For this aquarium, I specially flew to Xuzhou!
As Xuzhou's hottest "blue IP" in recent years, Oulebao Ocean Polar World uses 100,000 square meters of immersive ocean secrets, nearly a thousand rare marine creatures, and three original stage plays to blend "Finding Nemo" and "Disney happiness" into every breath. Here, you can experience the healing "whale close-up," the dreamy "underwater tunnel," and the "fairy tale world" carousel. It's perfect for families with children aged 2-12 (stroller rentals available for younger kids, and older kids can have a blast), and even a "romantic check-in spot" for couples.
The best part is—super cost-effective! One ticket = aquarium + fairy tale world (included in some packages). Compared to single parks that cost hundreds of yuan, this place meets the dual needs of "seeing the ocean + playing in a fairy tale," no wonder it has become a must-visit for family trips in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai!
2. Basic Information: Address, Transportation, Tickets—all in one article
Transportation:
High-speed rail: Take the high-speed train to Xuzhou East Station, then a taxi for about 30 minutes, or take Metro Line 1 (Xuzhou East Station → People's Square Station), then transfer to a bus to "Oulebao Ocean World Station."
Self-driving: Navigate directly to the scenic area; parking fee is 10 yuan/8 hours.
Airplane: Fly to Xuzhou Guanyin International Airport, then taxi for about 40 minutes, or take the airport shuttle bus to "Xuzhou Bus Terminal," then transfer to a bus.
3. Must-visit Check-in Spots: From "Whale Close-up" to "Fairy Tale World," none can be missed
The fun of Xuzhou Oulebao lies in its "immersive" experience—each venue has a "story," and every attraction is "interactive," especially the following "star check-in spots" that you absolutely cannot miss!
1. Whale Bay: The healing hit of the "ocean canaries"
Highlight: A "visual bomb" right at the entrance! Two huge belugas (from the Arctic Ocean) "stick" to the glass, sometimes wagging their tails, blowing bubbles, and even swimming along with visitors' hand gestures. The park opens at 9:30 am when there are fewer people, perfect for capturing pure shots of "belugas + blue sky." Wearing light-colored clothes is recommended for better photos.
Hidden tip: Arrive 10 minutes early and stand in the center of Whale Bay to capture the scene of "belugas swimming overhead."
2. Underwater Tunnel: 360° panoramic "undersea dragon palace"
Highlight: Three underwater tunnels with distinct styles (freshwater, sharks, deep sea), nearly 100 meters long. The freshwater tunnel features giant arapaimas (like "submarines") and electric eels (faintly visible in the blue water); the shark tunnel has lemon sharks (patrolling in formation) and manta rays (gliding with wings spread); the deep-sea tunnel has rays ("smiling" wings) and schools of tropical fish.
Photo tip: Stand on the "viewing platform" in the middle of the tunnel to shoot fish swimming overhead or use your phone to capture the "coral at the tunnel's end," looking like a "starry underwater sky."
3. Heart of the Ocean: 9-meter-high "flowing oil painting"
Highlight: The most stunning cylindrical aquarium in the park (9 meters high, 8 meters in diameter) filled with Australian tropical fish (like angelfish and parrotfish). The fish swim around the coral like a "flowing oil painting." It's recommended to stand at the "base of the cylinder" to capture the "fish swirling" or use a wide-angle lens to shoot the contrast between the "cylinder + visitors" to emphasize its "immensity."
4. Amazon Exploration: Journey through the "primeval rainforest"
Highlight: Using sound, light, and electricity to recreate the "mystery" of the Amazon rainforest—giant arapaimas (swimming under a big waterfall), electric eels (flashing in the blue water), raccoons (climbing trees and playing), and parrots (mimicking speech). Great for educating kids about "rainforest ecology."
Hidden tip: Have lunch at the "Rainforest Restaurant," where the window overlooks the "Amazon River," allowing you to watch fish swim by while eating.
5. Ocean Gala: The "talent show" of animal stars
Highlight: Three theater performances (dolphins, sea lions, walruses). Dolphin shows include "ball balancing in the air," "tail fin hitting the ball," and "hula hoop spinning"; sea lions perform "water basketball" and "math" (can calculate 1+1=2); walruses play "harmonica" and do "sit-ups" (a 300-kg "chubby uncle," full of laughs).
Tips: Arrive 30 minutes early to get "front-row seats" (especially for the dolphin show) to feel the splash of dolphins leaping out of the water and even interact with them (like touching their backs).
