguins, and captivating shows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Nanjing Underwater World
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into a world of marine wonders at Nanjing Underwater World, featuring an immersive tunnel, playful penguins, and captivating shows.
"This was one of the nicest aquariums I've been to. It didn't look very big on the outside, but once you get in, you can't believe how it keeps going and going."
🎯 Metro to Muxuyuan Station
Take Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station. It's about a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride from there . :subway:
🚶 Follow the Crowd
If you get lost, follow the flow of people; it's near Purple Mountain and Sun Yat-sen Museum . :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underwater Tunnel
Marine Life Hall
Walk through a mesmerizing blue dream, surrounded by diverse marine life. A truly immersive experience!
Penguin Hall
2nd Floor
Watch adorable penguins waddle and play in their dedicated polar environment. Pure joy!
Dolphin and Seal Show
Dolphinarium
Enjoy entertaining performances by dolphins and seals. Arrive by 1 PM to catch the show .
Polar Region
Upper Floors
Explore an extensive polar area, though some visitors express concern for the polar bear's enclosure .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Ticket Prices and Concessions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Metro to Muxuyuan Station
Take Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station. It's about a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride from there. :subway:
🚶 Follow the Crowd
If you get lost, follow the flow of people; it's near Purple Mountain and Sun Yat-sen Museum. :walking:
💰 Student Discounts Available
Bring your student ID for a reduced ticket price, making it more affordable. :moneywithwings:
📸 Capture the Magic
The underwater tunnel and marine life offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Metro to Muxuyuan Station
Take Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station. It's about a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride from there. :subway:
🚶 Follow the Crowd
If you get lost, follow the flow of people; it's near Purple Mountain and Sun Yat-sen Museum. :walking:
💰 Student Discounts Available
Bring your student ID for a reduced ticket price, making it more affordable. :moneywithwings:
📸 Capture the Magic
The underwater tunnel and marine life offer fantastic photo opportunities.
⏱️ Arrive Early for Shows
To get good seats for the dolphin show, aim to arrive by 1 PM. :alarm_clock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nanjing Underwater World is praised for its extensive marine life, impressive underwater tunnel, and entertaining dolphin shows, offering a magical experience for families and couples. However, some visitors find the ticket price high for the duration and note areas needing better maintenance and animal welfare considerations, particularly for the polar bear.
"Was amazing place..having dolphins show around 1 o clock , should go early morning and price was 150 yuan for adults and 100 for child and students of university 75 yuan."
Chamila Rathnayake
"This was one of the nicest aquariums I've been to. It didn't look very big on the outside, but once you get in, you can't believe how it keeps going and going. There are tons of animals to see, beautifully designed corridors, and an extensive polar region to explore. Definitely worth visiting if you're in Nanjing!"
Jonathan Leo Connor
"The place is too expensive for what it offers. Seeing the entire place plus the three shows takes no more than 2-3 hours. It is very poorly maintained - it was dirty all over the place and the toilets were just gross. The shows are nothing special - the so-called shark show is actually just with the rays and shows how they feed them. The dolphin show was OK, but mainly the part with the seal, there were no interesting tricks with the dolphins.
I felt really sorry for the polar bear - it is such a huge animal and it is forced to live in a very tiny cage, they could have dedicated more room for it. One positive thing is that the staff speaks English (which is something very rare in China)."
Мария Димитрова
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station. From there, it's about a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride. If you're unsure, follow the crowds as it's near popular attractions like Purple Mountain and Sun Yat-sen Museum.
Yes, while it's a bit of a walk (around 20 minutes), it's generally well-signposted. Following other visitors heading towards the museum area can also guide you.
Taxis are readily available in Nanjing. You can provide the address to your driver, and it's a convenient option, especially if you're traveling in a group.
Travel time can vary depending on traffic, but by metro, it's a straightforward journey. If coming from other parts of the city, factor in at least 30-45 minutes.
Yes, several bus routes serve the area near Nanjing Underwater World. If you prefer buses over walking from the metro, inquire locally for the most convenient route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult tickets are typically around 150 RMB. Student concessions are available, usually priced at 120 RMB. University students may get a further reduced rate of 75 RMB.
Yes, student discounts are offered with valid identification. Child ticket prices are also usually available, and it's worth checking for family package deals.
While online booking options might exist, purchasing tickets at the venue is common. It's advisable to check their official website or local ticketing platforms for the most up-to-date information on advance purchase.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open daily. It's best to check the official website or local listings for the most current operating times, especially around holidays.
Most visitors find that seeing the entire place, including the shows, takes about 2-3 hours. However, you can spend longer if you wish to linger at exhibits.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the immersive underwater tunnel, the penguin hall, a polar region, and a dolphinarium featuring shows with dolphins and seals.
Yes, there are shows, most notably the dolphin and seal performance. It's recommended to arrive by 1 PM to secure a good spot for the show.
Absolutely! It's considered a cute place for families and couples, offering engaging exhibits and shows that children typically enjoy.
You can expect to see a variety of marine life, including sharks, turtles, jellyfish, and various fish species in the aquarium tanks.
While many visitors find it amazing, some reviews mention that maintenance could be improved, with occasional reports of cleanliness issues in certain areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. The underwater tunnel and the diverse marine life provide excellent opportunities for stunning photos.
The underwater tunnel offers a unique perspective for capturing marine life. The penguin exhibit and the colorful jellyfish tanks are also very photogenic.
It's always a good practice to check for signage regarding flash photography, as it can disturb some animals. Many aquariums discourage flash to protect the exhibits.
Video recording is usually permitted. Many visitors share their experiences and highlight videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
The main aquarium tanks and the underwater tunnel itself serve as natural, impressive backdrops. Some areas might have themed decorations for added visual appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds and ensure you catch the dolphin show, which is usually around 1 PM.
💰 Budget Travelers
Saving money: Utilize public transport like the metro to reach the aquarium, which is much cheaper than taxis.
couples
Watching the playful penguins or enjoying the dolphin show together can create shared memories.Romantic tips: Consider visiting during the late afternoon to enjoy the aquarium as the crowds thin out, or opt for a weekday visit for a more intimate experience. The visual beauty of the marine life and the shared wonder of the shows can make for a memorable outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Nanjing Underwater World
+1 The aquarium covers a significant area, and navigating between the different sections is part of the experience.While the external appearance might seem modest, the interior reveals a surprisingly extensive layout that keeps going and going, housing a multitude of species.
For those planning their visit, understanding the layout can help maximize time. The shows, particularly the dolphin and seal performance, are a major draw. It's advisable to check the show schedule upon arrival or aim for the 1 PM slot to ensure you don't miss out.
The Shows and Animal Welfare Concerns
While the shows are a draw, there have been expressions of concern regarding animal welfare. Specifically, some visitors have noted that the polar bear's enclosure appears to be very small for such a large animal, leading to feelings of sympathy and a desire for more dedicated space.
Despite these concerns, the staff at Nanjing Underwater World are noted for their English-speaking abilities, which is a rarity in China and can be very helpful for international visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit