The Xihong Zoo Aquarium, as the only independently operated and currently largest venue within Xihong Zoo, covers an area of 10,000 square meters.
The main structure is divided into a seabed tunnel, a deep-sea landscape, an 18-meter long tropical coral tank, a specimen tank, a touch pool, a freshwater world, a koi pond, a shark exhibit, and a sea lion paradise.
Additionally, a portion of the previously existing artificial lake has been incorporated, creating a landscape that is half land and half water.
As for the aquatic animals within, in addition to the existing ones, Yang Lin also invested heavily in purchasing some marine fish and a large quantity of coral.
Although the overall collection is still somewhat sparse, it now has all the essential elements.
He had initially worried that tourists might not be impressed by the limited number of animals on display, but upon seeing the ticket sales, he knew he had overthought it.
It was just opening time for the aquarium, and a large crowd of impatient visitors was already waiting at the entrance.
The moment the gates opened, visitors surged inside.
Upon entering the venue, a seabed tunnel approximately twenty meters long appeared before them.
Both overhead and all around was a vast expanse of azure blue water, which, combined with the artificial underwater scenery, appeared mysterious and magnificent.
This immediately gave everyone the sensation of being at the bottom of the sea.
Those who were witnessing such a sight for the first time were instantly captivated.
It was at this moment that schools of fish suddenly appeared from all directions.
These colorful marine fish, while perhaps not exceedingly rare, astonishingly showed no fear of humans.
As soon as a visitor approached, they would actively swim closer.
"Wow, this little fish seems to be talking to me."
"Look, these fish are moving with my hand."
"Could it be that every single fish has been trained?"
"I've been to Hengqin Ocean Kingdom before, and although their seabed tunnel was grander, I feel like the fish here at Xihong Zoo are more engaging."
"However, if it's just these small fish, I feel it's still a bit lacking."
Just as this visitor finished speaking, several large creatures slowly emerged from the shadows.
As they swam closer, everyone's eyes lit up.
"It's dolphins, and six of them!"
"These dolphins are swimming in formation."
"What are they going to do?"
Under the perplexed gaze of the crowd, the six dolphins positioned themselves on either side.
In the next second, dolphin calls echoed through the surround sound system on both sides of the tunnel, reaching the ears of the visitors.
Initially, there was a slight sense of disarray, but as they listened, they inexplicably felt a unique charm.
And this was clearly just the beginning.
After the six dolphins began to sing, the marine fish that had been swimming around scattered and then converged around the dolphins.
Instantly, a massive school of fish formed.
Accompanied by the dolphins' songs, the fish schools separated and reunited, moving up and down, and occasionally converging into shapes resembling musical notes.
Combined with the occasional large sea turtle weaving through the fish schools, it was a grand underwater symphony.
As everyone was mesmerized by this opening performance, another colorful figure swam towards them from the depths of the ocean.
Behind this figure trailed a long, iridescent fish tail, which shimmered brilliantly under the underwater lights.
Attached to this fish tail was the human-like torso of a creature with long golden hair.
However, due to the refraction of light, it was difficult to discern its features clearly at first.
But clearly, the crowd's attention was not on its appearance but on its graceful swimming.
Surrounded by schools of fish, it moved like a true aquatic creature, its posture so elegant and beautiful.
More importantly, it possessed a kind of magic; wherever it went, it attracted large schools of fish to follow.
With a wave of its hand, it could guide the fish into various formations.
Coupled with the dolphins' beautiful singing and the dazzling underwater lights, visitors instantly felt as though they were in a fairytale underwater world.
And that colorful figure was the mermaid princess of this underwater kingdom.
For a moment, everyone, regardless of age or gender, was immersed in this breathtaking scene.
"A mermaid, Xihong Zoo actually managed to find a real mermaid."
"This is too beautiful! Where did the park director find her?"
"I knew the fairy tales I read as a child weren't lying; mermaids really do exist."
"I always thought the mermaid princess lived in an underwater palace, but unexpectedly, she lives in Xihong Zoo."
"Is the mermaid a protected animal?"
"I knew Director Yang had some skills to be able to bring a mermaid here."
"Mom, I've fallen in love. It doesn't matter if she's human or fish anymore. I declare this mermaid lady to be the love of my life."
"Does the aquarium have monthly passes? No, annual passes! I'll come every day from now on."
"Daughter, Dad will bring you to the aquarium every week, okay? Didn't you say when you were little that you wanted to be a mermaid princess? What, now you want to be Princess Elsa? No, it must be the mermaid princess."
"It's worth it, it's worth it. For just this opening performance, I wouldn't even mind if they showed me a seafood market next."
"Is this really a show that can be seen for a 50 yuan ticket?"
"But it would be even better if we could see what the mermaid lady looks like."
"Yeah, we can only see a general outline."
"I think with such graceful swimming, she must be a great beauty."
"Of course she is."
.....
Just as everyone was filled with curiosity about the appearance of their so-called mermaid lady, the singing of the six dolphins abruptly stopped.
The fish dispersed, and the opening performance seemed to have concluded.
As per custom, the mermaid, as a performer, would come forward to acknowledge the audience.
Everyone's anticipation grew.
And indeed, things unfolded as they had imagined.
The next moment, the mermaid with the colorful tail gracefully swam towards the crowd.
As she drew closer, the spectators could gradually make out her features.
But as they looked, everyone's expression changed.
Because the more they looked, the more this mermaid seemed vaguely familiar.
By the time she was completely close, an unexpected face appeared before everyone.
At this moment, the entire venue fell into complete silence.
After more than a minute, a visitor, with an expression akin to mourning, said:
"It's over. My beautiful mermaid lady is gone."
"My dream is shattered!"
"Park director, why did you have to do this?"