Top 10 Zoos and Aquariums to Visit in China

Discover China’s Top 10 Must-Visit Zoos & Aquariums!

Visiting China? You’re in for a treat!

China is not just about tall buildings and ancient places.

It also has some of the coolest zoos and aquariums you’ll ever see.

Dive into our curated list of the top 10 must-visit animal havens in this captivating land!

1: Beijing Zoo

Located at 137 Xizhimen Outer Street, Xicheng District, the Beijing Zoo is considered the largest zoo in China.

It houses more than 450 animal species and upwards of 500 sea creatures.

The Beijing Zoo is home to approximately 14,500, including

• pandas,
• elephants,
• leopards,
• gorillas,
• hippos,
• and dolphins.

This ancient zoological experience is set in robust and natural gardens and trees.

It features running streams and lotus pools and traces its roots to the Qing Dynasty.

Where to Park:

When visiting the zoo, make your way to the south gate and turn left towards the south 3-door parking lot of the Triumphal Palace.

Parking spaces are plentiful and available to the public on weekends, so arriving before 9:20 am should ensure you have no trouble finding a spot.

Where to Start Your Tour:

To start your tour, head towards the main entrance of the south gate and turn right to visit the panda pavilion.

The pandas are usually awake before 10 am, and you can even grab a cup of coffee on the second floor of the Olympic panda pavilion, where there are usually no crowds.

From here, you can tailor your tour to your own preferences.

My usual route is Pandas, Monkey Mountain, Wolves, Polar Bears, Brown Bear Mountain, and Lion Tiger Mountain.

Once you’ve visited Lion Tiger Mountain, it’s usually around 11 am, which is a great time to take a break and enjoy an early lunch at Swan Lake Restaurant next to Lion Tiger Mountain.

My child always enjoys the braised beef noodles there, and they never disappoint.

After you eat lunch, head up north.

You’ll get to see

• the elephants,
• rhinos, hippos,
• and eagles!

Then, cross a bridge and see zebras, antelopes, giraffes, gorillas, orangutans, penguins, and reptiles.

By about 2 pm, you’ll be done.

To leave the zoo, go to the gate in the bottom left corner. From there, walk straight to the parking lot.

Best Time to Visit Beijing Zoo

To avoid crowds and see more active animals, it’s recommended to arrive at the zoo early, preferably before 9:30 am.

If you arrive later, you may find that many animals are sleeping and there are more people around.

Additionally, the food inside the park is not great, so it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks.

Be prepared for some walking as a full circuit of the park is likely to be at least 10,000 steps.

If you’re visiting with young children, consider bringing a stroller or a child’s buggy.

Inside the park, there are many shops that sell

• food,
• water,
• snacks,
• and simple meals.

The best time to visit the zoo is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is most comfortable.

Visitors should take advantage of this peak season as many animals hibernate after winter and there is not much to see.

Opening Hours & Ticket Price

Beijing Zoo is open from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, with the last admission at 4:00 pm.

The ticket price is 20 yuan for adults and 10 yuan for children.

Seniors and children under 1.2 meters in height can enter for free.

How to Get There

To get to the zoo, you can take subway Line 4 and get off at the Beijing Zoo Station.

Alternatively, you can take buses 7, 15, 19, 27, 45, 65, 102, 103, 105, 107, 111, 332, 334, 347, 360, 362, 534, 563, 632, 特4, 夜17, or 夜19 and get off at the Beijing Zoo Station.

2: Chengdu Panda Base

Located at 375 Panda Avenue, Chenghua District, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding remains one of China’s most exciting zoological facilities.

Giant pandas are considered a national treasure in China and are beloved creatures worldwide.

This non-profit facility is dedicated to furthering the population of this endangered species.

There are reportedly only 2,000 giant pandas, and visiting the Chengdu Panda base offers a rare opportunity to see them in a natural environment.

Best Tips for Visiting Chengdu Panda Base

To ensure the best chance of seeing pandas, visitors are advised to arrive early at the park’s south gate, which opens at 7:30 am.

Pandas are most active outside around 8:00 am, so timing is important.

Full-price tickets cost 55 yuan per person and can be purchased in advance through the WeChat official public account or other platforms such as Mafengwo and Dianping.

If you are unable to book tickets in advance through WeChat or other platforms like Dianping due to their lack of an English version, I recommend booking a private half-day Chengdu Panda Breeding Center tour via Viator to skip the line.

Alternatively, if you have limited time in Chengdu and the surrounding areas, I highly recommend combining a visit to the Panda Base with the Leshan Giant Buddha as a day trip to make the most of your time in Chengdu.

