Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park has become one of the most popular marine theme parks in China since it opened in 2018. Known for its thrilling rides, spectacular animal shows, and immersive exhibits, it attracts millions of visitors each year. By 2025, the park has expanded its offerings with upgraded facilities, digital tools for easier planning, and refreshed shows that keep visitors coming back.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another round of marine adventures, this guide provides everything you need to know to make the most of your visit. From opening hours and rides to food, hotels, and insider tips, here’s how to experience Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park like a pro in 2025.
Updated Opening Hours in 2025
The park’s hours may change depending on the season, but as of 2025, the standard schedule is:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (last entry at 5:00 p.m.)
- Saturday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (last entry at 7:00 p.m.)
During holidays such as Lunar New Year or National Day Golden Week, hours are sometimes extended. It’s always best to check the official website or WeChat account before visiting.
Pro tip: Arrive when the park opens to enjoy the most popular rides with shorter wait times. By mid-morning, lines for attractions like Volcano Rafting and the Dolphin Coaster can get long.
Must-Try Rides at Ocean Park
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park is home to a wide range of rides that appeal to both thrill-seekers and families. Some highlights include:
- Dolphin Coaster: A fun, fast-paced roller coaster with twists and turns inspired by dolphins leaping through the waves.
- Volcano Rafting: A summer favorite, this water ride takes you on a wild adventure through rapids and splashes—perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
- Deep-Sea Voyage: An immersive dark ride that simulates an underwater adventure.
- Penguin Rapids: A playful ride that kids especially love, themed around Antarctic penguins.
- Space-Time Gondola: A scenic ride offering panoramic views of the park.
Insider tip: Save Volcano Rafting or Deep-Sea Voyage for midday when the sun is at its peak—they’re perfect for a refreshing break.
Performances and Animal Shows
One of the biggest draws of Ocean Park is its lineup of live shows. With six major theaters, there’s entertainment throughout the day.
- Walrus Theater: Watch walruses perform comedy-style tricks in “Sea Lion Hip Hop.”
- Killer Whale Theater: “Killer Whale Science Show” combines fun performances with educational insights.
- Dolphin Theater: “Dolphin Love Song” showcases dolphins’ speed, agility, and intelligence.
- Iceberg Theater: “Beluga Love” features playful beluga whales.
- Volcano Theater: “Mermaid Fairy Tale” blends storytelling with underwater acrobatics.
- Underwater Theater: “Water Dance Fish” highlights synchronized swimming and aquatic artistry.
Showtimes vary daily, so check the WeChat “smart guide” or visit the information desk at the entrance. Arrive early for the most popular shows—front-row seating in the killer whale theater comes with splash zones, while middle rows are often VIP and cost extra.
Animal Exhibits and Museums
The park features six unique animal display venues, each offering a different glimpse into marine life:
- Antarctic Penguin Museum: Meet adorable penguins in a habitat designed to mimic icy conditions.
- Sea Animal Exploration Museum: A great place for kids to learn about sea lions, walruses, and more.
- Iceberg Arctic Museum: Spot polar bears and arctic foxes while enjoying the cold-themed environment.
- Underwater World Museum: View colorful fish, rays, and sharks up close.
- Volcano Shark Museum: Home to large sharks and the venue for the “Mermaid Fairy Tale” performance.
- Coral Jellyfish Museum: A visually stunning exhibit filled with glowing jellyfish and coral ecosystems.
If you’re short on time, prioritize the Arctic and Penguin museums. Both are crowd favorites and located close to main pathways.
Discounts and Ticketing in 2025
Tickets to Ocean Park can be purchased online, via the official app, or at the gate. Prices fluctuate depending on season and demand, but here are general 2025 guidelines:
- Adults: Around ¥299 – ¥360
- Children (1.0m–1.4m tall): Discounted tickets available
- Children under 1.0m or under 3 years old: Free
- Seniors (65+): Discount with valid ID
- Military personnel, disabled guests, and fire rescue workers: Discount with valid ID
Important note: Discounts are usually not half-price. For example, military discounts are often only ¥40 off. Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy seasonal promotions (like Father’s Day deals) than to rely on standard discounts. Always compare before purchasing.
Tip: Buy online to skip the ticket counter lines and sometimes get better rates.
Facilities and Rentals
Ocean Park offers a wide range of services to make your visit more comfortable:
- Parking: ¥50 per visit, with plenty of space near the entrance.
- Luggage Storage: ¥60 for large items, ¥50 for small items. If you pack a big bag containing smaller ones, it still counts as one large piece.
- Stroller Rentals: ¥60–90 per day with a deposit. Weight limits vary depending on stroller type.
- Wheelchair Rentals: Free with a deposit of ¥300.
These services are especially helpful for families with children or elderly guests.
Suggested One-Day Tour Route
To maximize your visit, here’s a sample route starting at 10:00 a.m.:
- Enter on the right-hand side and begin with the Sea Animal Exploration Museum. Catch the walrus show while crowds are still light.
- Head straight to the Killer Whale Theater—one of the most popular shows. Queue early for good seats.
- Visit the 4D Theater opposite the orca venue. It’s a fun break and usually has long lines later in the day.
- Take the Volcano Cable Car to the Iceberg Arctic Museum. It saves walking time and offers great views.
- Explore the Volcano Shark Museum and watch the Mermaid Fairy Tale performance.
- Walk to the Dolphin Theater for the Dolphin Love Song show. Arrive early for interactive gifts.
- Around 4:00 p.m., head back to the Iceberg Theater for Beluga Love. This is a relaxing show and a good time to recharge.
- Visit the Antarctic Penguin Museum near the exit before leaving.
