If you thought Universal Studios Beijing was the last big thing to hit China’s capital city—think again. Just next door, construction is already underway on Beijing Haichang Ocean Park, a massive new destination that’s shaping up to be one of the largest aquariums in the world. And here’s the kicker: it’s not just about tanks and fish. This place will also feature a 5,000-seat live performance theater designed for shows on a scale you’d expect from top-tier theme parks around the globe.
Why This Park Is a Big Deal
Fans of marine life parks might recognize the Haichang name. Their Shanghai park opened in 2018 and has been smashing attendance records (over 4.2 million visitors last year alone). Now, the company is teaming up once again with Legacy Entertainment—a creative powerhouse that’s been designing theme parks in China for nearly two decades—to bring something even bigger and bolder to Beijing.
Legacy isn’t shy about setting expectations high. According to COO Barry Kemper, Beijing’s park won’t just copy what worked in Shanghai. Instead, it’s being designed as “the aquarium of the future”—something unlike anything guests have seen before.
Indoor by Design
One of the most interesting choices? The whole park will be primarily indoors. If you’ve ever spent a winter in Beijing, you know why. The city’s harsh weather means an indoor design makes sense for year-round operation, keeping guests warm, comfortable, and fully immersed no matter the season.
This indoor focus also means designers can go all-out with themed environments, special effects, and storytelling—things that sometimes get tricky in open-air settings.
The 5,000-Seat Theater
Theme park fans will want to keep a close eye on the park’s giant live performance theater, which will seat around 5,000 people. That’s arena-level capacity, and it opens the door for some truly spectacular productions. Expect a mix of cutting-edge stagecraft, aquatic life, and immersive storytelling that pushes beyond the typical dolphin or sea lion show.
A New Entertainment Hub for Beijing
What makes this even more exciting is the park’s location. Being right next door to Universal Studios Beijing, it essentially creates a mega entertainment district for locals and tourists alike. Imagine hitting blockbuster rides at Universal one day and then exploring one of the world’s most advanced aquariums the next—it’s a destination combo that puts Beijing firmly on the global theme park map.
Looking Ahead
Beijing Haichang Ocean Park is set to open in 2027, and while that might sound far away, projects of this scale move fast. Between the “aquarium of the future” design, a massive performance venue, and the backing of seasoned creators, this park has all the makings of a must-visit.
Theme park fans, take note: Beijing is about to get a double dose of world-class attractions, and we’ll be keeping a close eye as construction continues.