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Beijing Zoo

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Beijing Zoo (China)

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The Beijing Zoo is the oldest zoo in China and one of the most significant zoological gardens globally. Established in 1906 during the late Qing Dynasty, it was originally named the 'Garden of Ten Thousand Animals.' Occupying 89 hectares in the Xicheng District, the zoo is currently home to over 14,500 animals representing more than 450 distinct species. Its premier attraction is undoubtedly the Giant Panda House, where visitors can observe the nation's most beloved animals in modern, naturalistic enclosures. Beyond pandas, the zoo is renowned for its extensive collection of rare Chinese endemic wildlife, including golden snub-nosed monkeys, Siberian tigers, and the endangered Pere David's deer. The facility blends historic garden architecture with contemporary research and conservation laboratories, and it also features a massive indoor aquarium, one of the largest in China. The Beijing Zoo plays a pivotal role in national breeding programs for endangered species and serves as a vital center for environmental education within the metropolis.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

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Rain mm2692438841511096430142

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The vast zoo grounds and the aquarium are fully open to the public, offering both outdoor enclosures and indoor habitats. Visitors can explore the extensive animal exhibits, though indoor pavilions may have separate access points.
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Typical hours
The zoo is typically open year-round from early morning until late afternoon, with slightly shorter hours during the winter months. The aquarium and specific animal pavilions often close slightly earlier than the main park gates.
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Photography
Photography is widely permitted throughout the park, but flash must be turned off when photographing animals, especially indoors or near glass enclosures. A zoom lens is highly recommended for capturing clear shots of the wildlife.
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Time needed
A comprehensive visit to both the zoo and the aquarium generally requires at least half a day. Budgeting around four to five hours allows enough time to comfortably see the major exhibits and rest between areas.
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Combine with
A trip to the zoo can easily be combined with a visit to the nearby Beijing Exhibition Center or a leisurely walk in Zizhuyuan Park just to the west. The Beijing Planetarium is also located in the vicinity for families.
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Getting there
The zoo is highly accessible via the Beijing Subway Line 4, with a dedicated station right near the main entrance. Numerous public bus routes also stop directly in front of the zoo, making it very easy to reach from central areas.
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Insider tip
The giant panda enclosure is usually the most crowded attraction, so it is highly advisable to head there immediately upon opening to avoid the largest crowds. Purchasing a combo ticket that includes the aquarium can save time at the gates.

Geography

Coordinates
39.93920, 116.33530

Facts

  • The zoo was founded in 1906 and officially opened to the public in 1908.
  • The total area of the zoo grounds spans approximately 89 hectares.
  • The collection includes over 14,500 animals from about 450 species.
  • The onsite Beijing Aquarium covers a massive area of 120,000 square meters.
  • The Giant Panda House was significantly upgraded for the 1990 Asian Games.
  • The zoo attracts more than six million visitors every year.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Summer PalaceSummer Palace5 km · SWExplore →
Beihai ParkBeihai Park6 km · NExplore →
Forbidden CityForbidden City7 km · NExplore →
Temple of HeavenTemple of Heaven8 km · NExplore →
Marco Polo BridgeMarco Polo Bridge15 km · SExplore →
Happy Valley BeijingHappy Valley Beijing18 km · NExplore →
Ming TombsMing Tombs20 km · SWExplore →
Zhoukoudian SiteZhoukoudian Site48 km · SExplore →

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Sights in the town Beijing Zoo (22)

Jimen Yanshu Tablet🌿 nature

This historic stone marker commemorates 'the mist over the Jimen gate', one of the traditional Eight Great Sights of Yanjing.

Johann Adam Schall von Bell📍 landmark

This site honors the 17th-century German Jesuit astronomer who served as a high-ranking official at the Qing imperial court.

Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum🏛 museum

Located in the Five Pagoda Temple, this museum displays an extensive collection of ancient Chinese stone tablets and architectural carvings.

Zizhuyuan Palace🏰 castle

Originally built as a temporary residence for the Qing emperors, this palace is surrounded by the scenic bamboo groves of Zizhuyuan Park.

National Library Art Center🎭 culture

Part of the National Library of China, this modern venue hosts concerts and cultural performances in a sleek architectural setting.

National Museum of Classic Books🏛 museum

This museum houses rare ancient manuscripts, including inscribed oracle bones and Buddhist sutras, documenting China's long literary history.

Beijing Opera🎭 culture

This cultural venue has traditional performances of Jingju, characterized by elaborate costumes, high-pitched singing, and stylized acrobatics.