It’s also worth considering renting an audio guide, available for a deposit of 160 yuan and a rental cost of 40 yuan.

The guides are convenient to wear and provide helpful information about the park.

Visitors can take a direct bus from the city center to the park for 5 yuan per person, with return buses stopping at the west gate.

Driving is not recommended, as the parking lot is far and inconvenient.

Food options inside the park are limited, so it’s best to bring your own snacks and drinks.

Coffee is available for 38 yuan per cup, but it may not be to everyone’s taste.

Visitors should also remember to bring a power bank, camera, and panda souvenirs.

Plan for about 4 hours to tour the park, starting from 8:00 am.

It’s important to note that feeding pandas is strictly prohibited.

Visitors should also wear sunscreen and make use of the south gate’s baggage storage.

Must-see attractions include

• the Moon Delivery Room,
• No. 1 Villa, No. 2 Villa,
• and the Panda Tower.

3: Beijing Aquarium

Located at 137 Xizhimen Outer Street, Xicheng District, the Beijing Aquarium is considered the most significant inland facility and covers upwards of 30 acres.

The aquarium features a wide range of displays that include

• Rainforest Wonder,
• Bering Strait,
• Whale,
• Dolphin Bay,
• Chinese Sturgeon Hall,
• Seabed Travel,
• Feel Pool,
• and Ocean Theater.

Best Tips for Visiting Beijing Aquarium

The aquarium is always crowded, regardless of holidays.

To ensure a good view of the dolphin show, confirm the showtime in advance and arrive at least 30 minutes early.

However, the underwater tunnel is quite short.

Don’t miss the Ocean Joy Show, which has different showtimes on weekdays and weekends.

It is recommended to arrive at least an hour early to secure a good spot.

Showtimes:

• Diving Performance: Underwater World, daily at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm
• Dolphin and Sea Lion Show: Ocean Joy Show, on weekdays at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 4:00 pm

Ticket prices for Beijing Aquarium:

• Adult Ticket: 160 yuan (families with children can plan ahead for overnight activities)
• Discounted Ticket: 80 yuan

Opening hours: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm (one hour earlier in low season)

Address: 137 Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District.

Transportation Options:

Transportation options to the Beijing Aquarium include the South Gate (main entrance), accessible via Exit A of Zoo Station on Line 4, with a parking lot but limited spaces.

The North Gate (entrance to the aquarium), also with a parking lot but limited spaces.

Additional transportation options such as buses or taxis are also available for visitors to consider.

4: Dalian Forest Zoo

Located in the Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area of the Dalian south coast, the Dalian forest zoo covers about 1,779 acres and hosts more than 200 animals and 400 plant species.

The Dalian Forest Zoo is home to

• giant pandas,
• golden monkeys,
• kangaroos,
• and rare animals.

Besides seeing cool animals in their natural homes, you can’t miss the awesome Rainforest Reptile spot!

And check out the fun shows at the Gaiety Theater and Elephant place. It’s a blast!

Best Tips for Visiting Dalian Forest Zoo

Ticket prices: Adults: 118 yuan Children under 130cm: free

Parking fee: 10 yuan for the whole day

Opening hours: 9:00-16:00

Recommended Route:

South Gate (scattered area):

Ready for an adventure? Here’s your fun route:

1. Start with the pink flamingos!
2. Visit the cute small animals.
3. Say hi to pandas!
4. Peek at the Ice and Snow World (but don’t go in).
5. Laugh with monkeys at the Happy Primates Garden.
6. See African animals like zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and impalas.
7. Hang out at the alpaca square.
8. Check out cool animals in the Alpine area.
9. Spot the fierce little hunters: leopards, wolves, and more.
10. Hop over to the kangaroo garden.
11. Relax by Swan Lake.
12. Gaze at black bears, lions, and tigers.
13. (Psst! They sell chicken for tiger feeding at 12:00.)
14. Ride the escalator to the deer park.
15. Hop on a sightseeing car (20 yuan) to see more cool spots.
16. Catch the parrot show at the Happy Theater at 13:00.
17. Meet bears at Bear Mountain and monkeys at the golden monkey pavilion.
18. Enjoy the Elephant show at 14:00.
19. Learn at the Polar Science Museum and Bird Pavilion.
20. Roar with the dinosaurs at Dinosaur Park.
21. Take the sightseeing car back to the North Gate.
22. Finish with a cable car ride to the South Gate (60 yuan).

