Residents in north China's Tianjin will be able to enjoy the mystery of the ocean world without having to make a special trip to Beijing as the city's first aquarium is expected to open in April. 

The "ocean world" covering over 3,000 square meters is costing 60 million yuan, or about 7 million US dollars to build.

The aquarium has adopted world class technology, introducing some 10,000 specimens of over 300 species, some of which are endangered.

A 35-meter-long submarine tunnel makes it possible for visitors to get close to the beautiful underwater world.

There are also preserved collections of marine life on display.

(CRI February 20, 2004)