The reason why Qujiang Ocean Polar Park has been so warmly received since its opening lies not only in being the “only one in the Northwest,” but also in the pre-opening promotional campaigns.
Long before the opening, news about the arrival of polar animals such as beluga whales, polar bears, and penguins was repeatedly tracked and reported by numerous media outlets. Each week, carefully designed penguin mascots would interact with netizens around the ancient city, helping residents learn more about polar animals.
To promote the park’s opening, the ocean polar park produced a humorous and witty self-introduction video titled “The Penguin Has Something to Say” featuring the “Penguin Gentleman,” which sparked a viral frenzy online. According to incomplete statistics, since the video’s initial release, its exposure has exceeded 10 million views, with over 8,000 reposts and comments on Weibo, receiving widespread acclaim online.
By the day of the opening, Qujiang Ocean Polar Park had become the focus of the entire city. During the Spring Festival, it received a cumulative total of over 40,000 visitors. Every venue was packed with lively crowds, and many families—parents, grandparents, and children—all came out together to catch a glimpse of the animals from the polar regions.
The adorable polar animals have also won high praise from Xi’an residents. On Weibo and forums, many netizens listed the ocean polar park as the “most popular destination” during the Spring Festival holiday. A survey on an online forum showed that penguins, polar bears, and beluga whales were the most beloved polar animals.
Netizen @兰塔海边的寄居蟹 revealed on Weibo: “There are so many people at the polar exhibit—three layers deep inside and out!” Netizen @Lindalei commented on photos of the animals: “@Qujiang Ocean Polar Park is much more fun than the previous aquarium. The newly added penguins, polar bears, beluga whales… are all super cute!” Netizen @susanlcy remarked: “Visiting the polar park during the Spring Festival is so relaxing and wonderful!” The Xi’an Municipal Tourism Bureau also included Qujiang Ocean Polar Park as one of the featured items in the “Xi’an Spring Festival Tourism Activity Guide.”