Mermaid performers from around the world star at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

An underwater visual feast by mermaid performers from across the globe is being presented at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park in the Pudong New Area this summer.

The global mermaid show will be staged every weekend through August 25 with professional mermaids bringing close-up interactive performances at the underwater world pavilion of the park.

Seolhwa Hong from South Korea, the champion of the 2024 China Mermaid Open & International Mermaid Competition, presented a new mythology-themed performance with her team over the weekend and wowed the audience with their skills.

Hong was a dancer in the past but was unable to continue dancing after she broke her leg in an accident. She took up being a mermaid performer, fulfilling her dream.

"I dreamed to be a mermaid and started practising two years ago," she said.

"Normally people think mermaids just swim and say 'hi' like that, but it actually needs much training from breathing to self expression," she said.

"The tank is really large, and it has a really big current so actually it's really hard to swim for an amateur," Hong added.

"I feel really happy to swim here, and I felt the Chinese people really like mermaids, which makes me happy."

The park has prepared a series of fun activities this summer. These include a water splash festival, anime carnival parties, shows, and dances, as well as a fireworks gala and unmanned aerial vehicle performances.

If you go:

Opening hours: 9am-9pm

Address: 166 Yinfei Road, Pudong New Area 上海市浦东新区银飞路166号

Admission: 299 yuan per adult