Steeped in history, the Chinese city of Xiamen has a rich cultural and natural heritage. Providing visitors with countless hours of sightseeing fun and adventure, the city also features picturesque beaches that let you experience an idyllic holiday by the sea. Apart from historical monuments and cultural sites, Xiamen also has attractions that are ideal for a family visit such as Underwater Sea World.
Situated near Gulangyu Ferry Wharf, this well known aquatic attraction is home to a stunning array of marine species from around the world. Featuring over 10,000 creatures, the Xiamen Underwater Sea World lets you not only view creatures of the deep, but also get a better understanding of their natural habitats and marine ecosystems. Be it Chinese sturgeons that can be found in the Yangtze River, Australian sea otters, rock fish from the South China Sea or river sturgeon from the United States, this attraction has it all.
One of the country’s best aquariums, this site was constructed in 1998 and spans an area of around 175,000 square metres. On your way to the entrance of Underwater Sea World you will pass a large six metre high brass octopus which can be found at the front gate. One of the main attractions here is the underwater tunnel which covers a length of around 80 metres. As you walk along the tunnel you will have a chance to enjoy a unique perspective of marine life swim around and above you including those famous predators of the deep, sharks! Also of note is the cylindrical fish pool which is 7 metres high and features coral reef fish.
Xiamen Underwater Sea World has been divided into several themed sections, each offering something new to discover. The Ocean World section features a variety of ponds where you can see marine life from the world over such as cleaner fish, man-eating crabs, balloonfish, turtles, sharks and octopuses.
The aquarium’s Sperm Whale Specimen House is home to a fascinating specimen of a deceased sperm whale that spans a length of approximately 18.6 metres. Not to be missed is a visit to the Penguin and Freshwater Fish Aquarium which features penguins and such exotic freshwater species as piranhas from the Amazon and spotted eels, while a visit to the Dolphin House gives you a chance to view performing dolphins.
Those planning to visit this attraction as well as the city’s many others should look to stay at a centrally located hotel in Xiamen such as Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen. Situated near the famous shopping area known as Zhongshan Road, this well placed Xiamen hotel is ideally suited for business and leisure travellers alike.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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