Chengdu, known for its giant pandas, is also home to two fantastic ocean-themed parks—Haichang Polar Ocean World (海昌极地公园) and Haohai Cubic Ocean Paradise (浩海立方). Whether you’re an ocean lover or just looking for a family-friendly adventure, these two attractions offer unique experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two parks to help you decide which one is best for your visit.
Overview of the Two Sites
Haichang Polar Ocean World: Haichang Polar Ocean World is a large-scale marine theme park with 14 major venues, 7 ocean science shows, and 7 themed amusement areas. Key highlights include the Jellyfish Pavilion, the Whale and Dolphin Pavilion, and an impressive underwater tunnel that offers fantastic photo opportunities. There’s also a snow-themed amusement park and land-based attractions like a pirate ship and carousel near the entrance. As night falls, the park comes alive with vibrant lantern displays.
Haohai Cubic Ocean Paradise: Located in the Haibin City Shopping Center, Haohai Cubic Ocean Paradise offers 23 unique themed venues spread across five floors. This ocean park features zones such as the Cold Sea Area and the Tropical Zone. The large marine viewing windows on the first floor provide stunning views, while the underwater tunnel is perfect for photos. For those seeking an extra thrill, Haohai Cubic also offers diving experiences (available for an additional fee).
Transportation Options
Haichang Polar Ocean World: Easily accessible by public transport, you can take Metro Line 18 (towards Tianfu Airport North) or Line 1 (towards Science City), get off at Haichang Road Station (海昌路站) and walk a few hundred meters to reach the park.
Haohai Cubic Ocean Paradise
Located within a shopping mall, Haohai Cubic is accessible via Metro Line 3 (Exit F at Longqiao Station 龙桥站). A taxi ride to the park from the station will take around 10 minutes.
Environment and Atmosphere
Haichang Polar Ocean World: Haichang Polar Ocean World is a standalone scenic area, meaning all dining options are located inside the park itself. However, food quality is generally considered average. The park’s atmosphere is lively, and visitors can immerse themselves in the oceanic world without external distractions.
Haohai Cubic Ocean Paradise: Haohai Cubic Ocean Paradise is located within an indoor shopping mall, making it a convenient option for those who prefer a more integrated experience. It’s easy to find parking, and there are plenty of dining options within the mall. Visitors can freely exit and re-enter the aquarium, which adds to the convenience for a day of exploration.
Key Attractions and Shows
Haichang Polar Ocean World
- Main Attractions:
- Whale and Dolphin Show
- Mermaid Legend Show
- Sea Lion Challenge
- Beluga Whale Love Show
- Polar Bear Exhibits
- Underwater Tunnel
- Ice and Snow Amusement Park
- Showtimes:
- 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM (Closed on New Year’s Eve)
Haohai Cubic Ocean Paradise
- Main Attractions:
- Whale Shark Feeding Show
- Shark Theater Performance
- Mermaid Performance
- Ocean Theater Performances
- Fantasy Journey
- Mystical Island Journey
- Showtimes:
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Open on Chinese New Year)
Ticket Prices
Haichang Polar Ocean World
- Day Ticket: ¥260
- Night Ticket: ¥168
- Free Entry for children under 1 meter tall
Haohai Cubic Ocean Paradise
- Day Ticket: ¥150
- Night Ticket: ¥99
- Free Entry for children under 1 meter tall
Dining Options
Haichang Polar Ocean World: While there are some quick-service restaurants and a family-friendly dining area inside Haichang, the food quality is generally regarded as average. If you have specific dining preferences, you may need to plan ahead.
Haohai Cubic Ocean Paradise: Since Haohai Cubic is located within a shopping center, it offers easy access to various dining options both inside and outside the park. The flexibility of coming and going makes it convenient for visitors who want to take a break and grab a meal at any time.
Conclusion: Which Ocean Park is Right for You?
Haichang Polar Ocean World is ideal for visitors seeking a larger, standalone ocean park experience with multiple themed attractions and shows. It’s perfect for those who enjoy immersive environments and want to experience both ocean life and snow-themed activities. The underwater tunnel and vibrant lantern displays add an extra touch of magic to the visit.
Haohai Cubic Ocean Paradise, located in a shopping mall, offers a more compact and convenient experience with the added advantage of being able to access the mall’s dining options. If you’re looking for an indoor experience that’s less affected by weather and want to see the world’s largest whale shark, this is the park for you. The flexibility to enter and exit the park is another added convenience.