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Parks · Intro

Chengdu Zoo

成都动物园

📍 Chenghua District🏷 Park

Chengdu Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Southwest China, home to many rare animals, ideal for family trips and science education.

See rare animals like giant pandas up close without traveling far. Combining science education with leisure, it's a classic choice for family trips in Chengdu.

As an old-time zoo in Chengdu, it may not be as famous as the Giant Panda Base, but it wins on convenient transport and cheap tickets, making it a great choice for travelers short on time who still want to see animals. With kids, you can easily spend half a day here – great value for money.

Tickets & Transport

Tickets

Adult ticket
¥20
Child ticket
¥10
Free
No
Ticket methods
Tickets can be purchased at the main gate, or in advance via the 'Chengdu Zoo' WeChat official account.
Ticket notes
Children under 1.3 meters in height enter free; those above 1.3 meters need to buy a child ticket. Students, seniors, and others can enjoy discounts with valid ID.

Opening Hours

—
Last entry
16:30
Ticket sales end
16:00
Holiday hours
Opening hours may be extended during statutory holidays; please follow official notices.
Opening notes
Ticket sales stop 1 hour before closing; please plan your visit accordingly.

Best Time to Visit

Best time of day
In the morning after opening, animals are more active and there are fewer visitors.
Best day of week
Weekdays
Best season
Spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor visits.
Avoid times
Weekend and holiday afternoons, when crowds are heavy and animals may be taking a nap.
Avoid days
Weekends and public holidays
Crowd level
High
Crowd peak time
10:00-14:00

Getting There

Metro station
Zoo
Metro line
Line 3
Metro exit
Exit A
Metro distance
0.3km
Metro walk
5min

In Detail

Chengdu Zoo was founded in 1953, originally as Baihuatan Zoo, and later moved to its current location. It is one of the oldest zoos in Southwest China. The zoo is shaded by green trees and has a serene environment, housing hundreds of animal species including giant pandas, golden monkeys, Asian elephants, and giraffes. Among them, the Giant Panda House is a must-see popular exhibit area.

The zoo is divided into multiple themed areas, such as the carnivore area, primate area, bird area, and reptile house, each simulating the animals' natural habitats. It also features a Science Education Pavilion and an Animal Conservation Education Center, regularly hosting educational events that combine learning with fun.

As a childhood memory for Chengdu residents, the zoo combines the leisurely charm of old Chengdu with modern animal care facilities. On weekends, parents often bring their children here, filling the zoo with laughter and joy—a great place to experience the city's vitality and harmony with nature.

What to expect

The zoo has a rich variety of animals, and the exhibits are compact and easy to explore on foot. The Giant Panda House is usually the most popular and may require queuing. Rest benches and dining spots are available throughout the park. On weekends and holidays, visitor numbers are high, so keep an eye on your belongings.

How to visit

It's recommended to enter when the zoo opens in the morning, visit the Giant Panda House first, then tour the other exhibits in a counterclockwise direction. The full walk takes about 3 hours. You can bring your own water and snacks. Metro Line 3 directly reaches Zoo Station, and it's a short walk from the exit.

Pros

Convenient transportation with direct metro access.
Wide variety of animals with strong educational value.
Affordable ticket prices.
Well-landscaped grounds, great for a stroll.

Cons

Very crowded on weekends and holidays, which slightly affects the experience.
Some exhibit facilities are a bit dated.
Limited dining options with relatively high prices.

Highlights

  • Giant Panda House: Watch the adorable antics of national treasure giant pandas up close.
  • Golden Monkey House: Admire the agile grace of Sichuan golden monkeys.
  • Predator Zone: Experience the imposing presence of Siberian tigers and African lions.
  • Science Museum: Learn about animal conservation through interactive exhibits.
  • Shaded Walkways: Stroll through the park and enjoy the cool shade beneath the trees.

FAQ

Are there giant pandas at Chengdu Zoo?

Yes, the zoo has a Giant Panda House with several giant pandas, and it's the star exhibit.

Can I feed the animals?

For the health and safety of the animals, visitors are not allowed to feed them. Please follow the park rules.

Is the zoo suitable for strollers?

The paths in the zoo are mostly flat, but some areas have steps, making strollers a bit inconvenient. A baby carrier is recommended.

Field Tips

Best photo spot 1. Giant Panda House: capture the cute moment of pandas munching bamboo. 2. Golden Monkey House: photograph the agile leaps of golden snub-nosed monkeys. 3. Swan Lake: the lake mirrors the green trees, perfect for landscape shots. 4. Predator Zone Observation Deck: get distant shots of Siberian tigers, lions, and other big cats. 5. Main tree-lined path in the park: sunlight filtering through the leaves is ideal for portraits.

Best entrance Main gate (South Gate), closest to the metro station and the most convenient way in.

Best exit Main gate (South Gate), with bus stops and the metro station right outside.

Location & Nearby

📍 Coordinates: 30.71013, 104.10601 ⭕ 5 nearby attractions View on Google Maps ↗

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