Shenzhen Sea World

Shenzhen Sea World is located in Xiaomeisha Scenic Area (it has a reputation of “Oriental Hawaii”) in the Golden Coastline east of Shenzhen. It has been opened since 1998. It is a family-friendly entertainment complex which has attracted millions of visitors every year and it is 28 km away from the downtown of the city. This park covers an area of 200,000 square meters (about 49 acres). It features eight aquariums and museums, two gardens and an island. The watching points here includes marine parks, Ocean Plaza, subsea tunnel, touch pool, Turtle Island, fishing ponds, lakes and other couples galleries and landscape. eight museums and two gardens includes the Polar Museum, Aquarium, Aquarium Magic tour, whale sharks Museum, Shark Museum, Seashell Museum, Science Museum, Museum of model aircraft, marine park and leisure park. 

Core Attractions to Visit

Sea World’s attractions cater to different interests, from marine animal shows to scenic views. Here are the must-sees

- Sea World Polar Ocean Park

This is a must - visit for families and marine life enthusiasts. It houses a diverse range of polar and marine creatures, creating an immersive experience into different oceanic ecosystems.

Key Experiences

• Animal Shows: The Dolphin & Beluga Whale Show is a highlight, with performances held 3 - 4 times a day. Check the official WeChat account for the latest schedule. During the show, dolphins and beluga whales perform amazing tricks such as leaping through hoops, spinning in the air, and interacting playfully with trainers, showcasing their intelligence and agility.
• Underwater Tunnel: Walk through the 80 - meter - long underwater tunnel, surrounded by a variety of marine life. Sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish swim overhead and around you, giving you a sense of being in the deep sea. The tunnel is made of high - quality acrylic, providing a clear and unobstructed view of the underwater world.
• Polar Area: Enter the polar region to observe cute penguins waddling and swimming in their icy - themed environment. You can also see polar bears lounging in their simulated Arctic habitats, getting a close - up look at these majestic creatures from the far north.
• Ticket Info: Approximately 240 CNY for adults; 160 CNY for children (1.2-1.5 meters tall); free for kids under 1.2 meters. It’s recommended to buy tickets online in advance via platforms like Ctrip or Fliggy to avoid long queues.
   

- Sea World Music Fountain

The outdoor music fountain is a free and iconic attraction, drawing crowds every evening.

Showtime

Usually, there are shows at 19:00 and 20:00 every day, with each show lasting about 10 - 15 minutes. The showtimes may be adjusted according to weather conditions and holidays. During holidays, additional shows are often added to meet the needs of more visitors.

Best Viewing Spots

The best places to watch the fountain are the square in front of the fountain and the second - floor platform of the nearby shopping malls. Arrive 15 - 20 minutes early to get a good position. The fountain features a 360 - degree open - air panoramic design, with nearly 300 groups of air - explosion nozzles and a laser system composed of lights. No matter where you stand, you can enjoy a wonderful visual experience.

- Sea World Plaza & Old Aircraft Carrier (Minghua Ship)

The plaza is the central area of Sea World, with the Minghua Ship (a retired aircraft carrier converted into a hotel and restaurant) as its landmark.

Minghua Ship

Originally a luxury cruise ship built in France, it was docked in Shekou in 1984 and inscribed with the words "Sea World" by Deng Xiaoping, the chief architect of China's reform and opening - up. Now, it has been transformed into a complex that includes a hotel, restaurants, and shops. At night, the ship is illuminated, and there is a light show that adds to its charm. You can take photos with the ship, which is a symbol of Sea World's history, or go inside to experience the unique atmosphere of the ship - based facilities.
 

Sea World Plaza

Surrounding the Minghua Ship, the plaza is a lively area with open - air squares, street performers, and a variety of shops and restaurants. On weekends and holidays, you can enjoy the performances of musicians, magicians, and other street artists while strolling around the plaza. The plaza also hosts various cultural and commercial activities throughout the year, creating a vibrant and diverse atmosphere.
 

How to get Shenzhen Sea World

Metro

Take Line 2 or Line 8 to Haiyue Station (Exit A or B). From there, it’s a 10-15 minute walk (about 800 meters) to the main entrance of Sea World. Metro is the most convenient and cost-effective option, with a one-way fare of around 3-8 CNY depending on your starting point.

Bus

Multiple bus routes stop near Sea World, including Routes 113, 204, 226, 328, and M430. Get off at Haijing Road Station or Sea World Station, then walk 5-10 minutes to the destination.

Taxi/Didi

If you prefer a more direct ride, taxis or Didi (China’s ride-hailing app, similar to Uber) are available. The fare from downtown Shenzhen (e.g., Luohu) to Sea World is roughly 50-80 CNY, and the journey takes 30-45 minutes (depending on traffic).
 

Travel Guide

1. First, determine the performance time, and then work backward to plan the venue flow. This can reduce waiting time.
2. During holidays, the flow of people is the densest from 11:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00. It is advisable to visit the exhibition at off-peak times.
3. The food in the park is mainly simple meals. Bringing your own snacks can enhance the experience.

【Best Travel Time in Shenzhen】The best time to visit Shenzhen is from October to December. It will be the best pleasant time in Shenzhen with cool temperature. Another time is August to September when a series of celebrations are held. Shenzhen has a subtropical climate – it’s hot and humid in summer (June-August), so bring sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle. In winter (December-February), the weather is mild (10-20°C), so a light jacket is enough