If you are attending the Olympics this year, stop by the Blue Zoo! Of course, you will have a busy itinerary what with all the Olympic events, but this is one public aquarium that is one that is worth seeing. So, after the Olympic ceremony and some delicious local dishes, be sure to take your camera and make it to this amazing aquarium that highlights an underwater world that you probably have never seen the likes of!

The Blue Zoo was the first aquarium in the city of Beijing, which is the capital of China. Built in 1997, it stands under a lake and across the street from the Workers’ Stadium, the capital’s major sports arena.

It houses literally millions of liters of salt water for its beautiful fishy inhabitants and is the largest aquarium of its kind in Asia.

The main tank has thousands of marine creatures including: sharks, rays, eels, coral reef fish, lobsters, sea horses, starfish, and many others. There are other displays with specific themes. Also, have fun watching divers feed the fish and sharks! This delightful aquarium employs the latest in aquarium technology.

Glide through the acrylic tunnel and view fish as if you were a diver! Rest assured that the fish are well-taken-care-of with their advanced water system. Interestingly enough, the public water system is tapped, purified further, and then salt added to make it perfect for supporting the fantastic undersea world they have created.

If you’ve got your kids with you at the 2008 Olympics, they’ll love this “Blue Zoo”! It has been recommended for children by the Beijing Science and Technology Association. There is an education center and it plays a major role in education about the importance of protecting the marine environment -including a discussion of local endangered species. Read about the endangered dolphins. Dolphin therapy is one of the best kinds of therapy!

Some highlights that will stimulate your imagination: Don’t miss the baby sharks they are raising! Take a mini-course in underwater life! They even have romantic under-the-sea dinners in the tunnel for big kids!

The Blue Zoo is located at Gong Ren Ti Yu Chang South Road, Beijing, 11 100027 China.

Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Come take a look and be enchanted!