On July 18, the highest aquarium in the world started its trial operation in Xining, Qinghai, China’s northwest province.
Located at an altitude of over 2,200 meters above sea level, this aquarium is so far the highest one all around the world. It is the first aquarium on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, as well. Covering an area of 28,000 square meters, it is a comprehensive aquarium combining display of terrestrial and aquatic animals, science popularization, and entertainment programs altogether. The building is divided into several theme exhibitions, including freshwater animals, marine life, jellyfish, science popularization and interaction, pets, and belugas and dolphins theater.
The aquarium has over 400 kinds of aquatic animals and over 100 kinds of terrestrial animals. However, unlike other traditional aquarium, Xining‘s aquarium includes not only conventional ocean lives, but also rare local species, such as naked crap living in the Qinghai Lake, who is an endangered species on the China Species Red List. Meanwhile, this aquarium becomes the first to introduce local protected fish into exhibitions in China.
"Introducing marine life to the plateau area will not only educate local residents, but also be of great significance for scientific research," said Luo Ruibin, the curator of the aquarium. The aquarium is expected to be officially opened to public on August 18, 2019.