Beijing Zoo Beijing
Historic zoo showcasing native Chinese wildlife, famed for its giant pandas and traditional garden landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See pandas before they nap
Beijing Zoo Beijing
Best Time
See pandas before they nap
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic zoo showcasing native Chinese wildlife, famed for its giant pandas and traditional garden landscapes.
"A must-visit for pandas, but arrive early to beat crowds and catch them before their afternoon nap!"
🎯 Book Panda Tickets Online
Secure your panda house entry in advance, especially on weekends, to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Pandas
Panda House
Witness the iconic giant pandas in their dedicated habitat. A must-see for many visitors!
+1
Native Chinese Animals
Various enclosures
Explore a diverse collection of animals native to China, including golden monkeys and Siberian tigers.
Traditional Landscaping
Throughout the zoo
Enjoy the zoo's classic Chinese garden design, offering a serene atmosphere amidst the animal exhibits.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Pandas
Ticketing Tips & Tricks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Panda Tickets Online
Secure your panda house entry in advance, especially on weekends, to avoid disappointment. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the exhibits.
📱 WeChat Pay for Entry
If you have WeChat Pay, you can often get panda house tickets directly from the zoo's official channel.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry water as it can get quite hot.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Panda Tickets Online
Secure your panda house entry in advance, especially on weekends, to avoid disappointment. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the exhibits.
📱 WeChat Pay for Entry
If you have WeChat Pay, you can often get panda house tickets directly from the zoo's official channel.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry water as it can get quite hot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally enjoy the Beijing Zoo for its native Chinese animals, especially the iconic giant pandas. The traditional landscaping adds to the charm. However, some find the facilities a bit dated, and the pandas can be elusive or asleep, leading to mixed experiences. Crowds, particularly on weekends, can also detract from the visit.
"3.5 Stars – A Historic Zoo with Mixed Impressions
Beijing Zoo is one of the oldest and most historically significant zoos in the world, and its massive grounds reflect that legacy. The park is very large and spacious, with an adjacent aquarium that requires a separate ticket. It’s located in an unusual spot, partially built beneath a highway overpass, which gives it a unique, urban atmosphere.
The animal variety is truly impressive—you’ll see species here that are rare or even absent in many other zoos. A highlight is the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey, an endangered species with only about 1,000 individuals left in the wild. The zoo plays an important role in raising awareness for such rare animals.
That said, the zoo is a place of strong contrasts. Some parts of the park are modern, spacious, and well-maintained, offering animals more natural environments. You can tell the zoo has expanded and developed new areas over the years. However, many of the older enclosures are in poor condition—they’re small, outdated, and in some cases dirty. Sadly, some animals appear neglected or stressed, especially in the less updated sections. It’s clear the zoo has struggled to renovate consistently across the entire property.
For children, it’s still a memorable experience to see such a wide variety of animals up close, including elephants, big cats, and exotic birds. But for adults, especially those sensitive to animal welfare, some parts of the zoo may be difficult to witness.
If you want to see the giant pandas, one of the zoo’s most popular attractions, be aware that it requires an additional ticket. While the outdoor panda enclosure is beautiful and spacious, the indoor area feels neglected and long overdue for renovation.
Unless seeing the pandas is a top priority, you could easily skip the zoo from your Beijing sightseeing list. While it offers some memorable moments, it doesn’t quite measure up to the city’s many world-class attractions."
Yasmin Grassinger
"Amazing! We came on September 2nd the day before the military parade and the place was dead quiet! Definitely recommended it regardless but having the place to ourselves was incredible!"
Barry Wilkinson (bwfilm)
"A world-class zoo with dozens and dozens of different species in well thought out environments. Of course, the panda exhibit is the star attraction, and when we went, it did not disappoint. Yet many of the other fine exhibits we found were equally compelling."
Danny McDeeva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Beijing Zoo is easily accessible by public transport. Take subway Line 4 to Beijing Zoo Station (北京动物园站). Several bus routes also stop nearby, making it convenient to reach from various parts of the city.
