Sun Asia Ocean World (next to Xinghai Park)

Underwater-tunnel aquarium (118m undersea tunnel, 'China's first tunnel-style aquarium'), Polar World + Coral World + Deep Sea Legend. Opened in 1995, Sun Asia Ocean World was China's first underwater-tunnel aquarium; visitors glide slowly along the 118-meter undersea tunnel on a moving walkway as sharks and rays cruise overhead — the immersion of 'walking on the seabed while fish swim around you' remains the domestic benchmark for underwater tunnels. The penguin ice palace of Polar World, the tropical reefs of Coral World and the immersive light-and-shadow of Deep Sea Legend together form a four-hall tour. The classic Dalian dilemma of 'one city, two ocean parks' pits it against Laohutan: Sun Asia wins on the tunnel experience and transport convenience (right by Xinghai Park stop), Laohutan on venue scale and animal shows. Priced from approx. CNY 190 depending on combo-ticket selection — the perfect rainy-day alternative.

Getting there: Xinghai Park stop