Things to Do in Wuhan Polar Ocean Park
Wuhan Polar Ocean Park, 中国 - Complete Travel Guide
Wuhan Polar Ocean Park is a premier marine-themed attraction located in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei Province in central China. This world-class aquarium and polar animal park combines entertainment, education, and conservation, featuring Arctic and Antarctic animals alongside diverse marine life from around the globe. The facility spans over 36,000 square meters and houses more than 10,000 marine creatures, making it one of China's largest and most comprehensive polar ocean parks.
The park is strategically positioned in Wuhan, a major transportation hub known as the 'Chicago of China' due to its central location and extensive railway connections. Visitors can experience immersive exhibits including polar bear habitats, penguin colonies, beluga whale shows, and massive aquarium tunnels that provide 360-degree underwater views. The park serves as both a tourist destination and an important research facility, contributing to marine conservation efforts while offering unforgettable encounters with Arctic and marine wildlife.
Top Things to Do in Wuhan Polar Ocean Park
Polar Animal Shows
Watch captivating performances by beluga whales, sea lions, and dolphins in state-of-the-art amphitheaters. These educational shows combine entertainment with conservation messages, showcasing the natural behaviors and intelligence of marine mammals.
Booking Tip: Show tickets are included with admission (around 240-280 RMB). Arrive 20-30 minutes early for best seats, especially during weekends and holidays. Check the daily schedule upon entry as show times vary seasonally.
Polar Bear Habitat Experience
Observe magnificent polar bears in specially designed Arctic environments that replicate their natural habitat. The viewing areas include both above and underwater perspectives, allowing visitors to watch these powerful predators swim and play.
Booking Tip: Best viewing times are during feeding sessions (usually 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM). Visit during cooler parts of the day when bears are most active. Photography is allowed but flash is prohibited.
Underwater Tunnel Walkthrough
Journey through massive transparent tunnels surrounded by thousands of marine species including sharks, rays, and tropical fish. The 80-meter tunnel provides an immersive underwater experience without getting wet.
Booking Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Allow 30-45 minutes for the full experience. The tunnel can get crowded during peak times, so consider visiting on weekdays for a more peaceful experience.
Penguin Colony Viewing
Experience Antarctica without leaving China by visiting the extensive penguin habitat housing multiple species including Emperor and Adelie penguins. The climate-controlled environment maintains sub-zero temperatures year-round.
Booking Tip: Dress warmly as the penguin area is kept at freezing temperatures. Feeding times (11 AM and 2 PM) offer the best viewing opportunities. Rental jackets are available at the entrance for 20 RMB.
Interactive Touch Pools
Engage with marine life through hands-on experiences in supervised touch pools featuring starfish, sea cucumbers, and small rays. Educational staff provide information about marine ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Booking Tip: Popular with families, so expect queues during weekends. Sanitizing stations are provided before and after interaction. Best experienced with children aged 4-12, though adults enjoy it too.
Getting There
Wuhan Polar Ocean Park is located in the Dongxihu District of Wuhan and is easily accessible by multiple transportation methods. From Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, take Metro Line 2 to Jinyintan Station, then transfer to bus routes 296 or 792 directly to the park (total journey about 90 minutes). High-speed trains arrive at Wuhan Railway Station or Hankou Railway Station, both connected to the metro system. From downtown Wuhan, take Metro Line 3 to Jinyintan Station and then catch the connecting bus, or use ride-hailing services like Didi for direct transport (approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic).
Getting Around
Within Wuhan Polar Ocean Park, the facility is designed for easy walking with clear signage in both Chinese and English. The park provides free shuttle carts for elderly visitors and families with young children between major exhibit areas. Electric scooter rentals are available at the entrance for 50 RMB per day. The entire park can be comfortably explored in 4-6 hours following the recommended route marked on the complimentary map. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent at the visitor center, and all major attractions are wheelchair accessible with dedicated viewing areas.
Where to Stay
Jinyintan Area
Hankou District
Wuchang District
Hanyang District
Wuhan Railway Station Area
Optics Valley (Guanggu)
Food & Dining
Wuhan Polar Ocean Park features several dining options ranging from casual snack bars to full-service restaurants with views of the marine exhibits. The Ocean View Restaurant offers Western and Chinese cuisine while overlooking the main aquarium, while smaller cafes throughout the park serve local Wuhan specialties like hot dry noodles (reganmian) and doupi. Outside the park, the nearby Jinyintan area has numerous restaurants serving authentic Hubei cuisine, including famous Wuhan breakfast items and fresh river fish dishes. Food delivery services are also available to nearby hotels, and many international chain restaurants can be found in the surrounding commercial areas.
When to Visit
The optimal time to visit Wuhan Polar Ocean Park is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when Wuhan's weather is most pleasant for traveling to and from the park. Since the park is primarily indoors with climate-controlled environments, it's enjoyable year-round, making it an excellent rainy day activity during summer monsoons or a warm retreat during winter. Weekdays offer the best experience with smaller crowds and shorter wait times for shows and interactive experiences. Avoid Chinese national holidays (Golden Week in October and Chinese New Year) when the park experiences peak attendance and longer queues.
Insider Tips
Purchase tickets online in advance for discounts up to 20 RMB and skip-the-line entry, especially during peak seasons
Bring a warm jacket or sweater even in summer as the polar animal areas are kept at very low temperatures
Download the park's official WeChat mini-program for real-time show schedules, feeding times, and interactive maps with GPS navigation