Recommended attractions:

Panda Pavilion: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As soon as you enter, there is a photo spot, with a free 3-inch photo and a 50 yuan commemorative album.

On the left side of the photo spot, there is information about pandas.

Upstairs, you can watch pandas’ lives on the observation deck, take photos with pandas through the glass, and enjoy some snacks to reduce weight.

African herbivorous animal area: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

You really feel the vastness as soon as you enter.

The wooden fence inside is also very artistic.

The only downside is that you cannot get close to the giraffes and take photos with them.

Note: Many people secretly bring carrots to feed small animals.

Happy Primates Garden: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

You can see all kinds of monkeys playing and fighting there.

Small carnivorous animal area and alpine area: ⭐️⭐️

The small animals seemed lazy around noon. The feeling of standing high on the mountain and looking at them is good.

Happy Theater: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The parrot show is very interesting, don’t miss it.

Time: Monday to Friday (11:00/13:00/15:00), weekends/7.15～8.20 (10:00/11:00/13:00/15:00)

There are parrot slides, rope walks, ring tossing, weightlifting, etc.

Elephant Behavior Exhibition Hall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Time: Monday to Friday (12:00/13:30/15:00), weekends/7.15～8.20 (10:30/12:00/13:00/14:00/15:30)

There are performances such as water spraying, carrot seeking, hula hooping, etc.

Dinosaur Park: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Suitable for children to play, it’s really hands-free. 

Be sure to bring a stroller for your child (scooters are highly recommended).

There are places to eat inside, so I regret bringing my own food as it was heavy and tiring.

5: Shanghai Zoo

Located near the Hongqiao International Airport on the outskirts of the city, Shanghai zoo showcases upwards of 600 rare animals and 6,000 creatures in total.

Its main wildlife attractions include

• giant pandas,
• golden monkeys,
• and South China tigers.

Best Tips for Visiting Shanghai Zoo

Location: 2381 Hongqiao Road, Changning District, Shanghai

🚇 Subway: Shanghai Zoo Station, Line 10 ⬇️ (Line 10 has two directions 🧭, pay attention to whether you are heading towards Hangzhong Road or Hongqiao Railway Station when taking the subway!)

🚗 Self-driving: The zoo’s parking lot fills up quickly, so arrive early.

There are two more parking lots further ahead, which are farther away from the zoo and require some walking.

There are also parking lots on Hami Road and Pingxi Road, which cost 40 yuan until 18:00.

🎫 Ticket purchase: Dianping, Meituan Apps (purchase one day in advance)

🧳 Luggage: Stroller (camper), tent, fruit, food (the food inside the park is not good and expensive), water, snacks

🗺 Optimal route: (Visit in reverse!) Primate area – Herbivorous animal area – Carnivorous animal area – Bird area – Amphibian area

👍 Advantages of visiting in reverse:

Visiting in reverse has fewer tourists.

It only takes about five minutes to walk to the primate area, and the animals along the way are in good spirits👌.

Most of the animals on the left side of the map are concentrated together.

If you have good stamina at the beginning, you can see many small animals.

If you get tired later, you can skip the fish and birds.

If you get tired by the time you reach the bird area, you can set up a tent⛺️ on the lawn and take a nap with your child, which is very comfortable😌.

🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹 The entire journey takes about four hours to complete, which is easy and relaxed.

The child is happy, and the adults also save energy!

When I remember the first time I took my child to the zoo, we were walking forward, and it was very crowded all the way.

The signs in this zoo are already few, and it’s easy to get lost. We took many wrong turns and were exhausted!

There is a big loudspeaker📣 at the amphibian area calling for people to line up to see the tigers🐯 and lions🦁️, and we stood there stupidly in line!

In fact, it was a queue for the sightseeing car! It’s completely misleading!

Taking the sightseeing car is indeed labor-saving!

However, it only travels on the main road and you can’t see any animals. 

If you’re visiting with your child, be sure to visit in reverse! Travel in the opposite direction.

6: Guangzhou Zoo

Located at 120 Xianlie Middle Rd, Yuexiu, Guangzhou, the Guangzhou Zoo spans more than 100 acres and ranks among the three most extensive urban facilities in China.

Home to more than 450 species and 4,500 creatures, the giant pandas, tigers, and lions are its main visitor draws.

The zoo also features a beautiful Goldfish Garden, and animal performances entertain visitors.

How to Visit Guangzhou Zoo

Getting There:

1. Take Line 6 of the subway to Huanghuagang Station, and then exit from A. Walk about 500 meters to the north gate of the zoo.
2. Alternatively, take Line 5 of the subway to Guangzhou Zoo Station, and then enter from the south gate.

