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137 Xizhimen Outer St., Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Able to see China Giant Pandas; Must-go site for family tour
Beijing Zoo, lies west of Xizhimen and the western part of Beijing, was known for a short time after the founding of the People's Republic as the Western Suburbs Park.
At present, the zoo houses over 7,000 creatures of 600 different species from all over the world, including the giant panda, red-crowned crane and Pere David's deer-all unique to China-as well as the African giraffe, rhinoceros, chimpanzee and antelope; North American musk ox; wild ox from Europe; and elephant and gibbon from India. The Beijing Ocean Hall was opened to the public inside the Zoo in 1999. It is the biggest ocean hall in China. In addition to a wide range of fish species, visitors can watch shows performed by dolphins and sea lions. Giant Panda Hall is the most popular site in the zoo. If you have no time to visit Chengdu - the hometown of Giant Panda, but want to have a glance of panda in person, visiting the Giant Panda Hall in Beijing Zoo would be a good choice.
Visitors to the Zoo can also explore its many Qing Dynasty era buildings. Like many of Beijing's parks, areas of the zoo have the distinctive look of classical Chinese gardens. The buildings in the zoo cover an area of more than 50,000 square meters, including the monkey hall, the panda hall, the lion and tiger hall, the elephant hall, and many others. Altogether there are more than 30 large halls.
In the 18th century, the zoo was known as the Sanbeizi Gardens, supposedly named after the third son of Emperor Kangxi, Prince Cheng Yin. Another explanation is that Sanbeizi Gardens refereed to the Qing courtier Fukangan and the Gardens the site of his cottage. In fact, as early as the Ming Dynasty, an imperial mansion called the Garden of Happiness and Friendship constructed for Prince Kang stood here, and during the Qing, part of the Sanbeizi Gardens called the Garden of Continuity became the private property of an official in the Bureau of Palace Affairs.
In 1906, during the reign of Emperor Guangxu, the park area became an agricultural experimental farm and a zoo. Known as the Garden of Ten Thousand Animals, it opened to the public in 1908. The zoo has developed rapidly since then and by the end of 1955, it was formally named the Beijing Zoo,covered an area of over 40,000 square meters. Bears, elephants, pandas, lions, tigers, songbirds, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, antelopes and giraffes were brought in the late 1950s, and a gorilla cage, leaf-monkey cage and aquarium house, was opened, containing specimens of over 100 species of reptiles from all over the world, including crocodiles and pythons.
Nowadays the Beijing Zoo combine cultivated flower gardens with stretches of natural scenery, including dense groves of trees, stretches of grassland, a small stream, lotus pools and small hills dotted with pavilions and halls.
Beijing Zoo is divided into three main sections: East, West, and North. The main entrance is located in the East Zone, while the Beijing Aquarium (ticketed separately) is situated in the North Zone.
East Zone: Home to the Lion and Tiger Hill, Giant Panda Hall, Bear Hill, Waterfowl Lake, Monkey Hill, Nocturnal Animal Hall, Feline House, Pheasant Garden, Canine Area, American Animals Area, and Australian Animals Area.
West Zone: Features the Golden Monkey House, Amphibian and Reptile House, Orangutan House, Giraffe House, Deer Garden, Children’s Zoo, Penguin House, Otter House, Flamingo Pond, Wetland Zone, Eco-garden, Tropical Monkey House, Science Education Hall, and the African Animal Area.
North Zone: Includes the Beijing Aquarium, Rhinoceros and Hippopotamus House, Elephant House, and Eagle Hill.
A Zoo with Over 100 Years of History
Founded in 1906 during the reign of Emperor Guangxu, Beijing Zoo is China’s oldest public zoo. It preserves many historical buildings and garden landscapes, such as Changguanlou and Bin Feng Tang, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage. Shady trees, lotus ponds, and traditional pavilions make the zoo not just a place to see animals but also a pleasant park for strolling.
The Giant Panda Hall – The Star Attraction
The Giant Panda Hall is undoubtedly the highlight of Beijing Zoo. As one of China’s key bases for panda conservation and exhibition, it houses several beloved pandas, including popular stars like Meng Lan. The hall also features educational displays on panda habitats and conservation, making it perfect for families with kids.
The panda area is divided into the Olympic Panda House and the Asian Games Panda House. “Meng Lan” can be seen in the Olympic Panda House’s outdoor section, but viewing requires queuing with time limits. Other pandas are easier to access without waiting. The panda houses open at 8:00 am, and it is recommended to head there directly after entering the zoo, since pandas are most active during their morning feeding time. By noon, many of them may be napping.
Unique Animal Exhibits
Monkey Hill: A classic open-air enclosure where visitors can watch playful macaques.
Lion and Tiger Hill: Home to lions, tigers, and leopards in large predator habitats.
Waterfowl Lake: A scenic spot with swans, pelicans, and mandarin ducks, perfect for a relaxing walk.
Other Highlights: Giraffe House, Penguin House, Reptile House, and Golden Monkey House. In total, the zoo exhibits around 500 animal species and over 5,000 individual animals.
Family-Friendly Experiences
The Children’s Zoo offers opportunities for close encounters with alpacas, ponies, and other gentle animals (feeding requires purchased fodder). Educational programs, animal behavior demonstrations, and themed gift shops make it a fun and interactive experience for kids.
Convenient Transportation & Nearby Attractions
Beijing Zoo is easily accessible via Metro Line 4 (Beijing Zoo Station), and multiple bus routes also stop nearby. Right across the main entrance is the Beijing Planetarium, while the Beijing Aquarium is located within the zoo grounds near the Elephant House. From the Aquarium area, visitors can take a boat along the Imperial River to the Summer Palace (South Ruyi Gate). Note that this boat service usually stops in late November and resumes in April.
Suggested Visiting Time
Duration: Plan for 3–4 hours to cover the zoo at a comfortable pace.
Best Time: Morning visits are recommended, as most animals are more active before noon.
Crowds: Weekends and public holidays can be very crowded, so arrive early.
Combo Tickets: If you want to explore both the Zoo + Panda Hall + Aquarium, purchasing a joint ticket is more convenient and saves queueing time.
You may take Metro Line 4 to or public Bus No 7, 27, 103, 105, 111, 45, 65, 87 etc. to get there. Taking a taxi would be the most comfortable and fast way. It is recommended to spend 2 to 4 hours to visit inside the scenic spot.
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