Chongqing Zoo
Chongqing Zoo Facts
Chongqing Zoo History
Built in 1953, the zoo officially opened to the public in 1955 as a tiny Western District Park, housing only 60 animals. A pivotal moment came on March 28, 1958, when Chairman Mao Zedong visited, prompting the city to transform it into a full-fledged zoo. Later in October 1960, it was officially renamed "Chongqing Zoo." After multiple expansions, it now covers an area of 45 hectares.Highlights of Chongqing Zoo
Panda House
No trip to Chongqing Zoo is complete without visiting the Panda House. It's one of China's zoos with the largest panda population, currently home to 22 giant pandas. You can see these cute giants contentedly chewing bamboo or climbing up and down the trees. Don't miss the "Four Happy Meatballs" (Chongchong, Shuangshuang, Xixi, Qingqing) with their adorable antics, and the playful sibling duo Yuke and Yu'ai. By the way, Chongqing Zoo’s Panda House has upper and lower sections housing different pandas.
Tips: 8:30-10:30 is scheduled to be the feeding and playing time, during which the pandas in Chongqing Zoo are energetic. This is prime panda-watching time.
For the ultimate panda immersion, consider extending your Chongqing trip to Chengdu’s Giant Panda Breeding Research Base or Dujiangyan Panda Base, where more pandas reside. If you want to work as a panda volunteer, Wolong China Giant Panda Garden and Bifengxia Panda Base are good places to go
>> Recommended China Panda Tours
Predator Area
Not all animals in the Predator Area of Chongqing Zoo in China are carnivores. It includes meat-eating animals like tigers, African lions, and leopards, as well as omnivores such as monkeys, orangutans, and brown bears. If you visit there in the morning, you’ll get the chance to see the tigers roaming through simulated rocky caves, showing their regal demeanor.Herbivore Area
Here, 26 different species of animals hang out in nine cool zones. The elephants are these huge, sweet giants that eat grass with their crazy-long trunks - sometimes they even wave at you. The giraffes are so elegant munching leaves with those long necks and awesome spots. The best part of this area in Chongqing Zoo is that you can actually buy branches to feed them yourself, which is super fun for kids and adults alike!
Primate Area
Entering the primate area of the Chongqing Zoo feels like stepping into a bustling "monkey community." Chimps act all smart, macaques do parkour through the trees, and shiny golden monkeys look fabulous. It's like watching a nature documentary live.
Bird Woods
This kingdom of birds houses thousands of species, like 10,000 from all over the world. You'll see crazy-cool ones like those giant blue macaws, pink flamingos that look like they're straight out of a tropical postcard, plus tall Aussie emus and fancy black swans. It's not just looking, and you can meet some birds up close during special shows or even pay to feed birds like parrots. Besides, it’s one of the best photo spots in Chongqing Zoo, which is totally Instagram-worthy during your Chongqing tours.Goldfish House
Built in 1962, the pavilion combines Suzhou garden-style architecture. Think Chinese gardens meet underwater ballet, with all these beautiful and colorful fish. Those arched bridges and lotus ponds make every photo look like a painting. No wonder it won the 'Most Beautiful' spot of Chongqing’s parks in 2017.Amphibian and Reptile Area
This area of Chongqing Zoo currently houses and displays 25 species and over 300 animals. Here, you can observe shiny golden snakes, crocodiles that ‘snore’ underwater, and salamanders that sound like crying babies. Walk through the python glass tunnel if you dare, and remember to turn off camera flashes as these animals are easily frightened.
Children’s Amusement Park
This area in Chongqing Zoo is a paradise for families with kids. Here, you can take thrilling rides like the Rapids Adventure and Pirate Ship, Bumper Cars, Grand Carousel, and Flower-Fruit Mountain Rafting. Also, you'll have interactive experiences in the Battle Shark Island, 5D/7D theaters, and Space Walk. For younger babies, the Mini Trains, Mini Shuttle, and Self-Controlled Airplanes are worth trying.Science Education Center
Located next to the Children's Amusement Park, the Science Education Center of Chongqing Zoo provides year-round activities for children aged 3 to 12, including animal-themed educational films, paper-cutting crafts, mask painting, specimen displays, and more. It's like getting a backstage pass to nature's secrets.
>> Recommended 1-Day Classic Chongqing Tour with Chongqing Zoo
How to Visit Chongqing Zoo
Chongqing Zoo covers a large area, and exploring all the animal houses requires half a day. If you are travelling in Chongqing with kids or the elderly, you can take a quick route.
Route 1: Suitable for Family Tour (2-3 hours)
East 2nd Gate → Panda House → Goldfish House → Amphibian and Reptile Area → Birds Woods → Children’s Amusement Park → Exit
Route 2: Perfect for Full Exploration (4-5 hours)
East 2nd Gate → Panda House → Goldfish House → Amphibian and Reptile Area → Birds Woods → Red Panda House → Comprehensive Animal House → Penguin House → Area for Lovely Animals → Monkey House → Lion House → Bear House → Tiger Mountain → Hippo House → Rhinoceros House → Deer House → Kangaroo House → Elephant House → Giraffe House → Exit
Tips: For a clear Chongqing Zoo map, just pull up the zoo’s WeChat account—their map shows every panda, toilet, and snack stand so you won't miss a thing.
>> Recommended 11-Day China Tour for Senior Tourists with Chongqing ZooBest Time to Visit Chongqing Zoo
Chongqing Zoo opens all year round, but the best time for visiting is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) with pleasant temperatures and active animals. Chongqing summers are hot, so visit early (8:00–10:00 AM) when pandas are most active. In extreme heat above 35°C, some animals stay indoors. Winter sees reduced animal activity, but provides a more relaxed experience, particularly in December.
>> Check out Chongqing’s weather and best time to visit
How to Get to Chongqing Zoo
By Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to Chongqing Zoo Station, exit through Gate 1, and walk directly to the East Second Gate (main entrance).By Bus: Many buses can take you to Chongqing Zoo. Board Bus No. 148/204/207/229/275/310/341/362/413/420/426/454/478/822/1200/1265 and get off at Chongqing Zoo Station.
Explore Chongqing with Easy Tour China
Want to explore more Chongqing attractions after your trip to Chongqing Zoo? Travel with Easy Tour China. With over 20 years of expertise in organizing China tours, we’ll guarantee a hassle-free tour of Chongqing to Ciqikou Ancient Town, Hongya Cave, and even a Yangtze River cruise. We book hotels, sort tickets, and arrange meals—you just show up and enjoy. Below are our ready-made China tour packages with Chongqing.
If you wish to customize your own Chongqing travel, feel free to contact us.
