Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo, established in 1906 as the Wansheng Yuan Imperial Garden, is China’s oldest and largest zoological park, spanning 89 hectares in central Beijing. Initially a royal menagerie for Qing Dynasty nobility, it transformed into a public zoo in 1908, blending heritage architecture with modern conservation efforts. Home to over 14,000 animals representing 500+ species, it showcases global biodiversity while preserving historical landmarks like the Pavilion of Auspicious Beasts and Lion Hill. Designated a National AAAA-Level Tourist Attraction, it merges education, research, and recreation, offering visitors a journey through wildlife and cultural history.
Historical Overview
Origins (1750–1906): Built as a private garden for Emperor Qianlong, housing exotic animals gifted by foreign envoys.
Republican Era (1908–1949): Renamed Wansheng Yuan Zoo, it opened to the public, becoming a symbol of China’s modernization.
PRC Era (1949–Present): Post-1949 expansions added pavilions, research centers, and the Ocean Hall (1999). Notable milestones include the 1955 arrival of China’s first giant pandas, the 1984 UNESCO collaboration on wildlife preservation, and the 2009 opening of the Giant Panda House.
Structural Layout
The zoo is divided into six thematic zones:
1. Heritage Area:Pavilion of Auspicious Beasts: A Qing Dynasty structure with stone carvings of mythical creatures. Lion Hill: A 19th-century enclosure with mock-mountain terraces for big cats.
2. Panda World:Giant Panda House: Indoor/outdoor habitats for pandas, including breeding facilities. Red Panda Grove: Bamboo forests for lesser pandas.
3. Aquatic & Marine Zone:Ocean Hall: A 5,000-sqm aquarium with beluga whales, penguins, and coral reefs. River Ecosystem Pavilion: Freshwater habitats for sturgeons and otters.
4. African Grasslands:Savanna Hall: Open-air enclosures for giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. Ape Kingdom: Chimpanzee and gorilla habitats with climbing structures.
5. Asian Wildlife:Golden Monkey Mountain: Multi-level enclosures for snub-nosed monkeys. Elephant Plaza: A 2-hectare exhibit with Asian elephants and training sessions.
6. Children’s Zoo:Petting Corral: Domestic animals (rabbits, goats) for interactive learning. Bird Garden: Aviaries with parrots, flamingos, and hornbills.
Major Attractions
Giant Panda House: Watch pandas munch bamboo in climate-controlled habitats.
Ocean Hall: Walk through a 180-degree underwater tunnel with sharks and rays.
Lion Hill: Marvel at Qing-era stone carvings while observing lions and tigers.
Golden Monkey Mountain: Observe endangered golden snub-nosed monkeys in a lush, terraced forest.
Night Safari (Seasonal): Explore nocturnal animal behavior in dimly lit trails.
Pavilion of Auspicious Beasts: Admire 18th-century stone sculptures of qilin (unicorns) and bixie (mythical guardians).
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (3–4 Hours):
Main Entrance → Pavilion of Auspicious Beasts → Lion Hill → Giant Panda House → Golden Monkey Mountain → Ocean Hall → Exit.
Highlights: Heritage sites, pandas, and marine life.Family-Friendly Route (5–6 Hours):
Main Entrance → Children’s Zoo (petting corral) → Bird Garden → Ape Kingdom → Savanna Hall → Elephant Plaza → Night Safari (if available) → Exit.
Highlights: Interactive experiences, primates, and African wildlife.Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Main Entrance → Pavilion of Auspicious Beasts → Lion Hill → Giant Panda House → Red Panda Grove → Ocean Hall → Asian Elephant Plaza → Golden Monkey Mountain → Night Safari → Exit.
Highlights: In-depth exploration of all zones, including evening activities.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official Beijing Zoo website or WeChat mini-program (up to 3 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at entrances; queues peak midday.
Prices:
Peak Season (April–October): ¥19 (adults), ¥9.5 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (November–March): ¥14 (adults), ¥7 (students/seniors).
Joint Tickets (Ocean Hall + Panda House): Additional ¥30.
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Transportation
Subway: Line 4 to Beijing Zoo Station (Exit B), 2-minute walk to the main entrance.
Bus: Routes 7, 15, 19, 27, 102, 105, or 107 to Beijing Zoo Stop.
Taxi: Direct to the South Gate (Xizhimen Outer St.) or North Gate (Xizhimen Inner St.).
Departure: Exit via the North Gate to Xizhimen transport hub or South Gate to Xizhimen South St.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM; visit early (7:30 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays are quieter.
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for mild temperatures.
Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (15,000+ steps possible).
Bring water and snacks; restaurants are available but crowded.
Photography allowed (no flash in indoor exhibits).
Prohibited items: Selfie sticks, drones, and outside food for animals.
Feeding Animals: Strictly prohibited; use designated viewing areas.
