Chongqing Zoo is located in Xijiao Yicun, Yangjiaping, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. It was initially built in 1953, covering an area of 43.5 hectares. The terrain of the park presents typical hilly features, and it is a place with the style of a mountain zoo, boasting fresh and beautiful natural scenery. The animal exhibition area is the main part of the park, with an area of about 29 hectares, accounting for about 70% of the park's total visitable area. Throughout the year, more than 230 species of wild animals, with a quantity of about more than 4,000 individuals (heads), are exhibited in the park, and the proportion of rare and protected animals exceeds 80%.
History and Culture
The origin of Chongqing Zoo can be traced back to August 1953, when the Chongqing Construction Bureau established a special team to be responsible for the preparatory work. In September of the same year, under professional guidance, the area around Xiashiqiao in Yangjiaping, with Taohua Creek as the core area, was selected, and 10 hectares of land were allocated to create "Yangjiaping Park". In March 1954, the infrastructure construction started, and after its completion at the end of December of that year, it was renamed "Xiqu Park" and opened to the public on January 24, 1955. In 1958, under relevant instructions, Xiqu Park began to be rebuilt into a zoo. After several expansions and adjustments, it was officially renamed "Chongqing Zoo" in October 1960. By 1966, it had developed into a medium-sized zoo with both scale and complete functions. Since then, it has continuously explored the operation mode. For example, in 1979, it organized the exhibition of animals outside the city and carried out cultural and entertainment activities, resulting in a significant increase in operating income and the number of tourists. In 2009, it was awarded as a National Key Park and a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. It has also become the Aquatic Animal Rescue Center and Terrestrial Animal Rescue Center in the main urban area of Chongqing, a National Science Popularization Education Base, and a Demonstration Base for Research Travel in Chongqing.
Main Attractions
The Giant Panda Pavilion
The Giant Panda Pavilion is a star venue of Chongqing Zoo. Adorable giant pandas live here. The venue carefully simulates the natural habitat environment of giant pandas, providing them with a suitable temperature, abundant food, and sufficient activity space. Tourists can observe the lovely postures of giant pandas, such as eating bamboo, playing, and resting, up close through the transparent glass, and have an in-depth understanding of the living habits and conservation significance of giant pandas.
The Goldfish Pavilion
The Goldfish Pavilion displays a large number of goldfish varieties. It has collected precious goldfish varieties both at home and abroad, including Dragon Eyes, Bubble Eyes, Butterfly Tails, etc. The layout of the fish ponds in the Goldfish Pavilion is exquisite, with clear water quality. With appropriate lighting and landscaping, it creates an environment suitable for goldfish to live in. Tourists can admire the colorful and variously shaped goldfish swimming gracefully in the water and feel the unique charm of goldfish culture.
The Bird and Poultry Area
The Bird and Poultry Area is the habitat of many birds. There are various birds here, such as colorful parrots, elegant swans, majestic eagles, etc. The Bird and Poultry Area is divided according to the living habits and ecological environment of birds, with spacious flight spaces and resting places. Tourists can stroll around, listen to the chirping of birds, observe their living conditions, and feel like they are in a kingdom of birds, experiencing the vitality and vigor of nature.
Delicacies
Chongqing Noodles
Chongqing noodles are one of the characteristic delicacies of Chongqing. The noodles are chewy and springy, paired with a rich soup. The soup is carefully prepared with a variety of seasonings, including chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, green onions, ginger, and garlic. With ingredients such as peas, minced meat sauce, and vegetables added, it has a rich and diverse taste. The flavor of the noodles can be adjusted according to personal preferences. It is spicy, fragrant, and a delicacy that tourists should not miss when coming to Chongqing.
Hot and Sour Rice Noodles
Hot and Sour Rice Noodles are very popular for their hot and sour taste. The rice noodles are soft and smooth, and the soup is hot and sour, appetizing. In the seasonings of the Hot and Sour Rice Noodles, the proportion of vinegar and chili peppers is just right, and side dishes such as bean sprouts and coriander are also added, increasing the layers of taste. It tastes hot and sour and satisfying, greatly enhancing people's appetite.
