Tiger Beach Ocean Park

Discover Tiger Beach Ocean Park: Where Marine Wonders Meet Mythical Legends

Welcome to Tiger Beach Ocean Park, Dalian's premier coastal destination! Nestled between green hills and the Bohai Sea, this 5A-rated attraction is much more than an aquarium—it's a vibrant blend of marine life, ancient legends, and local culture. Spread across 1.18 million square meters with over 4,000 meters of scenic coastline, every corner offers a new surprise. From the awe-inspiring tiger sculptures and graceful underwater ballets to the chilly polar world and lively bird forest, your adventure is packed with unforgettable sights. Let’s follow the legendary tale of "Shi Cao Battles the Tiger" and dive into a day of “exploring the skies, diving into the deep, and discovering rich stories in between.”

1. Tiger Sculptures: The Legendary Heart of the Park

Right at the entrance, you’ll be greeted by China’s largest granite animal sculpture—a powerful group of ten tigers. They crouch, leap, and roar, perfectly capturing the strength and majesty of the king of beasts. But why name an ocean park after tigers? It all comes from a local legend.

Long ago, a fierce black tiger terrorized a nearby fishing village. A brave young man named Shi Cao fought the beast for a day and a night to save the villagers, ultimately defeating it at the cost of his own life. To honor him, the beach was named “Laohutan” (Tiger Beach) and the nearby hill “Shi Cao Mountain.” This sculpture group brings that legend to life and embodies the local spirit of courage and justice. Feel free to take photos here—let the hero’s story inspire your visit.

2. Step into a Frozen Wonderland at the Polar Pavilion

Next, let’s cool down in the world-famous Polar Pavilion—record-breaking in size, water volume, and diversity of polar animals. Step inside and you’ll feel transported to the Arctic and Antarctic (don’t worry, free shawls are available!).

Meet the charming Emperor Penguins waddling on simulated ice, then be amazed by the graceful beluga whales—the “white elves of the sea.” They glide through the water, play with trainers, and even spray joyful showers over delighted audiences.

Don’t miss the two signature shows:

“Mountains, Sea & Whales Live”: A dynamic performance where dolphins leap and whales glide, set against themes from Dalian’s coastal culture.

Underwater “Legend of the White Snake”: A magical dance where costumed divers perform amid schools of fish, blending classic folklore with marine beauty.

You can also visit the Polar Expedition Zone to see real equipment and footage from Antarctic missions—a perfect mix of education and entertainment.

3. Coral Pavilion: Dive into a Dreamy Underwater Forest

From the icy poles, we move to the warm, colorful Coral Pavilion—Asia’s largest exhibition dedicated to coral reef ecosystems. Home to over 200 species and 3,000 reef creatures, it’s a vibrant world of shapes and colors. Corals bloom in reds, pinks, and blues, while tropical fish dart through this living “underwater forest.”

Did you know corals are actually animals? In Chinese culture, they’re treasured as “gems of the sea,” symbols of fortune and nobility. The pavilion’s interactive lab lets you observe coral polyps up close and even join virtual underwater concerts.

Daily highlights include graceful water ballet and mermaid shows, where dancers move in harmony with the marine life. Feeling adventurous? Try a guided dive to swim alongside the fish yourself!

4. Bird Forest: A Symphony in the Hills

Take the park shuttle up to the Bird Forest, China’s largest semi-natural aviary. Covered by a vast net, this 45,000-square-meter forest is home to over 150 species and 1,000 birds. Walk among peacocks, red-crowned cranes, and talkative macaws in a fresh, leafy oasis.

In Chinese tradition, birds are auspicious: cranes mean longevity, peacocks bring good fortune, and magpies signal joy. Don’t miss the “Hundred Birds Pay Tribute” show, where birds showcase their talents, ending with a spectacular peacock display. You can even feed them with special treats for a close-up encounter.

5. Root Carving Museum: Where Nature Meets Art

For a change of pace, visit the Ma Siji Root Carving Art Museum. Here, discarded tree roots are transformed into stunning artworks through masterful carving. This traditional Chinese craft dates back over 2,000 years.

Ma Siji’s works are celebrated for their “perfect blend of spirit and form.” Look for the dynamic “Galloping Horses”—eight horses carved from a single boxwood root, each bursting with energy—and the serene “Eighteen Arhats,” where each Buddhist figure expresses a unique personality. Take your time here to appreciate how nature and human creativity come together.

6. Taste Dalian: A Coastal Food Journey

After all that exploration, you’ve earned a delicious meal! Dalian’s cuisine shines with fresh seafood, blending Shandong-style richness with oceanic sweetness.

1.  Dalian Abalone: A true “treasure of the sea.” Try it steamed with ginger and scallions to savor its natural tenderness and rich juice. Braised abalone and abalone rice are also popular.

2.  Sautéed Fish Fillets: A local classic. Silky fish slices are lightly fried and tossed in a savory sauce—crisp outside, tender inside, and perfectly seasoned.

3.  Seafood Dumplings: A must-try! Fillings like hairtail, shrimp, or scallop are wrapped in thin skins. Bite into a juicy hairtail dumpling for an authentic taste of the sea.

4.  Cherry Pork: No cherries here—just crispy, sweet-and-sour pork bites named for their bright red color. It’s a crowd-pleaser that cuts through richer flavors.

7. Farewell & Until Next Time

Dear guests, our Tiger Beach journey is ending, but the memories will last. We’ve witnessed courage in legend, marveled at polar life, wandered through coral forests, listened to birdsong, admired root carving artistry, and savored coastal flavors.

Tiger Beach is like a living “ocean encyclopedia”—where nature’s wonders meet human creativity, and ancient tales meet modern joy.

We hope you take home the sea breeze, the lively creatures, and the delicious tastes of Dalian. Thank you for exploring with us. Wishing you a safe trip home and hoping to see you again by these mountains and seas!