A super aquarium designed for kids — Merlin Entertainments creates the ultimate family destination
Chongqing, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — On this year’s International Children’s Day, China’s first SEA LIFE aquarium —
the Chongqing Ocean Exploration Centre — officially announced that it will grandly open at Chongqing Changjiahui Shopping Park on June 15, 2017. Beat the summer heat and get ready for an up-close encounter with the vibrant, lively, and adorable marine creatures.
You may already know that oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface, making them the largest ecosystem and life-support system on our “blue planet.” They supply nearly half of the oxygen we breathe, and their diversity and productivity are closely linked to our well-being. Yet when it comes to the mysteries of the ocean, we still know very little.
Chongqing Ocean Exploration Centre to open to the public on June 15
Mr. Pan Qian, General Manager of Merlin Entertainments in Chongqing, said: “Opening an Ocean Exploration Centre is a highly complex project. We have very high requirements for daily animal care, as well as for the venue’s environmental design and development. What SEA LIFE is most proud of is creating world-class, high-quality attractions and visitor experiences globally. Therefore, in recent months, all staff at the Chongqing Ocean Exploration Centre, along with curators and aquarists from Merlin Entertainments in the UK, the US, and other countries, have been working hard to prepare for the opening, ensuring every exhibit area meets the group’s high standards. At the same time, as the first SEA LIFE venue in China, the Chongqing Ocean Exploration Centre adheres to SEA LIFE’s global brand philosophy of ‘breed, rescue, and protect.’ Our goal is to inspire — especially children — to love and understand the ocean, and to take action to protect this vital ecosystem we depend on. Here, children will learn about marine life through interactive, educational fun. Throughout this amazing journey of discovery, they will come to know and love the ocean, and thus better protect it.”
Chongqing Ocean Exploration Centre to open to the public on June 15
To enhance children’s experience, SEA LIFE launched its first “Junior Aquarist” recruitment program before the opening. On June 1, two carefully selected children were officially awarded “employment certificates” by SEA LIFE aquarist experts and underwent pre-service training, giving them a unique, joyful, and meaningful Children’s Day. These two children from Chongqing are full of curiosity and love for the ocean, and are eager to explore the work of professional aquarists. Once the Chongqing Ocean Exploration Centre officially opens, these two “Junior Aquarists” will have the opportunity to care for the marine life alongside the curators and grow together with the “ocean babies.”
Chongqing Ocean Exploration Centre to open to the public on June 15
What do starfish feel like? Where do hermit crabs get their “homes”? Do hairy crabs molt? Why and how do we protect the endangered Yangtze finless porpoise? … At the Chongqing Ocean Exploration Centre, the entire venue’s exhibits are thoughtfully designed from a child’s perspective and natural curiosity. In the “Storm Touch Pool” and “Yangtze Freshwater” themed areas, not only are the exhibits set at a child-friendly height, but children can also learn about marine life through guided tours by SEA LIFE’s expert team. With the clever combination of sound, light, and special effects, they will embark on a fantastical “ocean storm adventure,” experiencing tidal changes as a storm approaches and exploring their own “ocean journey.” Catering to children’s love for climbing and touching, SEA LIFE’s professional experience guides will also lead them to get up close with the creatures in the touch pools. In the exciting cylinder displays, children will feel as if they are underwater, playing with the fish.
In addition, the Chongqing Ocean Exploration Centre features exciting zones such as the “Shallow Sea Magic Realm,” “Seahorse Nursery,” “Ray Bay,” “Undersea Tunnel,” and “Pacific Giant Octopus,” with a total of 18 themed exhibition areas designed to gradually deepen the experience. In terms of species, the centre houses 150 types of uniquely shaped and behaviorally diverse marine creatures from around the globe, including about 100 imported species of various sizes and colors, all carefully selected with children in mind.
With the opening approaching, the “Early Bird Tickets” promotion for the Chongqing Ocean Exploration Centre is in its final sales stage: “Early Bird Single Entry Ticket” is priced at 100 RMB (original price 150 RMB), “Single Annual Pass Early Bird Ticket” at 338 RMB/year (original price 450 RMB/year), and “VIP Family (up to four people) Annual Pass Early Bird Ticket” at 888 RMB/year (original price 1600 RMB/year). Customers who purchase the annual pass early bird tickets will also receive exclusive pre-opening experiences and a beautiful gift pack, enjoying more exciting activities and benefits.
Meanwhile, the Chongqing Madame Tussauds, a one-day entertainment destination also located in Changjiahui Shopping Park and a sister brand to the Chongqing Ocean Exploration Centre, has jointly launched a two-attraction combo ticket. The original combined price of 300 RMB is now available for just 175 RMB during the early opening promotion, with a validity period of 30 days after purchase. These rich promotional offers are gifts from the Chongqing Ocean Exploration Centre to the people of Chongqing, striving to deliver an unparalleled “one-stop” family travel experience.
*For more details on Early Bird Ticket promotions, please follow the official WeChat and Weibo accounts of the Chongqing Ocean Exploration Centre.