Beijing Zoo
Situated in the Xicheng District of Beijing, next to the Beijing Exhibition Center, Beijing Zoo is not only the largest zoological park in China, but also the earliest zoo open to the public.If you are planning to visit Beijing with family, Beijing Zoo is a great spot for both kids and adults to have an unforgettable fun time for your family trip to Beijing.
Beijing Zoo Facts
History & Development
It was once an imperial private garden of Fukangan (a kinsman of the emperor, who went for battles everywhere for the emperor and liked keep and raise rare animals in his garden) in Qing Dynasty, named “Sanbeizi Garden”. And then in 1906, the garden, along with Guangshan Temple Site and Huian Temple Site, was developed to be an Experimental Farm, which is the predecessor of Beijing Zoo. In 1955, it was officially named Beijing Zoo.
Nowadays, with an area of approximately 90 hectares (222 acres), including 8.6 hectares (21 acres) of aquarium, Beijing Zoo is home to about 5000 land animals of 500 different species and more than 10000 marine animals of 500 different species, receiving over 6 million visitors from home and abroad annually, and providing a great opportunity to witness and learn more about the lives of various animals that inhabit the world alongside us at firsthand.
Beijing Zoo Layout Map
Beijing Zoo is well-known for its collection of rare animals endemic to China. There are briefly three main areas with over 30 halls of animals in Beijing Zoo: the North Area, the West Area, and the East Area.
The North Area is home to Beijing Aquarium, Elephant House, and Hippo and Rhino House, and Eagle House.
The East Area has Giant Panda House, Lion and Tiger Mountain, Bear Mountain, Monkey Hill, American Animal Area, Australian Animal Area, Nocturnal Animal House, Canidae House, Pheasant House, Waterfowl Lake, and so on.
The West Area is home to Deer House, Giraffe House, Penguin and Otter Area, Flamingo House, Golden Monkey House, Apes House, Aviary, Mandrill House, Langur House, Amphibians and Reptiles Hall, Crested Ibis Hall, Crane House, etc.
What to See & Do at Beijing Zoo
Giant Panda House
The Giant Panda House is undoubtedly the most popular area in Beijing Zoo. Currently, there are over 11 pandas, including “Meng Lan” and “Meng Bao”. Here you can get up close to these adorable creatures. For the family travelers looking for a panda tour in China, Beijing Zoo is highly recommended, if you are not able to join the panda volunteer program in Chengdu, which is definitely the best choice to make up for regret.
Tip: Giant pandas are most active in the morning, so it’s advisable to visit the Giant Panda House right after the zoo’s open and observe the pandas get feed at 10:30 a.m.
Beijing Aquarium
What is worth mentioning is that the Beijing Aquarium is another highlight of Beijing Zoo. Opened in 1999, it is recognized as the biggest aquarium in China. It is home to a wide range of aquatic animals - piranhas, frantic arapaima, precious Chinese sturgeons, California sea lions, white whale, huge sea elephants, etc. What's more, in the Aquarium's Ocean Theater, visitors can enjoy wonderful shows performed by the dolphins, sea lions and whales.
Tip: Beijing Aquarium ticket fee is not included in the Beijing Zoo admission. You have to pay extra ¥175 per person.
Amphibians and Reptiles Hall
There are more than 90 exhibition rooms of different sizes in this area with a wide collection of amphibians and reptiles, including crocodiles, turtles and tortoises, lizards, frogs, pythons, salamanders, chameleons, and snakes. There are also three outdoor activity areas on the west side replicating natural habitats, connected to the crocodile exhibition room inside the hall.
Land Animals
In Beijing Zoo, you will have a good chance to take a closer look at a diverse of endangered species, such as Tibetan gazelle, Siberian tiger, Przewalski's horse, yak, and rare animals endemic to China like South China Tiger, golden snub-nosed monkey, white-lipped deer, Chinese Giant Salamander, and also Giant Pandas, which are the most popular animals in the zoo.