Ticket Prices:

1. Adult ticket: 20RMB
2. Children and student ticket: 10RMB

Tips for Visitors:

1. The zoo is large and can be visited for a whole day. Since the weather in Guangzhou is hot, it’s recommended to wear light clothing.
2. Bring your own water and snacks since the food inside the zoo is relatively expensive.
3. It’s recommended to visit on weekdays when there are fewer people.
4. It’s best to arrive early, especially if you want to see the giant pandas. This will help you avoid long queues and allow you to take your time to explore the zoo.

Photo Opportunities:

1. Take a photo at the aquarium in the Jinlin Garden. Note that there might be a queue for taking a photo at the love fish aquarium.
2. Take a photo of the flowers at the lake, especially at Swan Lake Square.
3. Don’t miss the south gate amusement park, which features a carousel, swings, and a red mushroom.

7: Siberian Tiger Park

Located on the banks of the Songhua River northwest of Harbin, this park remains the most significant natural wildlife park for Siberian tigers.

Spanning more than 350 acres, the preserve was created in 1996 to protect this endangered predator. Visitors can safely view the king of tigers in its natural habitat.

Tips for Visiting the Siberian Tiger Park in Harbin:

Best time to visit:

In the morning, the tigers tend to sleep during the afternoon when it is hot.

Also, the weather is cooler in the morning, and the tigers are more active after waking up from their naps.

Transportation:

Taking a taxi from Zhong Yang Da Jie costs around 31 yuan, while the bus is also a convenient option, with the 35 bus stopping near the park. To return, take the subway after the bus ride.

Ticket purchase:

It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance on Meituan, but note that there is a one-hour wait time before entering the park.

There are two ticket options: the regular ticket (100 yuan) and the exciting ticket (125 yuan).

With the regular ticket, there’s a big glass window between you and the tigers.

But, if you’re feeling brave, the exciting ticket has no glass!

Plus, you get to feed the tigers meat and see them super close-up.

Which one will you choose?

Park tour:

After entering the park and getting your ticket, you’ll board a tour vehicle that will take you on a drive through the park.

You’ll see tigers lounging in the trees, drinking water, and walking around.

There are also a few lions in the park.

After the tour, you can walk around an observation deck to see more tigers up close.

Don’t miss the Cute Tiger Park:

After exiting the park, you’ll come across a small square.

Walk straight ahead, and you’ll see a ticket booth for the Cute Tiger Park, where you can see baby tigers and other small animals.

Admission is included in your park ticket.

Feeding the tigers costs 20 yuan per piece of meat, which must be purchased on the tour vehicle from the driver.

Only buckets of meat are sold, which cost 200 yuan each.

Overall, it can be expensive to visit the park, with admission and meat for three people totaling 585 yuan.

8: Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

Located on Albany Road in the Central District of Hong Kong Island, this garden spans more than 13 acres and is home to more than

• 200 birds,
• 70 mammals,
• 30 reptiles,
• and 900 plant species.

Built during the late 19^th Century, it houses species worldwide, including the American flamingo and Bornean Orangutan, among others.

Location: Central, Hong Kong Island, Aberdeen Street, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

Opening Hours: Fountain Terrace: 5 am-10 pm Mammal Exhibits: 10 am-9 pm Greenhouse and Education Exhibition Center: 9 am-4:30 pm

Admission Fee: Free

Overview:

Hong Kong’s free zoo is located in a peaceful setting on a hillside in the middle of the city. It is home to over 200 animals, some of which are endangered species.

Getting There:

As the zoo is located on a hill, taking a taxi is recommended for those with strollers or young children.

Things to Do:

Visitors can easily spend one to two hours exploring the zoo and its various exhibits.

The animals are well-cared for and appear happy and healthy.

The zoo is also home to a variety of birds and turtles, and visitors may even catch a glimpse of a white kangaroo.

The park is also full of lush vegetation, and the sounds of various birds can be heard throughout.

Children can enjoy playing on the slides and swings, and afterward, visitors can head down the hill to Central to explore the city’s shops and restaurants.

Overall, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is a peaceful and educational destination that is enjoyable for both adults and children.

9: Chongqing Zoo

Located 5 miles from the center of Chongqing City in the Jiulongpo District, Chongqing zoo covers approximately 111 acres and houses upwards of 230 species and 4,000 creatures all told.

Rare animals include

• Yakin,
• argali,
• South China tiger,
• and clouded leopard.

There is also an amusement park for children.