Roasted Pig Brain
Roasted Pig Brain is a characteristic snack in Chongqing. Fresh pig brains are carefully processed. After roasting, the surface is golden yellow and gives off an enticing aroma. During the roasting process, various spices and seasonings, such as cumin, chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, etc., are added. It has a creamy, dense, and tender texture, with a spicy and delicious flavor. For tourists who like to try characteristic delicacies, Roasted Pig Brain is a delicious dish worth trying.
Ticket Information
The ticket price for Chongqing Zoo is 25 yuan per adult. The specific ticket policy is subject to the official announcement of the scenic area.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "重庆动物园", to obtain the latest information or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of Chongqing Zoo are from 9:00 to 17:00 every day. Entrance stops at 16:30. It is open throughout the year (except in special circumstances). The specific opening hours may be adjusted according to the season and the arrangements of the park. It is recommended that tourists pay attention to the official announcement of the scenic area in advance.
Itinerary for the Visit
After entering from the main gate of the zoo, you can first go to the Giant Panda Pavilion to admire the lovely giant pandas. Then head to the Goldfish Pavilion to enjoy the colorful goldfish. Next, go to the Bird and Poultry Area to appreciate the charm of various birds. After that, you can go to the Beast Area to watch beasts such as tigers and lions. Then proceed to the Herbivore Area to see gentle animals like giraffes and zebras. Next, go to the Amphibian and Reptile Hall to learn about various amphibians and reptiles. Finally, you can take a short rest in the rest area of the park, taste some characteristic delicacies, and then leave the park from the main gate.
Transportation
- By Bus: You can take bus routes such as No. 404, No. 411, No. 416, No. 421, No. 426, No. 428, No. 207, No. 223, No. 224, No. 225, No. 233, No. 234, No. 235, etc., and get off at the Zoo Station.
- By Subway: Take Rail Transit Line 2 and get off at the Zoo Station. Exit from Exit 1 to reach the main gate of the zoo.
- By Self-driving: Navigate to "Chongqing Zoo". There are parking lots around the park, but parking spaces may be tight during holidays and peak hours.
Must-visit Attractions
- The Giant Panda Pavilion: As a star venue, there are cute giant pandas here. The environment of the venue is suitable, and tourists can observe the living conditions of giant pandas up close and understand the conservation situation of giant pandas.
- The Amphibian and Reptile Hall: The hall displays a variety of amphibians and reptiles, such as crocodiles, snakes, lizards, etc. Through rich science popularization displays and appropriate environmental settings, tourists can learn about the living habits and living environments of these animals.
- The Bird and Poultry Area: It has a variety of birds, including colorful parrots, elegant swans, etc. Tourists can experience the diversity of birds and the vitality of nature here, making it a great place for taking photos and watching birds.
Visiting Suggestions
- It is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queuing at the entrance of the scenic area.
- You can bring some drinking water and snacks by yourself. There are catering and shopping places in the park, but the prices may be relatively high.
- Wear comfortable shoes because the park is relatively large and you need to walk for a long time during the visit.
- If you are traveling with children, you can learn some scientific knowledge about animals in advance to better introduce them to the children.
- When observing animals, abide by the regulations of the park, do not feed the animals, and avoid dangerous behaviors.
Notes
- Please cooperate with the security inspection by the staff when entering the park and do not bring prohibited items into the park.
- Please take care of the public facilities and environmental hygiene in the park. Do not spit or litter.
- When observing animals, maintain a safe distance and do not make loud noises or actions that may disturb the animals.
- If you encounter an emergency in the park, you can seek help from the staff or call the emergency phone number of the park.
- Pay attention to the weather changes and bring appropriate clothes and rain gear according to the weather conditions.