Xinjiang Tianshan Wildlife Zoo
Xinjiang Tianshan Wildlife Zoo (新疆天山野生动物园), a sprawling sanctuary nestled in the foothills of the Tianshan Mountains, is Urumqi’s premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature explorers. Covering 75 square kilometers, it is China’s largest desert-mountain zoo, home to over 200 species of animals, including rare Siberian tigers, snow leopards, and Przewalski’s horses. Designated a "National AAAA-Level Tourist Attraction," the zoo blends conservation efforts with immersive safari experiences, featuring open-range exhibits, desert landscapes, and interactive educational programs.
Historical Overview
1985: Established as the "Urumqi Botanical and Zoological Garden" with a focus on local flora and fauna.
2005: Relocated and expanded into its current site, becoming the "Xinjiang Tianshan Wildlife Zoo."
2010: Introduced the first captive-bred Przewalski’s horse herd in China.
2018: Partnered with international conservation groups to protect endangered species like the Persian leopard.
2022: Listed as a "Key Wildlife Conservation Base" by the Chinese government.
Structural Layout
The zoo is divided into five thematic zones:
- Desert Safari Zone
Siberian Tiger Enclosure: Open-range habitat with elevated viewing platforms.
Bactrian Camel Trail: Walk-through exhibit with interactive feeding stations.
Golden Eagle Aviary: Flight demonstrations and falconry displays.
- Mountain Forest Zone
Snow Leopard Valley: Glass-enclosed tunnels for up-close encounters.
Red Deer Meadow: Guided tours to observe wild ungulates.
Bear Mountain: Hiking trails with viewing hides for brown bears.
- Grassland Pavilion
Przewalski’s Horse Reserve: 10-hectare savannah with a breeding center.
Wild Yak Pasture: Seasonal migration demonstrations.
Prairie Dog Village: Underground burrow tours for children.
- Bird Paradise
Flamingo Lagoon: 1,500-square-meter wetland with nesting islands.
Owl Forest: Nocturnal house with infrared viewing windows.
Migratory Bird Observatory: Spring/autumn watchtowers for birdwatching.
- Reptile & Amphibian House
Gobi Viper Pit: Temperature-controlled habitats for venomous snakes.
Tortoise Temple: Giant Aldabra tortoises and interactive education zone.
Frog Pond: Indigenous Xinjiang amphibians in a biome exhibit.
- Supporting Structures
Safari Shuttle: Open-air buses for 2-hour guided tours (¥50/person).
Zoo Train: Miniature railway connecting major zones (¥20/ride).
Restaurants: "Nomad’s Kitchen" (mutton skewers, naan) and "Panda Café" (vegetarian options).
Gift Shops: Uyghur-style souvenirs and plush toy animals.
Major Attractions
Snow Leopard Feeding Show: 11 AM and 3 PM daily (weather permitting).
Camel Caravan Ride: 30-minute treks through the desert zone (¥30/person).
Birds of Prey Show: Falconry displays at the Eagle Plaza (10:30 AM and 2:30 PM).
Przewalski’s Horse Breeding Center: Behind-the-scenes tours (¥80, book in advance).
Night Safari: Seasonal evening tours with UV flashlights (June–August, ¥120/person).
Suggested Itineraries
- Half-Day Safari Tour (3–4 hours)
Morning: Safari Shuttle → Snow Leopard Valley → Birds of Prey Show → Lunch at "Nomad’s Kitchen."
Afternoon: Camel Caravan Ride → Prairie Dog Village → Desert Safari Zone exit.
Highlights: Big cats, camel interactions, and bird shows.
- Full-Day Wildlife Adventure (6–8 hours)
Morning: Przewalski’s Horse Tour → Bear Mountain Hike → Red Deer Meadow → Lunch at "Panda Café."
Afternoon: Reptile House → Flamingo Lagoon → Night Safari (if seasonal).
Evening: Dinner at "Tianshan Grill" (roast lamb) and stargazing near the exit.
Highlights: Endangered species, hiking, and nocturnal animals.
- Two-Day Conservation Experience
Day 1:
Morning: Volunteer program (animal enrichment activities) → Snow Leopard Feeding Show.
Afternoon: Bird Paradise Workshop → Camel Caravan Ride → Dinner at "Nomad’s Kitchen."
Evening: Campfire under the stars (book in advance).
Day 2:
Morning: Przewalski’s Horse Breeding Center → Bear Mountain Hike.
Afternoon: Reptile House Behind-the-Scenes Tour → Farewell Safari Shuttle.
Highlights: Hands-on conservation, hiking, and exclusive tours.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Ctrip or Meituan (up to 14 days in advance; combo tickets with Urumqi Red Hill Park available).
On-Site: Tickets at the main entrance (queues peak 11 AM–2 PM).
- Prices:
Peak Season (May–October): Adults ¥70, Students/Seniors ¥35.
Off-Season (November–April): 50% discount.
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Add-Ons: Safari Shuttle ¥50, Night Safari ¥120.
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1 to Sanwoba Station, then 30-minute taxi (¥40).
By Bus: Route 313 to "Tianshan Zoo Stop."
By Taxi: Direct to the main entrance (¥80 from Urumqi city center).
Departure: Exit via the South Gate to Turpan (1.5-hour drive) or North Gate to Urumqi International Airport (40-minute drive).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM (tour groups); visit 9–11 AM or 3–5 PM.
Crowds: Weekends and Chinese holidays (e.g., National Day) are packed; weekdays are calmer.
Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for hiking.
- Essentials:
Wear sunscreen and a hat (desert sun can be intense).
Bring a reusable water bottle (refill stations available).
Photography allowed (no flash near nocturnal animals).
Prohibited Items: Outside food (except in picnic zones), drones, and selfie sticks.
Insider Tip: Combine a visit with the nearby Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar (20-minute drive) for Uyghur culture or Heavenly Lake (1.5-hour drive) for alpine scenery.
