Shanghai Wild Animal Park
The Shanghai Wild Animal Park, established in 1995, is one of China’s largest zoological parks and a pioneer in "semi-wild" animal conservation. Covering 153 hectares (378 acres) in Pudong New Area, it houses over 200 species and 10,000+ animals, blending traditional zoo exhibits with immersive safari experiences. The park’s innovative "car-free safari" zones allow visitors to observe lions, tigers, and elephants in near-natural habitats. Designated a national AAAA-rated tourist attraction, it collaborates with global conservation groups on endangered species breeding, including giant pandas and South China tigers.
Historical Overview
Construction began in 1993 as part of Shanghai’s post-1990 economic boom, aiming to promote eco-tourism and wildlife education. The park’s opening in 1995 introduced China’s first "walk-through aviary" and big-cat safari. Key milestones include the 2002 Panda Conservation Center launch, the 2012 opening of the "Monkey Island" free-roaming zone, and the 2020 expansion of the African Plains safari. In 2022, it became the first zoo in China to achieve ISO 14001 environmental certification for sustainable practices.
Structural Layout & Themed Zones
The park is divided into three main sections:
1. Walking Tour Zone (South Area)
Highlights:Panda Plaza: Home to 10+ giant pandas, including cubs born on-site.
Golden Monkey Kingdom: Free-roaming snub-nosed monkeys and gibbons.
Butterfly Garden: 2,000+ tropical butterflies in a climate-controlled dome.
Reptile House: Albino pythons, Komodo dragons, and rare tortoises.
2. Bus Safari Zone (Central Area)
Highlights:African Plains: Lions, zebras, and giraffes in a 50-hectare savannah.
Northeast Tiger Forest: Siberian tigers in a 10-hectare forested enclosure.
Asian Elephant Valley: Observation decks for elephant herds bathing and feeding.
3. Water Safari Zone (North Area)
Highlights:Hippo Pool: Underwater viewing windows of hippos and Nile crocodiles.
Bird Lake: Pedal boats and floating feed stations for pelicans and swans.
Flamingo Lagoon: 300+ Caribbean flamingos in a pink-hued wetland.
Major Attractions
Panda Cub Nursery: Live cameras and feeding sessions for baby pandas.
Tiger Leap Show: Daily demonstration of trained tigers jumping through fire hoops (ethically supervised).
Elephant Art Studio: Painting sessions where elephants create abstract art (proceeds fund conservation).
Animal Hospital Tour: Behind-the-scenes visits to veterinary facilities (advance booking required).
Night Safari (Seasonal): After-hours tours with nocturnal animals like aardvarks and slow lorises.
Suggested Itineraries
1. Family-Friendly Route (4–5 hrs)
9 AM: Arrive (avoid crowds); start at Panda Plaza.
10 AM: Bus Safari (African Plains + Tiger Forest).
11:30 AM: Tiger Leap Show (Main Arena).
12:30 PM: Lunch at “Safari Café” (near Elephant Valley).
1:30 PM: Golden Monkey Kingdom + Butterfly Garden.
3 PM: Bird Lake Pedal Boats + Flamingo Lagoon.
4 PM: Exit via Gift Shop (plush pandas and wildlife books).
2. Educational Tour (6–7 hrs)
8:30 AM: Join guided tour (¥150/person; includes backstage animal care demo).
10 AM: Panda Cub Nursery + Hospital Tour.
12 PM: Lunch at “Bamboo Hut” (vegan options available).
1 PM: Bus Safari + Elephant Art Studio.
3 PM: Reptile House + Insect Discovery Center.
5 PM: Sunset Cruise on Bird Lake (optional ¥80 upgrade).
3. Full-Day Adventure (8+ hrs)
8 AM: Early entry for Night Safari Preview (if seasonal).
9 AM: Bus Safari + Tiger Leap Show.
11 AM: Animal Encounter (¥200/person: feed giraffes/lemurs).
12:30 PM: Lunch + Monkey Island Hike.
2 PM: Panda Conservation Talk + Butterfly Garden.
4 PM: Water Safari (Hippo Pool + Crocodile Feeding).
6 PM: Departure (optional transfer to Shanghai Disneyland via shuttle bus).
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via official website or WeChat (up to 15 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at entrance; queues peak 10 AM–1 PM.
- Prices:
Adults: ¥165 (Peak), ¥130 (Off-Peak).
Children (1.3–1.5m): ¥82 (Peak), ¥65 (Off-Peak).
Free: Children under 1.3m, seniors over 70, and disabled visitors.
Bundles: Combine with Shanghai Science & Technology Museum tickets (¥280).
Transportation
By Subway:
Line 16: Wild Animal Park Station (Exit 2), 5-minute shuttle bus.
Line 2: Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park Station (Exit 5), 20-minute taxi.
By Bus:
Routes Nanxin Line 16 or Huinan Line 6 to “Shanghai Wild Animal Park Stop.”
By Taxi:
Direct to “上海野生动物园” (Shànghǎi Yěshēng Dòngwùyuán).
Departure: Exit to Pudong Airport (40-minute drive) or Century Park (30-minute taxi).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid weekends; weekdays (Mon–Thu) are quieter.
Crowds: Summer (July–August) and Chinese New Year are busiest; spring (April–May) has blooming flowers.
Weather: Indoor exhibits (Reptile House, Panda Plaza) are ideal for rainy days.
- Essentials:
Wear sunscreen/hats (80% of walking zones are outdoor).
Rent a stroller (¥30/day) for children under 6.
Photography allowed (no flash near nocturnal animals).
Prohibited Items: Outside food, drones, and selfie sticks in animal enclosures.
Nearby Attractions
Shanghai Disney Resort: 25-minute taxi.
Dishui Lake: 40-minute drive (beachfront and water sports).
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park: 35-minute drive (marine-themed park).
