Beijing Zoo - Giant Panda, Beijing Aquarium

Lying west of Xizhimen, just west of the second ring road, Beijing Zoo is now the largest zoo in China with the largest animal number of species. It is the home of over 7,000 creatures of 600 different species, including the giant panda, golden monkeys, milu deer, northeast tigers, elephants, gorillas, and dolphins and sharks in a big sea life center.

All of the creations in the Beijing Zoo is in a scenic Chinese garden setting, a natural garden with dense groves of trees, stretches of grassland, a small stream, lotus pools and small hills dotted with pavilions and halls.

Highlights of the Beijing Zoo

1. Beijing Aquarium

Beijing Aquarium is a must for anyone visiting the zoo. Opened to the public in 1999, it has been widely-recognized as being one of China's top attractions. Actually, it is the largest inland aquarium in the world. Seen from afar, it looks like a gigantic ocean trumpet shell, which is subdivided into several zones: the hall of tropical rain forest, the hall of the shark, the ocean theater and the ocean library and reading hall among others.

2. Giant Panda

One of the most popular halls of Beijing Zoo is the Panda Hall. As everyone knows, the giant panda is native to China and recognized as one of China's national treasures and a national symbol. Built in 1989 and covering an area of around 10,000 square meters, it delivers an impressive aesthetic scene while also managing to account for the practical considerations of housing such large and physical animals.

Beijing Zoo provides thousands with the opportunity to witness strange and exotic species at firsthand, and also allows visitors to learn more about the lives of the animals that inhabit the world alongside us. Besides, Beijing Zoo is more than a paradise for animals. A few gardens were built to grow the flowers that enjoy the most popularity in China, like the Chinese rose, peony, etc.

Location: Xicheng District, western part of Beijing
Opening Hours: 07:30 – 18:00 (Apr. 1 to Oct. 31); 07:30 – 17:00 (Nov. 1 to Mar. 31)

How to Get there?

By Subway: Subway Line 4: get off at Beijing Zoo station
By Buses: Take bus no. 27, 45, 105, 107, 111, 206, 209, 319, 334, 347, 360, 362, 534, 601, 632, 634, 697, 714, 808, and 814, get off at Beijing Zoo Station. 

Weather/Best Time to Go

Amazing Beijing enjoys different features for its clear distinction of four seasons, characterized by a long hot summer, long chilly winter, and shorter spring and autumn. The hottest month in Beijing is July and coldest is January. Considering the frequent sandstorms in spring, September and October with their pleasant weather are considered the best visiting times.

When visiting the Beijing Zoo, you should try to avodi going on a national holiday or at the weekend, since it will be greatly crowded. Besides, the sunny days are much better, and you can check out the Beijing weather forecast.

Travel Tips

• * If you are travelling with your kids, Beijing Zoo is a must place to visit.
• * Be prepared to be upset and disturbed by what you will see, because all the animals are kept in small pens/cages with very little to occupy.