6. Mermaid Romance: The "romantic hit" of underwater ballet
Highlight: Mermaid performances in the underwater theater, with performers wearing "fish tail skirts" dancing ballet underwater like "The Little Mermaid." There are four shows daily (10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30). It's recommended to secure a "middle seat" early to capture photos of "mermaids + fish schools."
7. Fairy Tale World: The "fairy tale dream" of a Nordic town
Highlight: An indoor fairy tale park themed on a "Nordic town," featuring a carousel (magical when lit up), bumper cars (suitable for younger kids), Dream Voyage (moderately thrilling, for older kids), and a 4D cinema (showing "underwater movies"). Recommended to ride the "carousel" (which looks like a "castle in a fairy tale" when lit at night) or try "Dream Voyage" (to experience the feeling of flying).
4. Accommodation Guide: Stay in the "ocean fairy tale" for a more relaxed trip
If you want a hassle-free experience, the ocean hotel inside the park is the "best choice"—not only is it "next to the aquarium," but it also offers "unlimited park entry," perfect for "families with kids" (no need to pack and unpack daily).
1. Ocean Hotel: Live inside the "ocean fairy tale"
Location: Right next to the aquarium (5-minute walk), with "Fairy Tale World" right outside the door.
Room types:
Forest Treehouse: Like "living in a tree," with "tree hole" designs (great for kids to climb), rooms furnished with "wooden furniture" and "rattan sofas," very natural feeling;
Castle Knight: Medieval style (with "knight armor" and "shields"), perfect for "adventure-loving kids";
Dream Ocean: Ocean-themed (with "aquariums" and "shell decorations"), rooms have "ocean murals," like "living under the sea";
Family Room: With "bunk beds" (suitable for families with two kids), "children's bathrobes," and "children's slippers" (attention to detail).
Recommended packages:
"Aquarium + Fairy Tale World" package: Includes tickets for "2 adults and 1 child" (unlimited entry for two days) + "breakfast" (Chinese + Western, featuring Xuzhou specialties like "soup with food radicals" and "rolled baked bread"), priced around 800 yuan/night (great value);
"Treehouse Family Room" package: Includes tickets for "2 adults and 1 child" + "treehouse experience" (kids can "climb trees" and "play in tree holes"), priced around 900 yuan/night.
5. Food Recommendations: From the "Ocean Restaurant" to local specialties, try them all
Xuzhou Oulebao's food includes creative "ocean-themed" dishes and local specialties like "Xuzhou claypot chicken," suitable for "families with kids" (with "children's meals").
1. On-site dining: Convenient and quick, perfect for when you're tired from playing
Underwater Restaurant: Ocean-themed decor (like "aquariums" and "shell decorations"), specializing in "seafood pasta" and "fish and chips" (kid-friendly), priced around 50 yuan/serving;
Rainforest Restaurant: Next to Amazon Exploration, serving "Chinese fast food" (like rice bowls and dumplings), priced around 30 yuan/serving;
Hidden supply point: The rest area near the Jellyfish Pavilion has a "hot water dispenser" (good for instant noodles) and "vending machines" (selling "mineral water" and "snacks"). It's recommended to bring your own "bread" and "fruit" to save money.
6. Practical Tips: Pitfall avoidance guide for a smoother visit
1. Dressing advice
Clothes: Wear "light-colored clothes" (like white or light blue) for better photos (the park's main color is blue, so light colors "highlight people");
Shoes: Wear "non-slip sports shoes" (the park is "slippery," especially in the "underwater tunnel");
Others: Bring a "hat" (for sun protection), "sunglasses" (to block strong light), and a "power bank" (few charging ports in the park).
2. Essentials to bring
Must-haves: ID card (for ticket discounts), power bank (cold weather drains battery quickly), thermos (for hot ginger tea to keep warm), snacks (cookies, chocolate for hungry kids), toys (like a "bubble machine" for kids to play with in the park);
3. Notes
Safety first: The park is "slippery" (especially the "underwater tunnel"), wear "non-slip shoes"; parents must "watch their children" carefully to avoid getting lost;
Respect animals: Do not "tap on the glass" (it scares the animals), do not "feed your own food" (animals have "special feed");
Avoid peak times: Weekends are crowded (especially during "show times"), it's recommended to visit on "weekdays" (fewer people, more fun).
7. Summary: Xuzhou Oulebao, worth visiting again!
The charm of Xuzhou Oulebao lies in the "details"—from the healing "whale close-up," to the dreamy "underwater tunnel," and the carousel in the "fairy tale world."
If you want to "take your kids to see the ocean" and "have a romantic check-in with your loved one," Xuzhou Oulebao is definitely the "best choice"—after all, parks that blend "ocean" and "fairy tale" so well are truly rare!