Beijing Zoo

Beijing Zoo is one of the larger urban zoos in China with a relatively complete variety of animal species. It has a history of more than a century since the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign and is divided into three areas: east, west, and north.

Among the precious animals that have settled here are China's endemic species such as the giant panda, golden snub-nosed monkey, Siberian tiger, white-lipped deer, Père David's deer, and red-crowned crane, as well as representative animals from around the world such as chimpanzees from Africa, kangaroos from Australia, jaguars, and European bison. There is also an amphibian and reptile house, which spans two floors and displays more than 100 species of reptiles from around the world.

Currently, the Peony Garden at Beijing Zoo covers an area of about 1,500 square meters, located on the east side of the current Waterfowl Island and west of the Binfeng Hall. The garden features the Peony Pavilion and the surrounding corridor as its main structures, and the peonies that bloom from late April to early May each year create a charming contrast with the corridor. In midsummer, the pink lotus flowers and dark green lotus leaves in the lake beside the pavilion reflect each other, making it a distinctive scenic area within the zoo. The Peony Garden currently cultivates nearly 400 peony plants. Preliminary identification shows that it brings together peony varieties from both domestic and international sources, including more than 50 varieties across 10 color series, mainly from the two major variety groups of Central Plains peonies and Jiangnan peonies.

Beijing Zoo also has a science popularization center, which offers weekend animal classes specifically for preschool children. Under the guidance of teachers, children can have close contact with small animals, listen to little stories about them, and learn about the wonders of animals through various enriching activities such as games and crafts with their peers.