Located at No. 137 Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, Beijing Zoo is one of the earliest and most comprehensive zoos in China. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a national science popularization education base. Covering an area of approximately 90 hectares, the zoo houses over 30 animal exhibition halls and facilities, displaying more than 500 species and 5,000 individual animals. It receives around 6 million visitors annually. The zoo retains many classical buildings from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, such as the Changguan Tower and Changchun Hall, combining classical garden aesthetics with modern zoo design. It serves as a comprehensive center for animal conservation, scientific research, science education, and leisure activities.
Historical and Cultural Background
Founded in 1908 during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, Beijing Zoo was originally named "Wanshengyuan" (Garden of All Living Beings), making it the first public zoo in Chinese history. At that time, it housed animals from across China, Southeast Asia, and Europe, including lions, tigers, and elephants, and featured a botanical garden, becoming an important cultural facility during the late Qing Dynasty's reform period.
During the Republican era, the zoo was renamed several times, including "Agricultural Experiment Station" and "Natural Museum," with changes in its animal collection. After 1949, it was officially named "Beijing Zoo" and underwent extensive expansions: the Monkey Mountain was built in 1955, the Panda House opened in 1956, and the Elephant House was completed in 1978, gradually forming a comprehensive animal display system. In 2008, in preparation for the Beijing Olympics, the zoo renovated its facilities and built the Olympic Panda House, further enhancing its exhibition and visitor experience.
As the birthplace of China's modern zoo industry, Beijing Zoo has achieved significant breakthroughs in animal breeding and conservation, successfully reproducing endangered species such as giant pandas, golden monkeys, and South China tigers, contributing to global conservation efforts. Historical buildings like the Changguan Tower and Changchun Hall are protected as cultural relics by Beijing Municipality, witnessing the development of China's modern zoo history.
Main Attractions
Panda House
The Panda House is the iconic landmark of Beijing Zoo, divided into the Asian Games Panda House (built in 1990) and the Olympic Panda House (built in 2008). The Asian Games Panda House covers 1,500 square meters, featuring indoor exhibition areas and outdoor activity spaces that mimic the pandas' natural habitat. The Olympic Panda House, spanning 3,000 square meters, employs eco-friendly design with geothermal heating and cooling systems to ensure optimal living conditions. It can accommodate 8-10 pandas, allowing visitors to observe them eating and playing through glass partitions.
Lion and Tiger Hill
Built in 1956, the Lion and Tiger Hill is one of the most representative exhibits at Beijing Zoo. The complex consists of a main peak (11 meters high) housing lion enclosures and three auxiliary peaks for tigers, surrounding a 30-meter-wide outdoor activity area. The design mimics a natural mountainous environment with trees, rocks, and ponds, providing space for lions and tigers to climb and rest. It houses species such as Siberian tigers, Bengal tigers, and African lions, allowing visitors to observe these majestic predators in a semi-natural setting from a circular viewing gallery.
Monkey Mountain
Established in 1955, the Monkey Mountain is one of the oldest exhibits at Beijing Zoo, featuring a sunken design covering approximately 1,000 square meters. A central 7-meter-high rock formation with caves and climbing structures is surrounded by a circular pond, creating a "mountain surrounded by water" layout. It is home to over 20 primate species, including rhesus macaques, golden monkeys (a rare Chinese endemic species with golden fur), and white-cheeked gibbons. Visitors can watch the playful antics of these primates from elevated viewing platforms.
Ocean Hall
Located north of the zoo, the Beijing Ocean Hall is a large-scale marine exhibition center covering 42,000 square meters, opened in 1999. It features themed zones including the Rainforest Wonder, Touch Pool, Underwater Tunnel, Bering Strait, Dolphin Bay, and Ocean Theater, housing over 1,000 marine species. The highlight is an 80-meter-long underwater tunnel where visitors can walk beneath sharks, rays, and other marine life. The Ocean Theater hosts daily dolphin and sea lion shows, a popular attraction for families.
Giraffe House
Built in 1980, the Giraffe House covers 1,200 square meters, divided into indoor exhibition halls (9 meters high with feeding troughs and heated pools) and outdoor activity areas (2,000 square meters with tall trees replicating their natural habitat). It houses reticulated giraffes and Masai giraffes, which can reach heights of 5-6 meters. Visitors can observe their unique feeding behavior up close and, under supervision, purchase special feed to interact with them.
Culinary Delights
Traditional Beijing Zhajiangmian
Available at the zoo's restaurants, this classic Beijing dish features hand-pulled noodles topped with stir-fried minced pork in fermented soybean paste, accompanied by eight vegetable condiments such as cucumber, bean sprouts, and pickled turnip. It offers a rich, savory flavor and chewy texture. Recommended at the restaurant near the Panda House for convenience during your visit, with an average cost of around 35 yuan per person.
