Taiwan’s second-largest jellyfish aquarium houses over 200 species under one roof.

By MOOK Travel Editorial Team

The Baiji Dolphin Ecological Hall, originally planned by the former Taichung City Government next to the Wujih Tourist Fishery Port, was re-evaluated by the new municipal team due to concerns that a dolphin hall without live exhibits might become a "white elephant." As a result, the venue was repositioned as a marine ecological center, creating Taiwan’s second-largest jellyfish aquarium, showcasing over 200 species from around the world. It is expected to open around 2018. Outside the marine ecological hall will be an artistically designed square, while inside, visitors can explore Taiwan’s most diverse jellyfish aquarium, along with exhibits featuring native fish species from “the Dajia River to wetlands, and from wetlands to the ocean.”

Following the redesign, the venue’s area will expand from the originally planned 6,600 square meters to 12,000 square meters. In terms of exhibition themes, the focus will shift primarily to jellyfish. The indoor entrance hall will feature a 9-foot-deep, 700-ton ocean tank, which is expected to become Taiwan’s second-largest “jellyfish aquarium,” following Pingtung’s National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium. Combined with other aquatic ecosystems, the rich variety of species on display will be both educational and visually stunning for visitors.

In addition to exhibiting jellyfish and coastal marine life, the reopened marine ecological hall will include a café and a large observation restaurant on the rooftop, offering views of the sunset and scenic ocean vistas. The planning also takes into account factors such as sea breezes, visitor flow, and sightseeing routes.

Furthermore, given the precious conservation and rehabilitation data on the Chinese white dolphin, plans include incorporating this content into a dedicated section for exhibition and education, aiming to promote ecological awareness. An outdoor public art square will also be created, allowing artists to use various abstract or representational techniques to create marine life sculptures. Through an educational and entertaining approach, the site aims to spread the message of ecological conservation.

This marine ecological hall, combining conservation with interactive education, will not only serve as a new destination for school field trips across Taiwan but also become a great spot for family outings, a popular photo spot for tourists, and an emerging highlight in the coastal tourism scene.