The Quzhou Ocean World, the first of its kind in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, started operating on Sept 28 and proved to be one of the most popular attractions in the city during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday.

By Oct 7, the Quzhou Ocean World had already received over 100,000 visits.

The four-story facility features a 90-meter-long underwater tunnel, a mermaid pavilion, a large-scale fantasy jellyfish pavilion, a diving club, a shark pavilion, a penguin pavilion, an ice and snow world, and a large sea lion performance hall.

Visitors are captivated by majestic marine creatures. [Photo/Tide News]

Crowds gathered in the underwater tunnel to enjoy panoramic views, with children mesmerized by the majestic marine creatures.

This enchanting experience is the result of a promise made by 80-year-old investor Xie Lijuan to the children of Qujiang district in Quzhou.

Xie's connection with Quzhou began over 20 years ago through Project Hope, sponsoring children from the region. Two years ago, during a visit to a local school, she realized that many children's knowledge of the ocean was limited to textbooks. Inspired by their curiosity, Xie pledged to build an aquarium.

After 20 months of construction and an investment of approximately 300 million yuan ($42.11 million), the Quzhou Ocean World has become a reality, spanning 30,000 square meters.