Xiamen Underwater World is one of China’s most impressive aquariums with a diverse collection of fish and aquatic species from the seas around China and Australia to those of the Amazon River and provides ample resources to learn and understand these imposing but fascinatingly mysterious creatures. Situated in the tropics, there are close to 350 species and 10,000 fish which include a large number of exotic tropical fish and brightly coloured corals and gigantic marine species from the Amazon.

The aquarium complex spans an area of around 1.75 hectares and is separated into distinct parts such as the Ocean Zone, Penguin and Fresh-water Fish Zone, Sperm Whale Specimen Zone and Dolphin and Sea Lion Zone, providing both entertainment and education at one unique aquarium. One can see giant grouper fish and sharks, colourful coral reef fish, syngnathus, hippocampus, man-eating crabs and much more at the Ocean Zone.

There are two types of penguins; Sphenisus demersus and Spheniscus humboldti and the penguin and sea-lion performances are very entertaining. Since the opening of the aquarium in 1998, through the years, few species have grown to the enormous proportions of the 150-kg Lithosphoric, the 3-metre long sawfish and the 2-metre long Arapaima that have become the star attractions of the aquarium. The Sperm Whale Specimen Zone is also home to the largest sperm whale specimen in China; with a length of 18.6 metres and weighing 48 tons, it similar to that of a submarine!

There is a performing pool, Dolphin’s Living Area and Resting pool in the Dolphin Zone that gives a better insight on the dolphins. The aquarium’s main attraction is the 100 metre long underwater tunnel casting its blue aura and making it look like a blue crystal palace with hundreds of fish above and beside you. It is a most spellbinding experience to witness the creatures up close within the safety of a glass tunnel, schools of shimmering silver fish, fierce sharks baring their razor sharp teeth and colourful little fish peeping in through the corals. Visit the 7 metre high cylindrical fish pool full of coral reef and feed turtles and baby sharks to complete your visit.

Xiamen has become a popular tourist destination and it is not difficult to find a hotel in Xiamen to suite your needs. Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen is a luxurious hotel with plush and comfortable surroundings. It is a Xiamen hotel that commands magnificent views of the harbour beyond creating a serene and tranquil setting in which to unwind.