Yes, taxis are generally available around the zoo, especially at the main entrances. However, during peak hours, you might experience longer wait times. Using ride-sharing apps is also an option.
Driving is possible, but parking can be challenging and expensive, especially on weekends. Public transportation is often recommended to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to Beijing Zoo is typically around ¥10-¥20, with an additional fee for the Panda House (around ¥19). Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official website or booking platforms.
Yes, you can buy tickets online through platforms like Trip.com, which is convenient for foreigners without a Chinese phone number. Some websites offer combo tickets, but they might be double the price. +1
Yes, the Panda House often requires a separate ticket or a combo ticket that includes it. Booking this in advance is highly recommended due to its popularity.
Beijing Zoo typically opens around 7:30 AM and closes between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM, depending on the season. The Panda House may have slightly different hours. Always check the latest schedule before your visit.
Yes, you can usually buy tickets at the gate, but expect queues, especially on weekends. For a smoother experience and to guarantee entry to the Panda House, online booking is preferred. +1
🎫 🐼 Panda Viewing
The best time to see the pandas is in the morning, shortly after opening, as they are most active then. They tend to retreat or sleep in the afternoon, especially during hot weather.
Pandas are visible, but they live in a climate-controlled house and are viewed through glass. They might be sleeping or hiding, so morning visits increase your chances of seeing them active.
The pandas are housed in a dedicated building, but some reviews suggest the infrastructure is a bit dated. For a more immersive panda experience, some recommend visiting Chengdu.
Beijing Zoo primarily houses adult pandas. For opportunities to see panda cubs, destinations like the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding are more renowned.
📸 📸 Photography
Besides the animal enclosures, the zoo's traditional Chinese landscaping offers picturesque backdrops. Look for scenic bridges, pagodas, and water features.
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb the animals. Check for any specific signage within the Panda House.
A zoom lens is useful for capturing animal details from a distance. For general shots of the zoo's scenery, a standard lens or even a smartphone camera will suffice.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Arriving early is crucial to avoid meltdowns from crowds and heat, and to see the animals before they get tired. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as food options inside can be limited or crowded. Consider a stroller or carrier for younger children, as the zoo is quite large. Look for interactive exhibits or feeding times if available, though these are not always advertised. The traditional landscaping also offers pleasant spots for a break. For a smoother ticketing experience, booking online in advance is highly recommended to bypass long queues, especially if you're aiming for the Panda House.
🐼 Panda Enthusiasts
Researching the panda's feeding or activity schedules, if available, can be beneficial. Consider booking your panda house tickets online in advance, as they can sell out or have long lines.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Beijing Zoo
When planning your visit, it's crucial to understand that the zoo can get very crowded, particularly on weekends and during holidays. Many visitors flock to see the pandas, so arriving early is key to a better viewing experience.
For those interested in a more in-depth experience, the zoo also houses an aquarium and a botanical garden, though these may require separate tickets or specific entry times. Researching the zoo's layout and the locations of your must-see animals beforehand can help you create an efficient itinerary and avoid missing out on key attractions.
The Star Attraction: Giant Pandas
+1 It's important to manage expectations: pandas are known for their napping habits, and they are viewed through glass enclosures. To maximize your chances of seeing them active, aim for a morning visit, ideally right when the zoo opens. Securing tickets for the Panda House is a common point of discussion among travelers. While general zoo admission might be available at the gate, the Panda House can have limited capacity or separate ticketing. Online booking platforms like Trip.com are often recommended for foreigners who may not have a Chinese phone number or WeChat Pay, which is the preferred method for direct booking through the zoo's official channels.
While Beijing Zoo offers a chance to see pandas, some travelers suggest that other locations, like the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, provide a more comprehensive and immersive panda experience, potentially with better facilities and more active pandas. However, for many, seeing the pandas at Beijing Zoo remains a quintessential part of a trip to the capital.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit