Ocean World Guangzhou

Positioned as the latest world class attraction within the Guangzhou Zoo, Ocean World Guangzhou, China, is one of the most spectacular, large-scale public aquariums in Asia. Visitors are transported through a colourful coral reef tunnel where they are surrounded by marine life from the South China Sea. Large flat acrylic viewing panels provide a dramatic window into the coral reef for those visitors who want to linger for a moment to appreciate the awesome spectacle of this impressive, artificially created environment. Another vantage point into the coral reef aquarium is from the mezzanine floor where the sheer volume of this aquarium can be fully realised.

From the coral reef to several smaller aquariums that display themed topics, from dangerous marine creatures to the reef cave, visitors are introduced to a unique and spectacular 18 metre long aquarium. The artificial corals, combined with the colourful beauties of the reef, are a sight that most visitors stop beside to have their photograph taken.

On level One, the focus is on life in the sea. Level Two introduces visitors to the world of freshwater. Life in a jungle stream is contrasted with life in a mountainous stream and a lake. Living at the boundary where the sea meets the land is represented in the rocky shore aquarium and beside it, the mangrove exhibit.

The larger animals of the sea are displayed in the Shark Aquarium with two large panoramic viewing windows. Sharks and rays, together with other predators, cruise past visitors’ noses just centimetres away.

Leaping from the depths of over 7 metres dolphins captivate an audience of 1600. The dolphin and sea lion performance stadium was one of the first major membrane roof structures in China.

Crossley Architects are proud to have been involved with Ocean World Guangzhou through their architectural consultancy services to Living Ocean International.

This projecct commenced in 1996 and construction was completed in 1998.