Mermaids and a Prince: Travel Through Qingdao’s Underwater World by Metro

Qingdao Metro has a train themed around the Underwater World. The carriages are primarily ocean blue, adorned with vivid 3D paintings of various marine creatures everywhere you look.

In Qingdao, if you haven’t ridden this themed carriage, you can hardly say you’ve truly taken the metro here.

A Fairy Tale Comes True: A Little Girl’s Wish Granted on Children’s Day

On Children’s Day, inside the “Underwater World” carriage of Qingdao Metro, a young mother sat quietly with her daughter reading the picture book *The Little Mermaid*.

Passengers felt as if they were traveling through a real underwater world. Amid the immersive ocean-blue ambiance, within the shimmering blue waters, colorful sea anemones, tropical fish with vibrant stripes, graceful jellyfish, adorable turtles, sleek sharks, and dolphins—dozens of marine species were brought to life through stunning 3D artwork.

The little girl was engrossed in reading *The Little Mermaid* in this dreamy blue carriage, lost in the fairy tale. Then she looked up and said, “Mom, I wish there were real mermaids. I’d love to see them.” Her mom smiled and replied, “Today, I’m taking you to Qingdao Underwater World to watch the mermaid show and make your wish come true.”

Just then, the sisters from the *The Little Mermaid* picture book, moved by the girl’s genuine wish, transcended time and space to become “mermaids.” They too embraced the carriage as their underwater realm, blending naturally into the blue dreamlike space. Some passengers gathered around, but the mermaid sisters weren’t frightened. Looking at the blue surroundings, they said, “This place is so beautiful!”

The little girl’s eyes lit up as she spotted the beautiful mermaid sisters. She tugged her mom’s sleeve and exclaimed, “Mom, Mom, look over there—the mermaids from the book have come to life!There are real mermaids!”

The little girl walked up to the mermaid sisters. “Mermaid sisters, did you know? My biggest wish on Children’s Day was to meet you. Qingdao’s Underwater World has mermaids just as beautiful as you. My mom is taking me to see them,” she said.

“Really? Sister, let’s go to the Underwater World and see them too!” the little mermaid said to her sister.

A kind and handsome young man, captivated by the mermaid sisters, couldn’t help but step forward. “Can I join you on your trip?” he offered eagerly to accompany the beautiful mermaid sisters.

“Get off at Huiquan Square Station. I know this area—let me come with you.” When the train arrived, the mermaids transformed into human form, and the handsome Qingdao guy acted as their guide, accompanying them off the train with enthusiasm. The entire Huiquan Square Station was also an ocean of blue, with pillars and corridors covered in various marine animal wall murals.

Across time and space, with vows as deep as the sea, the handsome guy romantically transforms into a prince.

The sea in Qingdao is incredibly beautiful.

The young prince led the mermaid sisters, along with the little girl and her mother, past the bathing beach. The silvery white sand, endless waves, and flying seagulls thrilled them, prompting them to run toward the shore with open arms. Upon touching the seawater, the mermaid sisters transformed back into their fish forms.

“Beautiful mermaids, may I take some photos of you as keepsakes?” the Qingdao prince offered warmly, taking memorable pictures of the mermaid sisters.

Before long, the group arrived at the Qingdao Aquarium and Qingdao Underwater World, known as the “Ocean Family, Vast and Profound.”

“This place is really beautiful—and it’s right by the sea,” said the younger mermaid sister.

“Yes, there are mountains, sea, and sunshine here—it’s much warmer and lovelier than the deep sea. Let’s go in and take a look,” urged the elder mermaid sister.

First, they entered the “Dreamy Jellyfish Palace,” where they saw all kinds of jellyfish. As the lights changed, the elegant, translucent creatures drifted gracefully.

In the underwater tunnel, the mermaid sisters and the little girl watched the many marine animals swimming above them and cheered joyfully. Large fish such as the tiger shark, guitarfish, and black-spotted stingray swam freely. Various rays and mantas moved with birdlike grace. Schools of migratory fish like the yellowtail darted between the reefs. Sea turtles peered curiously at the mermaid sisters below.

At the Marine Theater, they watched the “Dreamy Mermaids” performance. With soft music, high-tech projections, and live underwater actors blending reality and fantasy, the romantic love story of the mermaid princess and prince was beautifully presented. The Qingdao prince and the mermaid sisters were deeply moved by the romantic plot, remaining immersed in the moment even after the show ended.

In front of the grand, magnificent cylindrical aquarium, many visitors took photos with the beautiful mermaid sisters. Some couples posing for “oath-taking” photos also joined in, hoping for the mermaids’ blessing. The Qingdao prince, drawn to the younger mermaid, gradually fell in love with her. In that magical, romantic atmosphere, he couldn’t hold back his feelings. Bravely, he knelt on one knee before the “Oath of Love” plaque, presenting a “shark tooth” symbolizing enduring love as a token, and proposed to the little mermaid. The mermaid sister, who had fallen for him at first sight, shyly smiled and accepted. The onlookers erupted into applause, offering heartfelt blessings to this timeless couple.

“Mom, seeing real mermaids and the amazing sea creatures in the Underwater World made this Children’s Day so happy for me,” the little girl said excitedly.

“I’m happy too, and I got to witness the love story of the mermaid and the prince. Thank you for bringing her so much joy!” said the little girl’s mom.

“Here, with the sea, the mountains, and love, it’s even more wonderful than the deep ocean. We’d rather stay here,” the mermaid sisters said admiringly. “Then let’s stay in Qingdao forever—in the Underwater World?” the Qingdao prince said happily.