The dolphinarium is a key institution for cetacean conservation research in China. Located in the East Lake Scenic Area of Wuhan, it was established in 1980 as the first research base in the country dedicated to the captive breeding and study of Yangtze River dolphins.

The facility spans 25,000 square meters and features modern functional zones, including a breeding and husbandry area, research laboratories, and a science education exhibition hall, providing comprehensive infrastructure to support cetacean research.

Currently, the dolphinarium is the only facility in the world where the natural reproduction of the Yangtze finless porpoise has been successfully achieved in a captive environment. It houses 12 Yangtze finless porpoises, five of which were born in captivity, including three individuals from the second generation.

After years of development, the hall has provided critical technological support for protecting endangered species in the Yangtze River. Extensive multidisciplinary research has been conducted at the facility, covering reproductive physiology, behavioral acoustics, and conservation genetics of the Yangtze finless porpoise.