Hamburger Set Meal
Served at the fast-food joint near the Ocean Hall, this option includes beef or chicken hamburgers, fries, and cola, ideal for children and visitors preferring Western cuisine. With generous portions, it provides a quick energy boost for continued exploration, costing approximately 45 yuan per person.
Candied Hawthorn on a Stick
Available at various snack stands throughout the zoo, these traditional Beijing treats feature fresh hawthorn fruits skewered and coated in crispy sugar syrup. Tangy and sweet, they offer a nostalgic taste of childhood, priced at 8 yuan per stick.
Huguosi Snacks
Located about 200 meters west of the zoo's west gate, this branch of the famous Beijing snack chain offers authentic local delicacies such as pea cake, glutinous rice rolls with sweet bean paste, aiwowo (steamed rice balls), and douzhi (fermented soybean drink). With affordable prices averaging 20 yuan per person, it's a great spot to sample traditional Beijing flavors after your zoo visit.
Admission Tickets
General admission is 15 yuan per person.
For the latest updates and online ticket purchases, search for the official WeChat public account "北京动物园".
Opening Hours
Peak Season (April 1 - October 31): 7:30 - 18:00 (last entry at 17:00); Off-Season (November 1 - March 31): 7:30 - 17:00 (last entry at 16:00). Animal exhibition halls like the Panda House and Lion and Tiger Hill are open from 8:00 - 17:30. The Ocean Hall operates from 9:00 - 17:30 (last entry at 17:00). The zoo is open daily except on Chinese New Year's Eve.
Recommended Itineraries
Classic Animal Viewing Route (3 hours): Enter via the South Gate → Panda House → Lion and Tiger Hill → Monkey Mountain → Elephant House → Giraffe House → Rhino House → Hippo House → Exit via the North Gate. This route covers the zoo's major large-animal exhibits, perfect for first-time visitors to see popular animals like pandas, tigers, lions, and elephants efficiently.
In-Depth Educational Route (5 hours): Enter via the East Gate → Science Museum → Penguin Exhibit → Ocean Hall (Rainforest Wonder → Underwater Tunnel → Ocean Theater Show) → Panda House → Golden Monkey Exhibit → Amphibian and Reptile House → Exit via the Southwest Gate. This route emphasizes educational experiences, including marine shows and scientific exhibits, ideal for families with children to learn about wildlife conservation.
Transportation
- Subway: Take Line 4 to Zoo Station (Exit D), a 5-minute walk to the South Gate; or Line 2 to Xizhimen Station (Exit A), a 10-minute walk to the East Gate.
- Bus: South Gate: Bus Nos. 7, 15, 19, 45, 65 to Zoo Station; East Gate: Bus Nos. 16, 26, Yuntong 103 to Beijing Jiaotong University Station (5-minute walk); North Gate: Bus Nos. 332, 563, 634 to National Library Station (8-minute walk).
- Self-Driving: Parking is limited around the zoo. Recommended lots include the South Gate Parking Lot (10 yuan/hour) or public lots south of Xizhimenwai Street (15 yuan/hour), with a short walk to the entrance.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Panda House: 3,000-square-meter facility housing 8-10 giant pandas, offering close-up views of their daily activities. The iconic symbol of Beijing Zoo.
- Ocean Hall: 42,000-square-meter marine complex with an 80-meter underwater tunnel and daily animal shows, showcasing over 1,000 marine species.
- Lion and Tiger Hill: Historic 1956 exhibit featuring 11-meter-high artificial peaks, home to Siberian tigers and African lions in a naturalistic setting.
- Monkey Mountain: Sunken design exhibit housing over 20 primate species, including rare golden monkeys, known for their playful behavior and accessible viewing platforms.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive before 8:00 AM to visit the Panda House first when pandas are most active and crowds are thinner.
- Ocean Hall shows are at 10:30, 13:30, and 15:30 daily. Arrive 30 minutes early for front-row seats.
- Rent an electric cart (40 yuan/hour) or take the battery-powered shuttle (15 yuan/person) for convenience, with stops at major attractions like the South Gate, Panda House, and Ocean Hall.
- While shaded in summer, bring sunscreen and hats. In winter, some animals move indoors, so check exhibit signs.
Important Notes
- Feeding animals is strictly prohibited, except at designated areas (e.g., giraffe feeding for 10 yuan per portion).
- Flash photography is forbidden in the Ocean Hall to avoid disturbing marine life.
- Bring mosquito repellent in summer and dress in layers in winter due to temperature differences between indoor and outdoor exhibits.
- Smoking and littering are prohibited. Help maintain a clean environment.
- Expect long queues at popular attractions like the Panda House and Ocean Hall during holidays. Visit during off-peak hours.