Shanghai Zoo Map & Routes
Source from Shanghai Zoo Official
Shanghai Zoo Map & Best Route
1. Enter and Pick Up a Map
Enter from the south entrance. Grab a map and locate restrooms and dining areas for planning breaks.
2. Reptiles & Amphibians
Zones 1-4
Start with Giant Salamanders and Tortoises. Indoor exhibits perfect for weather protection.
3. Bird Exhibits
Zones 5-14
Visit Penguins, Pelicans, and the Avian Aviary. Best for morning viewing. Check feeding schedules.
4. Giant Pandas & Big Cats
Visit Giant Pandas early to avoid crowds. See nearby Leopards, Wolves, and other carnivores.
5. Herbivore Area
Zones 20-24
See Giraffes, Zebras, and Rhinoceros. Visit the Elephant area (Zone 24) around midday for feeding sessions.
6. Primate Exhibits
Zones 27-32
Visit Orangutans, Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, and Lemurs. Check schedule for presentations.
7. Educational Building & Final Stops
End at the Educational Building for interactive displays. Check any missed exhibits or shows.
Shanghai Zoo Animals in Each Area
Just got back from Shanghai Zoo and let me tell you about the animals in each area!
Herbivores Zone
This place is huge! The Giant Panda House is the most visited zone - best time to visit is 8:30-10am during their breakfast. That's when they're actually awake and munching bamboo! The red pandas next door are super active in the morning too.
Got to see the giraffes up close at their feeding platform - they're like 5 meters tall! There's this big field where zebras and antelopes hang out together, looks straight out of Africa. The elephant area is massive - they've got this cool mud pool where they take showers at 2pm (bring your camera!). Even saw the tapirs swimming - they look like giant water pigs but way cuter lol.
Birds Zone
Y'all need to see the flamingo lake in the morning - there's like 30+ flamingos making the water look pink! The crane area is next level - these massive red-crowned cranes doing their mating dance (catch them around 9am). Found this huge aviary where you can walk through - tons of golden pheasants showing off their bright orange feathers, and these super loud macaws that'll literally talk back to you! The peacocks roam free and sometimes they'll spread their tail feathers right in front of you for a perfect photo op.
Primates Zone
The golden monkey area is my favorite part! These guys are literally glowing gold in the sunlight and they're SO active around 11am feeding time. The orangutan setup is awesome - they've got these huge climbing frames where you can watch them use tools to get food (mind-blown). Saw this baby gibbon absolutely flying through the air with its mom, and there's this whole gang of lemurs that sunbathe together like they're at the beach.
Carnivores Zone
The tiger enclosure is insane - these Siberian tigers are like triple the size of my dog! Best time to see them is 11am feeding. The South China tigers have this really cool rocky area where they love to chill in the sun. Pro tip: the snow leopards are most active early morning - got some amazing shots around 9am when they were playing.
Amphibians & Reptiles Zone
The indoor reptile house is actually super interesting - they've got these huge Burmese pythons (like 4 meters long!), some crazy-looking vipers, and these massive monitor lizards that look like mini dinosaurs. The Chinese alligator pool outside is pretty neat - saw them doing this cool floating thing where just their eyes stick out of the water. The poison dart frog display is tiny but so worth checking out - never seen colors that bright in nature!
Note: Usually, visitors are not allowed to feed the animals.
Things to Do at Shanghai Zoo
Watch the Animals Come Alive
Hit up the panda house at 8:30am to watch them munch on fresh bamboo (they're basically sleeping the rest of the day lol). The elephant shower time around 2pm is always fun - they really know how to cool off! Just grab the daily schedule at the entrance so you don't miss the good stuff.
Picture Perfect Spots
Swan Lake is THE spot for photos - that stone bridge with the lake reflection is just chef's kiss. The Chinese gardens near the bird area are gorgeous too, especially when the cherry blossoms pop in spring. My secret spot? The viewing deck near the giraffes - you can get these amazing shots with the animals and Shanghai skyline in the background.
Picnic with Friends
There are these huge lawns everywhere that are perfect for hanging out. The grass area by Swan Lake is my go-to - nice breeze, great views, and enough space even on busy days. Lots of shady spots under the trees near the fountain too. Pack your own snacks and drinks though - the cafe food is pretty pricey and meh.
Garden & Nature Walks
The zoo's actually got some really nice gardens hidden away from the main paths. Love the bamboo grove - it's so peaceful you'll forget you're in Shanghai! In fall, the maple tree walkway turns this incredible red color. And the Chinese garden section? Perfect quiet spot when you need a break from the crowds.
Kid-Friendly Activities
For families, there's more than just animal watching. The children's zoo area lets kids get closer to some friendly animals, and there's a cool educational center with interactive displays. Several playgrounds are scattered throughout the zoo for when the little ones need a break from walking. The mini train ride (extra fee) is a hit with kids and gives your feet a rest!
Best Time to Visit Shanghai Zoo
Overall, spring and autumn are often considered the best times to visit Shanghai Zoo.
Fall (October-November) is pure magic here. The weather sits perfectly between 15-25°C, and the maple trees around Swan Lake turn this amazing golden-red. Plus, the animals are super active in this comfortable weather!
Spring (March-April) is another golden time - the whole zoo bursts into color with cherry blossoms and magnolias. The grass areas are perfect for picnics then, and you'll catch some amazing flower photos on the walking paths.
What to Eat Near Shanghai Zoo
Inside the Zoo
- Big Cat Space Café: Sells light meals, coffee, and snake-themed pastries during festivals.
- Food Trucks: Located near the Children’s Zoo (snacks and drinks).
Nearby Options
- Bailian West Mall (百联西郊): 10-minute drive; offers Chinese/Japanese restaurants and fast food.
- Hongqiao Road: Local eateries serving dumplings, noodles, and bubble tea.
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