Beijing Aquarium, the largest in the city, will mark Christmas Eve with an evening party.

With the assistance of a snow-making machine, the facility's outdoor square will be transformed into a snowy world of Christmas trees and timber log houses.

According to sources at the aquarium, the snow will cover about 1,000 square meters, with a myriad of different entertaining facilities and shows.

Performances by senior skiers and other winter acrobats will show off their exciting repartee during Christmas and New Years Eve.

Visitors can try their hands at snow sculpture or have laughs simply making snowmen. An animal show is a further attraction. The festive atmosphere will round off with a campfire party in the square.

Inside the aquarium, Christmas party and New Years party with lucky draws will be held in the evenings of December 24 and December 31, respectively.

Several 4-star hotels will offer a western-style buffet for visitors at the two evening parties.

Santa Claus will dive in the "ocean world" and play with sea turtles and many other water animals.

The Aquarium is open every day from 9 AM.

All galleries are fully accessible by wheelchairs which are available free of charge.

Time: 6:30 PM to 0:30 AM.

Admission: 388 yuan (US$47), 588 yuan (US$71), 888 yuan (US$107), or 1,888 yuan (US$227) per person.

On a normal day, the admission is 100 yuan (US$12) for adults and 50 yuan (US$6) for children.

Location: B18 Gaoliangqiao Xiejie, Haidian District (Inside the Beijing Zoo).

(Beijing Weekend December 18, 2004)