Pagoda of Cishou Temple🏺 historical

Built in 1576, this 57-meter-tall stone pagoda is a landmark of the late Ming dynasty featuring intricate Buddhist relief carvings.

Taipingyang Underwater World Exhibition🎡 recreation

Located beneath the Central Radio & TV Tower, this large aquarium features a long transparent tunnel for viewing sharks and rays.

China National Academy of Painting Museum🏛 museum

This gallery showcases contemporary and traditional Chinese paintings, serving as a national center for creative research and exhibitions.

Shuangxiugong yuan🌳 park

This park combines traditional Chinese landscaping with Western garden elements, featuring distinct sections for each style.

Madian Mosque⛪ religious

A historic mosque serving the local Muslim community, characterized by its traditional Chinese-style wooden architecture and courtyard.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel (West Church⛪ religious

Founded in 1723, this historic Catholic church features Italian Baroque architecture and is also known as the West Church.

Golden Monkey Hall📍 landmark

A popular exhibit within the Beijing Zoo specifically dedicated to showcasing various species of rare golden snub-nosed monkeys.

Beijing Aquarium🎡 recreation

Recognized as one of the largest inland aquariums in the world, it features a massive main tank and diverse marine life exhibits.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:30

Eagle🎡 recreation

This specialized area within the zoo houses various birds of prey, including majestic eagles and vultures in large outdoor aviaries.

Chang Guan Building🏰 castle

This elegant 19th-century Baroque-style stone building within the Beijing Zoo once served as a royal reception hall for the Qing court.

Zizhuyuan Park🌳 park

Known for its dense bamboo groves and three interconnected lakes, this park features a peaceful setting for boating and walks.

Lianhuachi Park🌳 park

This historic park is famous for its vast lotus ponds that bloom beautifully during the summer months.

The China Millennium Monument🎭 culture

Built to commemorate the new millennium, this monument features a massive rotating sundial structure.

Hangtian Bridge📍 landmark

This multi-level cloverleaf interchange is a major transport hub in Beijing's Haidian District.

Dazhong Temple🏺 historical

This temple museum is famous for housing the massive Yongle Bell, which weighs over 46 tons.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are there pandas there?
Yes, the Panda House is the zoo's most popular attraction.
How do you get to the zoo?
Subway Line 4 stops directly at the 'Beijing Zoo' station.
Is there an aquarium?
Yes, the Beijing Aquarium is located within the zoo grounds but requires a separate ticket.
How much is the entrance fee?
A combo ticket including the Panda House costs about 19 RMB (depending on the season).
When does the zoo open?
The zoo opens daily at 7:30 AM.
Beijing Zoo: where is it located?
Beijing Zoo is located in China.
Beijing Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jimen Yanshu Tablet, Johann Adam Schall von Bell, Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum.
Beijing Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Beijing Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
The Beijing Zoo is the oldest zoo in China and one of the most significant zoological gardens globally.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Summer Palace — Beijing Zoo (China)
Summer Palace
A vast ensemble of palaces, lakes, and gardens in Beijing, considered a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design.
Temple of Heaven — Beijing Zoo (China)
Temple of Heaven
A complex of religious buildings in Beijing.

More places

Forbidden City — Beijing Zoo (China)
Forbidden City
A palace complex in central Beijing, China.
Old Summer Palace Ruins — Beijing Zoo (China)
Old Summer Palace Ruins
The ruins of a vast complex of palaces and gardens built by Qing dynasty emperors.
Beihai Park — Beijing Zoo (China)
Beihai Park
One of the oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens in China, located northwest of the Forbidden City.
Jingshan Park — Beijing Zoo (China)
Jingshan Park
An imperial park north of the Forbidden City with an artificial hill offering panoramic views of Beijing.
Marco Polo Bridge — Beijing Zoo (China)
Marco Polo Bridge
A stone bridge west of Beijing, famous for the ornate lion statues lining the balustrades and for the 1937 incident that sparked the Seco…
Happy Valley Beijing — Beijing Zoo (China)
Happy Valley Beijing
A large theme park in Beijing with six themed areas and numerous roller coasters and rides.
Ming Tombs — Beijing Zoo (China)
Ming Tombs
A collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming dynasty.
Zhoukoudian Site — Beijing Zoo (China)
Zhoukoudian Site
A cave system site that has yielded many discoveries of Homo erectus specimens, dubbed Peking Man.