The Taichung Aquarium—the country’s only fully open and most comprehensive marine education facility—is set to make its grand debut! After 14 years of effort spanning three mayoral administrations, the Taichung Aquarium will officially open to the public on August 21. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen and City Council Speaker Chang Ching-Chao conducted their first onsite inspection yesterday (4th), expressing high praise for Taiwan’s first-ever indoor wetland experience zone and open-style exhibition design. Mayor Lu noted that the Taichung Aquarium is a major policy initiative of the city government. Planning and design began in 2012, and the facility is expected not only to become a premier site for marine education, but also to emerge as a new highlight for coastal tourism. Mayor Lu encouraged the city government team and the operating companies to make final preparations to ensure a successful opening.
Mayor Lu noted that the Taichung Aquarium, with a total investment of NT$1.3 billion, is the most advanced marine biology facility in Taiwan. Its most distinctive feature is its fully open design, which breaks away from the traditional enclosed viewing model. This allows visitors to observe marine life up close, reflecting a high level of trust in public civility. The aquarium includes interactive zones, such as a wading zone inspired by Gaomei Wetlands, where visitors can wade through shallow waters to observe aquatic life while enjoying scenic views of Taichung Port and the wetlands. Additionally, an aquatic animal care center has been established to promote responsible pet ownership and discourage abandonment or the release of animals into the wild, so as to maintain ecological balance. The breeding and conservation zone is also open to the public, enhancing the aquarium’s role in environmental education. Mayor Lu expressed her gratitude to current City Council Speaker Chang Ching-Chao and former City Council Speaker Chang Ching-Tang for their continued support, emphasizing that this aquarium is the result of many years of dedicated effort by Taichung City. It stands as the only fully open and most comprehensive marine education venue in the country.
Council Speaker Chang noted that the Taichung Aquarium—from its planning and construction to its upcoming operation—is the result of many years of dedicated effort. He expressed his appreciation for the commitment of both the city government team and the operating companies. The aquarium will not only become a new highlight of the Taichung Port area but also serve as an important destination for families to explore and learn about marine life together. He looks forward to the aquarium being integrated with nearby attractions such as the Gaomei Wetlands and Wuqi Fishing Harbor, further enhancing Taichung’s overall tourism appeal.
Mayor Lu’s inspection tour began on the third floor at the “Taichung Rivers” exhibition area, which showcases the ecology of the Dajia River basin. While promoting marine education, equal importance is placed on ecological conservation and local connections. She then proceeded to the fourth-floor “Wetlands” exhibition area to experience firsthand Taiwan’s first indoor wetland experience zone and the largest rectangular spotted garden eel display tank. Mayor Lu praised the aquarium's thoughtful integration of education, landscape, and interactive elements. In a moment of playful enthusiasm, she and Council Speaker Chang removed their shoes to step into the indoor wetland experience zone, delightfully exclaiming that children are sure to love it. Returning to the third floor, Mayor Lu also visited the “Jellyfish” exhibition area and the laboratory. Taking on the role of a teacher, she introduced children to Taiwan’s most diverse collection of jellyfish species, all showcased in a richly educational display.
Mayor Lu then proceeded to the second-floor “Penguin” exhibition area, one of the most anticipated features of the Taichung Aquarium. This area is Taiwan’s first-ever open-style penguin exhibit, breaking away from traditional enclosures and offering visitors the immersive experience of being in close proximity to the penguins. Mayor Lu remarked that this type of immersive display is both creative and appealing—not only to children’s liking, but also helping the public better understand the natural habitats of animals and the importance of conservation. She concluded her visit at the first-floor “Kuroshio Sea” and “Marine Academy” exhibition areas, which feature theater-grade immersive projections and a large Pacific Ocean tank displaying marine life in the Pacific Ocean such as sharks and stingrays—highly captivating.
The Tourism and Travel Bureau noted that the Taichung Aquarium is curated under the theme “From Taichung’s Rivers to the World’s Oceans,” a concept that not only reflects the region’s natural landscape but also enhances the educational and narrative flow of the exhibition layout. Looking ahead, the aquarium will be integrated with nearby attractions such as the Gaomei Wetlands and Wuqi Fishing Harbor, forming a powerful driver for tourism along Taichung’s coastal areas. All people from across the country are warmly invited to come to Taichung and explore the wonders of the ocean.