For the family travelers looking for a panda tour in China, Beijing Zoo is highly recommended, if you are not able to join the panda volunteer program in Chengdu, which is definitely the best choice to make up for regret.
Besides the rare animals endemic to China, the collection also covers many rare animals and wildlife out there in the world, from the polar bears to American bison, African elephants, zebras, kangaroos and so many others. Beijing Zoo is a veritable zoological research and conservation center in China that studies and breeds rare animals from various continents.
Landmarks & Heritage Sites
The value of Beijing Zoo is not only a paradise for animals, a good place for animal lovers, but also a classic site for those who love historical artifacts. It was elegantly constructed like a classical Chinese garden with pavilions, towers and lotus ponds set amidst natural scenery of grasslands, trees and hills. You will find many landmarks here, such as the Memorial Tower of Song jiaoren, Lemarck Hall, Changguanlou and so on. So, in addition to animals, Beijing zoo also provides visitors a sightseeing tour of some history sites and ancient Chinese architectures built in the Qing Dynasty.
Best Time to Visit Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo is suitable for visiting throughout the entire year. However, the best season to visit Beijing is spring and autumn when Beijing’s weather is comparatively mild and pleasant. It’s advisable to avoid visiting Beijing during public holidays in China because it will be overcrowded.
How to Get to Beijing Zoo
Location: No.137 Xizhimenwai Main Street, Xicheng District, Beijing City
By Taxi
Just tell the driver to drop you off at the Main Entrance of Beijing Zoo. In Chinese: 请让我在北京动物园正门（南门）下车，谢谢。You can show the Chinese to your driver for convenience.
By Subway:
Take Subway Line 4 and get off at Dongwuyuan Station (Beijing Zoo Station). Then get out from Exit B to reach the south gate (main entrance) of the zoo.
By Bus:
Take bus 7, 15, 19, 27, 45, 65, 102, 105, 107, 111, 347, 360, 534, 563, 632 or 714 and get off at Dongwuyuan Station (Beijing Zoo Station).
Beijing Zoo Opening Hours
Opening hours of Beijing Zoo:
April – October: 07:30 - 18:00
November – March of next year: 07:30 - 17:00
Opening hours of Beijing Aquarium:
April – October: 09:00 - 17:30
November – March of next year: 10:00 – 16:30
Beijing Zoo Ticket Price
Zoo Entrance Fee:
April – October: CNY 15
November – March of next year: CNY 10
Combo Ticket (including Entrance Fee & Panda House):
April – October: CNY 19
November – March of next year: CNY 14
Beijing Aquarium:
CNY 130
Sightseeing Car:
CNY 10 per person
Note:
1. Free admission for children under 6 years old (including 6 years old), children under 3.9 feet (1.2 meters).
2. Free admission for disabled people, retired veteran cadres, military personnel in retired and active service. (Valid Certificate is required.)
3. Half-price admission for the elderly with senior citizen card.
4. Half-price admission for children between 6 years old (not including 6 years old) to 18 years old (including 18 years old), Chinese students with bachelor degree or below, and foreign students (not including postgraduates, those at adult education colleges and spare-time colleges) with valid documentation.
Beijing Zoo Travel Tips
1. If you visit Beijing Zoo in summer, try to keep a distance with rhinoceros, or you will smell the stink…
2. If you visit Beijing Zoo in winter, you will not have the chance to see some hibernating animals. So, spring and autumn is the recommended season to pay a visit, and the animals are more active during these periods.
3. You should wear comfortable shoes for long walks in the zoo.
4. Various popular science lectures will be held frequently in the science museum, so it is a good chance for children to learn more about different kinds of animals.
5. Beijing Zoo is very suitable for taking a leisurely walk and parent-child activities. Besides, there is a "Huguosi Snacks" (a Peking's time-honored brand) shop here, so you can enjoy delicious food while visiting the zoo.
