Visitors seeking an escape from the summer heat will soon find an underwater adventure in downtown Guangzhou. On July 10, Grandview Aquarium at Grandview Mall will unveil the first Ocean Magic Fantasy City in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, kicking off a 38-day immersive summer event that combines marine life, magic performances, and interactive entertainment.
The summer attraction turns the aquarium into a fantasy-themed venue, offering a climiate-controlled retreat where visitors can explore underwater exhibits, enjoy close-up magic and Chinese-inspired underwater shows, and engage in anime-themed interactions—all while escaping the summer sun.
Live performances are a major highlight of the event. More than 100 professional magicians will stage nearly 100 close-up and street magic shows each day across 16 mini-theaters. On weekends, renowned magicians Hu Kailun and Ding Jianzhong, both known for their performances on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, will deliver special performances and meet visitors at autograph sessions.
The program features five signature shows. The original underwater production, The Monkey King Stirs the Sea, recreates the legendary Dragon King's Palace using the aquarium's 40-meter deep-sea tank acknowledged by Guinness World Records as its stage. Other spectacular performances include the Chinese-inspired underwater shows Flying Apsaras of Dunhuang, The Beginning of Green and White, and Mermaid Phantom, as well as Escape from the Megalodon, a fantasy-themed underwater action show.
Grandview Aquarium will extend the experience into the evening with Ocean Magic Night, featuring more than 35 after-dark performances. Close-up magic, large-scale productions, and interactive anime storylines will create a unique night atmosphere, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet that offers more than 120 culinary options.
Running concurrently with the marine attraction, the Fourth Grandview Planet Anime Carnival will kick off with a two-night celebration on July 10 and 11, while the full festival continues through August 31.
The opening event will feature an immersive fantasy storyline, a cyber-themed stage, and a parade of more than 1,000 cosplayers from more than 20 themed groups. Characters inspired by science fiction, comics, Chinese culture, and anime will interact with visitors throughout the venue, offering photo opportunities, parades, and prize giveaways to enhance the festive atmosphere.
By seamlessly combining marine attractions, live entertainment, and anime culture, Grandview Mall aims to offer a one-stop summer destination for families, young visitors, and tourists in downtown Guangzhou during the school holiday season.
Author | Liu Lingzhi
Photo | Grandview Mall
