1st Mekong aquarium opens in south Yunnan

The Underwater World of the Mekong River -- the first Mekong-themed aquarium in China -- opened in south Yunnan’s Xishuangbanna prefecture on January 6, with a guardian action for water creatures initiated on the same day.

Showcasing indigenous fishes in the Lancang-Mekong river basin, as well as the rare freshwater fishes and amphibians in the Yangtze River basin, the aquarium features rainforest landscapes, 7D theaters and ballet performances, in an effrot to improve visitors' experience. 

The aquarium covers a floor area of 11,000 square meters and consumed an investment of 140 million yuan. By joining hands with the Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, it will also house some endangered Chinese sturgeon and Yangtze sturgeon.

Reporting by Dai Zhenhua (Yunnan Daily); trans-editing by Wang Shixue