Shekou Sea World is a large open plaza in the Shekou area of Nanshan District, centered on its landmark ship, the Minghua — a French ocean liner built in 1962 as the Ancerville — which has been permanently docked here and turned into a one-of-a-kind city landmark. The ship now houses restaurants, cafes and shops, while the surrounding plaza hosts evening light and musical fountain shows that draw both residents and visitors, along with a well-known mermaid statue nearby. The plaza is one of Shenzhen's most popular nightlife and photography spots, especially after dark when the ship and surrounding buildings are lit up, and sits just steps from the Sea World Culture and Arts Centre.