Best aquarium destinations in Asia
Best aquarium destinations in Asia
Massive whale shark display tanks and deep-sea tunnels across Asia
Asia's aquarium sector has developed rapidly, with several of the world's largest and most technically ambitious marine display facilities now concentrated in East and Southeast Asia. The region's leading institutions have invested heavily in whale shark exhibits, open ocean tanks and coral reef recreations of extraordinary scale, producing visitor experiences that rank among the most impressive in the world. Several facilities double as genuine marine research and breeding centres with conservation programmes of increasing credibility.
The gap between the region's flagship institutions and basic collections is considerable and welfare standards and cetacean display policies vary significantly by country. Researching accreditation before visiting is worthwhile, particularly in markets where regulatory oversight of marine mammal display is less developed than in western equivalents.
The most popular institutions require advance booking during national holidays and school holiday periods when capacity fills quickly. Your money goes a long way across most of the region making multiple aquarium visits practical even on modest budgets.
Lists by region
Country
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
The former S.E.A. Aquarium reopened on 24 July 2025 as Singapore Oceanarium with 22 zones. It first opened in 2012 as the world's largest aquarium by water volume at about 11.9 million gallons. More than 100,000 animals from over 800 species live at Resorts World Sentosa. The Open Ocean exhibit has 50,000 schooling fish.
City in United Arab Emirates
Dubai
Glamour, Adventure and Desert Charm
Sand tiger sharks glide past an acrylic panel about 108 feet wide and 27 feet high. The main tank holds about 2.6 million gallons. Around 33,000 animals from over 140 species live in the aquarium. A 157 foot tunnel gives a 270 degree view. The Underwater Zoo upstairs adds otters, penguins and a resident crocodile.
Island in Japan
Okinawa Island
Reef beaches and Ryukyu Kingdom heritage
Churaumi Aquarium opened on 1 November 2002 with the world's largest tank until Georgia Aquarium surpassed it in 2005. The Kuroshio Sea tank holds about 2 million gallons and houses whale sharks and manta rays. A first captive manta birth came in 2007. More than 3.5 million people visit each year.
City in Japan
Osaka
Castle, neon canals and street food
Exhibits at Kaiyukan follow the Pacific Ring of Fire from the Aleutian Islands to Monterey Bay. The central Pacific Ocean tank holds about 1.4 million gallons and houses two whale sharks. It opened in May 1990 as the world's largest public aquarium. It lies a five minute walk from Osakako Station.
City in Japan
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
Pacific bluefin tuna circle a ring-shaped tank of about 581,000 gallons at Tokyo Sea Life Park. The park opened in 1989 and holds about 85,000 animals from roughly 940 species. Sunshine Aquarium in Toshima adds rooftop penguins above the city. A replacement for the ageing park was planned for 2026, so confirm current status.
City in Taiwan
Taipei
A vibrant blend of old and new
Xpark opened in August 2020 in Zhongli, Taoyuan, two stops by High Speed Rail from Taipei Main Station. Thirteen exhibition halls spread across three floors. The main tank holds about 10,000 fish including rays and hammerhead sharks. Penguins sometimes swim through tubes at Xcafé. Buy tickets online in advance, especially at weekends.
City in Russia
Moscow
A grand city of history and power
Far from any ocean, Moskvarium holds about 6.6 million gallons of water in Pavilion 23 at VDNKh. It opened on 5 August 2015 and passed 10 million visitors by August 2021. About 12,000 animals from roughly 600 species live in 80 tanks. A sea tunnel lets visitors walk beneath sharks.
City in China
Shanghai
A dazzling mix of modernity and tradition
Zones for China, South America and Africa organise more than 450 species at Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. Chinese sturgeon and Japanese giant spider crabs are among them. Tanks hold about 1.3 million gallons in total and the largest holds about 581,000 gallons. The aquarium opened in 2002 and draws about one million visitors a year.
City in China
Chengdu
Pandas, Hotpot and Laid-back Vibes
Polar animals draw visitors to Haichang Polar Ocean World, a 17 acre park on Tianfu Avenue. Exhibits include walruses, polar bears, belugas and emperor penguins. Sharks, sea turtles and sea lions share the grounds. A 4D hall adds fog, rain and snow effects. Metro Line 1 stops about 1,000 feet away.
Amusement Park in China
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Thrilling Marine-Themed Adventure
The Grand Aquarium opened in 2011 with a 1.4 million gallon tank. It held more than 5,000 fish from over 400 species at opening. Shark Mystique added sharks and rays in 2014. Sea Jelly Spectacular opened in 2006 as Southeast Asia's first standalone sea jelly exhibit. The park covers 226 acres.
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