Beijing Zoo, located in Xicheng District, is China’s earliest and one of the largest zoos, established in 1906. Covering 86 hectares, it houses around 450 species and over 5,000 animals, including rare native species like giant pandas and endangered wildlife. Known for its rich collection and historical significance, it’s a world-renowned zoo and attracts over 6 million visitors yearly.
Beijing Zoo Facts
- Address: No. 137 Xiwaijie (St), Xicheng, Beijing
- Area: 86 hectares
- Type: Wildlife Areas, Nature & Parks
- Best Time: All year round
- Recommended Visiting Hours: 6 ~ 10 hours
- Open Hours: 07:30 ~ 18:00
- Admission: High season: ¥15 per ticket; Low season: ¥10 per ticket. Trips.com discount >>
- Top attractions: the Panda Hall, the Gorilla Hall, Amphibian and Reptile House
Beijing Zoo was founded in 1906. It was built by the Ministry of Commerce in the “agricultural testing ground” of the Qing Dynasty, on the former site of the “two parks and two temples”, namely Leshan Garden, Ji Garden, Guangshan Temple and Hui’an Temple, in Xizhimenwai.
Beijing Zoo Map & Layout
Beijing Zoo is divided into three main areas:
- East Area: Features big predators like lions and tigers
- West Area: Home to smaller animals like monkeys and birds
- North Area: Houses the popular Ocean Aquarium
The famous Panda House is conveniently located near the South Gate.
East Area
The East Zone of Beijing Zoo features the famous Panda House, Lion/Tiger Mountain, nocturnal animals, and exhibits showcasing wildlife from America, Australia, and Asia. Key attractions include bear habitats, monkey hills, waterfowl lakes, pheasant gardens, and canine/feline zones.
West Area
The West Zone of Beijing Zoo features giraffes, golden monkeys, tropical birds, flamingos, otters, African animals, reptiles, penguins, apes, deer, and a children’s zoo. It combines animal exhibits with educational displays in a family-friendly area.
North Area
The North Zone of Beijing Zoo features the Beijing Aquarium (China’s largest indoor ocean park), plus exhibits for elephants, rhinos, hippos and birds of prey at Eagle Mountain. This area combines aquatic and large land animals.
Top Attractions in Beijing Zoo
The Panda Hall
The Panda Garden at Beijing Zoo is one of China’s most iconic animal exhibits. Built in 1989, this 2.5-acre (10,000 sqm) facility features a unique Tai Chi-inspired layout with traditional Chinese garden elements. Home to 8 giant pandas, including the celebrity panda Meng Lan (a star attraction of the panda family).
It offers three specialized habitats: spacious outdoor enclosures for adult pandas, play areas for sub-adults, and comfortable indoor-outdoor spaces for mother-baby pairs. The design skillfully combines aesthetic beauty with practical functionality, including temperature-controlled areas and climbing structures that mimic natural bamboo forests.
Visitors can observe these beloved animals from multiple viewing angles while learning about panda conservation efforts. The garden’s harmonious blend of cultural architecture and modern animal care makes it a highlight of Beijing Zoo.
The Gorilla Hall
The Gorilla Hall at Beijing Zoo, built in 1987, is a 8,000 sqm facility featuring a 1,430 sqm indoor area and 3,600 sqm outdoor space. Designed for safety and animal welfare, it includes rock formations, climbing structures, and gorilla-themed murals. The enclosure uses 34mm reinforced glass and separate access tunnels to protect both gorillas and staff. Specialized areas include medical, breeding, and nursery rooms, while the outdoor habitat replicates natural environments with trees, shrubs, and water features. Originally home to four gorillas (Nior, Ake, Renia, and Jilang), the facility’s thoughtful design improves both animal care and visitor experience.
Other Historical Relics in Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo isn’t just about animals – it’s a living museum of China’s modern history. Within its leafy grounds, you’ll find elegant Qing-era pavilions and early 20th-century monuments that witnessed pivotal moments in Beijing’s past.
- Changguan Tower (1908): A European-style retreat built for Empress Dowager Cixi, now a protected cultural site.
- • Song Jiaoren Memorial Tower: Honors a revolutionary leader of China’s 1911 Revolution.
- • Original Agricultural Test Field: Remnants of the zoo’s 1906 origins as China’s first modern experimental farm.
- • Changchun Hall: A Qing-dynasty pavilion where Cixi rested, featuring traditional architecture.
How to get to Beijing Zoo
By Subway
Take Subway Line 4 and get off at Dongwuyuan (Beijing Zoo) Station. Get out from Exit C1 and you can see the south gate of the zoo.
By Bus
Take bus 27, 87, 105, 107, 111, 129, 305 or 332 and get off at Dongwuyuan Station, then walk eastward to find the gate.
By Boat
Take the scenic Imperial Waterway Cruise (The total length is about 9km) between Beijing Zoo and Summer Palace, following Empress Dowager Cixi’s historic route.
| Schedule | From Beijing Zoo: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30 From Ziyuwan Wharf: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 |
| Cruise duration | One hour |
| Ticket Fare | From Beijing Zoo and Summer Palace: CNY120 From Ziyuwan Wharf: CNY100 Half of the fare for children (1.2 meters – 1.4 meters). |
| Where to buy tickets | Summer Palace Stop: South Ruyi Wharf near South Ruyi Gate of Summer Palace Ziyuwan Stop: Ziyuwan Wharf beside the north gate of Purple Bamboo Garden Beijing Zoo Stop: near the ticket office of Beijing Aquarium |
Beijing Zoo Ticket Price & Opening Hours
Beijing Zoo Tickets Booking| Type | Apr. to Oct. | Nov. to next Mar. |
|---|---|---|
| Zoo Entrance Fee | CNY 15 | CNY 10 |
| Combo Ticket (Zoo + Panda Hall) | CNY 19 | CNY 14 |
| Zoo + Beijing Aquarium | CNY 175 for adult; CNY87 for children Pay an extra CNY 5 for Panda Hall | |
| Opening Hours | Zoo: 07:30 – 19:00 Aquarium: 09:00 – 17:30 | Zoo: 07:30 – 18:00 Aquarium: 10:00 – 17:00 |
Free entry for: Children under 1.2m (3.9ft) OR age 6 & below • Seniors 60+.
Beijing Zoo FAQs
Yes, Same-day tickets available (cash/Alipay), but pre-booking recommended. Panda tickets allow single entry only.
Timed entry applies to the zoo entrance only, while Panda House access requires a separate ticket without time restrictions.
Yes, strollers can be rented at the South Gate for ¥30/day.
Lockers are available near Exit C of Dongwuyuan metro station (¥10/day for backpacks, ¥20/day for suitcases).
Dining at Beijing Zoo offers diverse options: The Food Plaza (¥35) serves quick snacks, while Bamboo Town (¥38) provides Chinese meals. For a scenic experience, Swan Lake Restaurant (¥52) features animal-themed desserts, and the Panda Café (¥57) lets you enjoy drinks with panda views. All venues are conveniently located within the zoo.