By RK Shih/KHT Staff. Image via Sister Travel.
KAOHSIUNG — Chengcing Lake’s Ocean Fantasy Museum (澄清湖海洋奇珍園), a bunker-turned-aquarium that has been part of the park for more than 30 years, closed June 28 for renovation.
The temporary closure follows months of uncertainty over the attraction’s future after earlier reports said the operator’s contract could end and the site might be repurposed.
The museum is located inside Chengcing Lake Scenic Area (澄清湖風景區) in Niaosong District (鳥松區). It is built inside a former underground command post and air-raid shelter that was later converted into an aquarium.
The operator said the closure is for repair work and environmental improvements. Planned work includes building repairs, equipment updates, interior improvements, and surrounding landscape work.
The small wooden structures and ticketing area in front of the attraction are also expected to be removed as part of the renovation.
The site is expected to reopen in September if work proceeds smoothly. The renovation period is expected to take about 45 to 60 days.
The museum had previously been expected to close after its operating contract became uncertain when Kaohsiung City Government took over management of Chengcing Lake Scenic Area.
However, local media reported earlier this year that the city agreed to a three-year extension after the operator submitted an improvement plan. The renewed agreement allows the attraction to continue operating through Dec. 31, 2028.
The Ocean Fantasy Museum opened in 1992 after the former military facility was converted for public use. The underground structure includes a tunnel about 200 meters long and once contained command facilities, storage rooms, and a bedroom reserved for Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石), according to earlier reports.
The aquarium has been known for its unusual setting inside the former bunker, as well as its marine displays, fossils, shell specimens, and tanks featuring sea stars, seahorses, rays, tropical fish, eels, and other marine life.
Earlier reports said the attraction included 29 large tanks and eight exhibition areas.
The renovation gives the museum a chance to survive after what many visitors had believed would be a final goodbye last year.