- If you still have energy, make a final stop at the Coral Jellyfish Museum.
This route balances must-see shows with popular rides and minimizes backtracking.
Food and Dining Options
While Ocean Park isn’t primarily a food destination, there are several dining options inside the park. Expect prices similar to other theme parks:
- Meals: ¥60–¥120 per person
- Snacks: ¥20–¥50 for popcorn, ice cream, or hot dogs
- Drinks: ¥10–¥30 for soft drinks, ¥40+ for specialty drinks
Some restaurants offer set menus, while others serve quick bites perfect for families. If you want more variety, consider dining at restaurants outside the park in the Lingang area after your visit.
Accommodation Near Ocean Park
If you’re planning a multi-day trip, staying nearby is convenient.
- Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Resort Hotel: Themed resort with direct access to the park. Guests enjoy benefits like unlimited re-entry and express access to rides. Rooms average ¥2,000 per night.
- Crowne Plaza Shanghai Harbour City: Located near Dripping Lake, with free shuttle buses to Ocean Park. A good mid-range option for families.
- Budget Hotels: There are smaller local hotels in Lingang that provide affordable stays for large groups or short visits.
Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
New Features in 2025
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park has grown steadily since its opening, and 2025 brings several new features and improvements that make it even more enjoyable for visitors. These changes reflect both modern technology and evolving guest expectations.
1. Smarter Digital Tools
Technology has become central to the guest experience. The official Ocean Park mobile app and WeChat mini-program have undergone major updates in 2025. Visitors can now:
- Check live wait times: Instead of guessing how long the line for Volcano Rafting is, the app shows real-time data so families can plan their day efficiently.
- Reserve seats for shows: Premium shows like the Killer Whale Science Show or Dolphin Love Song now allow pre-booked seating through the app, reducing the need to line up early.
- Use mobile ticketing: Guests can buy, store, and scan tickets directly from their phones. QR code access makes entry smoother and faster.
- Interactive maps: Digital maps highlight nearby restaurants, restrooms, and stroller rentals. Guests can even set walking routes to minimize travel time across the park.
For international visitors, the app also offers improved English-language support, making Ocean Park easier to navigate for travelers from abroad.
2. Eco-Friendly Initiatives
As environmental awareness grows, Ocean Park has introduced sustainable practices in 2025 to align with global conservation efforts:
- Reduced plastic use: Single-use plastic straws, bags, and utensils have been replaced with biodegradable or reusable options.
- Expanded recycling stations: Color-coded bins around the park make it easier for guests to separate waste, with staff on hand to guide proper disposal.
- Energy-efficient lighting: LED systems now illuminate major exhibits and theaters, reducing energy consumption.
- Marine conservation education: Interactive exhibits have been updated to teach guests about protecting the oceans, reducing pollution, and preserving species.
These efforts make a trip to Ocean Park not only entertaining but also meaningful for visitors who care about the planet.
3. Revamped Shows
Performances have always been a highlight of Ocean Park, and in 2025 they’ve been refreshed to stay exciting for repeat guests:
- New storylines: Shows like Dolphin Love Song now include narrative elements about teamwork, friendship, and ocean conservation, adding depth beyond simple tricks.
- Upgraded choreography: Trainers have integrated synchronized routines with animals and new music to keep the energy high.
- Interactive elements: Audience participation is emphasized. For example, at the Beluga Love show, children may be invited to the stage for a closer look at the animals.
- Immersive effects: The Volcano Theater’s Mermaid Fairy Tale now includes upgraded lighting, holograms, and sound design, making it feel like a fantasy world.
These changes ensure that every visit feels different, even for those who have attended multiple times.
4. Seasonal and Themed Events
Ocean Park has embraced the trend of seasonal celebrations, turning holidays into immersive experiences. In 2025, highlights include:
- Halloween at Ocean Park: Themed decorations, costumed performers, and special “spooky” shows at night. Even the aquarium exhibits take on eerie lighting effects.
- Lunar New Year Festival: Cultural performances, fireworks displays, and limited-time food stalls featuring traditional holiday treats.
- Summer Splash Festival: Extra water-themed activities, extended hours, and nighttime pool parties around the Volcano Rafting area.
- Winter Wonderland: The Iceberg Arctic Museum is transformed into a snowy holiday zone, with ice carvings, themed music, and photo opportunities.
These rotating events give guests a reason to return multiple times a year, as the park feels different with each celebration.
Why These Updates Matter
Together, these 2025 updates make Ocean Park more modern, family-friendly, and environmentally conscious. The combination of smarter digital tools, eco-friendly practices, refreshed shows, and exciting seasonal events ensures that the park continues to be one of Shanghai’s most dynamic attractions.
Tips for Families and First-Time Visitors
- Arrive Early: You’ll get ahead of the crowds and enjoy more rides.
- Bring Essentials: Sunblock, refillable water bottles, and ponchos for splash shows.
- Plan for Rest: Use quieter exhibits like the Arctic Museum to recharge between shows.
- Use Digital Guides: The app helps you plan efficiently and avoid missing performances.
- Expect Crowds: Popular shows and rides will always have lines—patience is part of the experience.
Why Ocean Park in 2025 is Worth the Trip
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park remains one of the top destinations for families, couples, and tourists looking for a mix of entertainment and education. With thrilling rides, world-class animal shows, and immersive exhibits, it delivers fun for all ages. The 2025 updates make it easier than ever to plan your day, thanks to digital tools and refreshed performances.
If you’re visiting Shanghai, be sure to add Ocean Park to your itinerary. It’s not just a theme park—it’s a marine adventure that blends excitement, learning, and unforgettable memories.