Essential Tips for Visiting Chongqing Zoo

Chongqing Zoo is a popular destination for families and animal lovers, but it can get crowded on weekends.

To make the most of your visit, use the east gate instead of the main entrance to avoid long queues.

This article provides details on the zoo’s address, admission prices, hours of operation, and attractions.

Details:

Address: No.1, Xijiao Yicun, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing

Navigation: Take Line 2 to Dongwuyuan Station, then use Exit 1 and follow the signs to the east gate. Ticket prices:

Peak season: 25 yuan/person (January to November)

Off-season: 20 yuan/person (December)

Student ID holders get a 50% discount

Opening hours: 08:00-17:00 all year round (entry stops at 16:30)

Attractions:

The Chongqing Zoo is home to over 200 species of animals, with the highlight being the 21 adorable pandas.

Other animal exhibitions include fish and amphibians, birds, herbivores, carnivores, primates, and more.

Recommended visit time:

Plan to spend 3-4 hours exploring the zoo’s various exhibits.

Travel tips:

Bring your own snacks and water to save money, as prices inside the park can be twice as expensive as outside.

Additionally, be aware of potential language barriers and consider using a translation app or phrasebook.

Conclusion: Visiting the Chongqing Zoo is a fun and educational experience, but it’s important to plan ahead and avoid crowds.

By using the east entrance, visitors can save time and start enjoying the zoo’s many attractions right away.

10: Shenzhen Safari Park

The first zoo to feature uncaged wildlife in China, Shenzhen Safari Park spans more than 150 acres within the city’s metropolitan area.

It features more than 300 species and 10,000 animals worldwide, including

• the national treasure giant pandas,
• golden monkeys,
• and South China tigers, among others.

Visitors can also enjoy the adjacent amusement park.

Tips for Visiting Shenzhen Safari Park

Directions:

🚙Driving: Navigate to “Shenzhen Safari Park Parking Lot” and pay a fee of 20 yuan per day.

🚊Metro: Take Line 7 to the “Xili Lake” station and exit from the B exit.

🚌Bus: Get off at the “Safari Park” stop.

Opening hours: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Ticket prices:

• General admission: 199 yuan/person
• Children under 1.2 meters: free
• An annual pass for women: 388 yuan
• Parent-child annual pass: 99 yuan/person, includes access to other amusement parks

Tips for Visitors:

✅Pick up a guide map on the left side after entering the park to help navigate.

✅Consider purchasing the park’s small train tickets if you don’t want to walk the entire park. It’s recommended to buy multiple tickets for unlimited rides.

• Children under 1.4 meters: 15 yuan for one ride, 20 yuan for multiple rides
• Adults above 1.4 meters: 30 yuan for one ride, 40 yuan for multiple rides A single ride takes you only to the end station (Panda Station), while multiple rides allow unlimited on-and-off.
• You can also rent electric carts for 120 yuan per hour.

✅Walking is recommended to fully experience the variety of animal attractions in close proximity.

✅Bring your own food and snacks as there is only one restaurant near the circus, which is far from other attractions, and the food and snacks inside the park are more expensive.

Recommended Route:

Plan your visit for the morning and afternoon, and follow this suggested route:

1. Wildlife Canyon
2. Marine World
3. Happy Valley
4. Carnivorous Animal Zone
5. Herbivorous Animal Zone
6. Giraffe Zone
7. Monkey Mountain
8. Bird Paradise
9. Performances

Other Tips: ✨Feeding animals is a favorite activity for children, but outside food is not allowed.

You can buy food at the park for feeding animals, with prices ranging from 10-50 yuan.

• Tiger feeding: 50 yuan
• Giraffe feeding: 20 yuan
• Alpaca feeding: 20 yuan

✨Recommended performances include the Ocean World Show, Beast Parade, and Circus Show.

Separate tickets are required for weekend and holiday performances.

✨Note that the Beast Parade only has one show per day, so make sure not to miss it.

Conclusion: The Shenzhen Safari Park is a great destination for families and animal lovers.

By following the suggested routes and tips, visitors can have a great experience at the park.

Final Thoughts

To wrap things up, China has some truly awesome zoos that everyone will love, no matter how old you are.

Ever wanted to see a giant panda up close? Head to the Chengdu Research Base!

Or maybe you want to see tons of different animals? Try the Shanghai Zoo!

These 10 zoos will teach you lots and make sure you have fun, too.

If you love animals or just want a cool place to spend the day with your family, these zoos are a must-visit when you’re in China! 🐼🦁🐘🎋🇨🇳

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