Beijing Zoo

Everyone knows there are many animals in Beijing Zoo~But actually, there are also quite a few plant species in the zoo~In late autumn, when you come to the zoo, instead of looking at the animals, you can come specifically to enjoy the autumn scenery and catch the last trace of autumn in late autumn~ The autumn hunting journey still starts from Changguan Building in the northwest corner of the zoo~The Peach Blossom Spring in spring has already become an autumn palette~At some point, a small path appeared by the lake and among the trees~Like a musical staff, carrying colorful autumn leaves as notes playing the melody of autumn in the forest~Although the ginkgo leaves have mostly fallen, and the yuanbao maple leaves are sparse, only the gilded weeping willows stand quietly by the lake, you can still feel the brilliance of autumn~Through the branches, Changguan Building still stands like an ancient castle, quietly watching the changing seasons~ Although the ginkgo leaves fall at this time, there are still trees like the London plane, willow, and black poplar to enjoy~There are many London planes in the zoo, from the northwest gate to the southwest gate, and near the reptile house, tall and colorful, making it the most spectacular autumn scenery~The weeping willows by Changhe River and the lake are also a bright spot~Near Lion-Tiger Hill and in front of Binfeng Hall, you can see them; the willows in the lake in front of Binfeng Hall are comparable to the sacred trees of Zizhuyuan Park~The black poplars near the Bird Garden are unique, rare vertical lines in autumn, golden sentinels of the season~Later, near the wolf enclosure, several color-changing Aesculus trees were found, red and orange, very rare~Also saw a sleepy little red panda in autumn, very cute~ The autumn colors of the zoo are quite beautiful~

A trip to Beijing without stopping by Beijing Zoo? No way—this is the place to meet China’s cutest stars 🐼 and soak up a touch of old-city charm! Here’s how to make the most of your visit: ⌛️The best time to go is spring or fall: the weather is pleasant, the grounds are lush and green, and the animals are easier to spot. Arrive right when the zoo opens (7:30 in both winter and summer) if you want to catch the giant pandas while they’re active: they usually spend 8:30 to 10:30 eating bamboo or wandering around, then head off to the shade. The pandas have their own pavilion, and sometimes a separate ticket is required (a combo ticket is around 19 yuan), so keep that in mind! 🐼Plan for at least 4 hours: start with the pandas, then move on to the small mammals, polar bears, lions and tigers, elephants, giraffes, golden monkeys, and a wide variety of birds in cozy enclosures framed by traditional Chinese architecture. The zoo has an old-school, handmade feel that history lovers will appreciate: some enclosures are a bit compact and the facilities feel dated, but that’s part of its charm. 🚇Getting there is easy: take Metro Line 4 to Dongwuyuan Station, right by the entrance. 🍽️It’s better not to buy food inside the zoo—bring your own snack, and absolutely do not feed the animals! 💡Tip: be ready for lots of walking and changing weather—an umbrella can come in handy even on a sunny day. You can easily stay until evening, but it’s best to catch the highlights before noon.

Where to take the kids for fun on the weekend? The super popular Natural History Museum is always sold out😭 While planning on Xiao🍠, I accidentally discovered this place Everywhere are genuine dinosaur fossils and original specimens It feels like exploring Jurassic World🦕 Definitely a place dinosaur fans will love And it’s not too crowded here, no need to fight for tickets Next door are Beijing Zoo and the Planetarium Perfect for a one-day trip🗺 . 🎡|China Paleozoological Museum ⏰|9:00-16:30 (Closed on Mondays) 🎫|20 RMB 📍|No. 142 Xizhimen Outer Street, Beijing 🚇|Zoo Station, Metro Line 4 . ✨|Museum Highlights ▪️ Asia’s largest paleontological museum ▪️ A large number of 100% authentic dinosaur fossils ▪️ African living fossil "Latimeria" ▪️ Asia’s largest dinosaur "Mamenchisaurus" ▪️ China’s first dinosaur "Xuxilufeng Dinosaur" . 🗺|Tour Guide The museum has 3 floors, From bottom to top, it narrates the evolution of vertebrates from ancient to modern times ▪️1F: Paleozoic Era Dragon Pool: The most photogenic spot, like Jurassic World Marine Fish Fossils: Explore the ancient marine life world Darwin Lab: Kids can do hands-on experiments and learn ▪️2F: Mesozoic Era Dinosaur Corridor + Marine Life ▪️3F: Cenozoic Era Saber-toothed Elephant: Older than the mammoth, Asia’s most complete saber-toothed elephant skeleton . 🎞|3D Movies On 1F in the screening room, 3 dinosaur series movies Separate ticket 20 RMB ▪️ Cretaceous Park Duration: 11 min Showtimes: 9:45 11:30 13:00 14:50 ▪️ Return to the Permian Duration: 15 min Showtimes: 10:15 14:15 ▪️ Flying Dinosaurs Duration: 13 min Showtimes: 10:50 12:00 13:40 15:30 . 🏰|Nearby Attractions 🦫|Beijing Zoo Super large area, with Instagram-worthy flamingos and the new popular tapir Various animal-themed zoo creative ice creams, and you can collect stamps 🛰|Beijing Planetarium Enjoy 360-degree dome movies, comfortably lie back and watch the stars Great for kids to learn a lot about astronomy .

Recently, the giant panda Menglan has started a top-tier fan service mode, melting everyone's hearts! Menglan's rolling moves are incredibly smooth, with its round body rolling flexibly and adorably. It even presses against the window to get close to fans, and that affectionate gesture directly sweetens everyone's hearts. This round of "service" has made fans feel overwhelmingly happy. As a national treasure of China, the giant panda already has great viewing value, and Menglan has won countless fans with these cute behaviors. Visitors to the park where Menglan lives can not only see its adorable appearance up close but also witness its various funny and cute moments, gaining plenty of surprises and joy. If you are a giant panda lover, don't miss the chance to meet Menglan. Come check in and experience this unique charm of cuteness!

Address: No. 137, Xizhimen Outer Street, Xicheng District, Beijing Opening hours: 7:30-19:00 (entry stops at 18:00) Tickets: Peak season 15 yuan (peak season combo ticket 19 yuan) Beijing Zoo was established in the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1906), and was then called "Wansheng Garden". Its predecessor was the Agricultural Experiment Field of the Ministry of Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce of the Qing Dynasty. After renovations, transformations, and greening in the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was renamed "Xijiao Park". In 1955, it was officially renamed "Beijing Zoo". The zoo is divided into the East, West, and North areas. The East area mainly has the Giant Panda Hall, Polar Bear Exhibition Area, and Lion and Tiger Mountain; the West area mainly has the Giraffe Hall, Golden Monkey Hall, and Penguin Paradise, as well as the ancient building Changguan Building; the North area mainly has the Aquarium, Elephant Hall, and Rhino and Hippo Hall. The zoo covers an area of 86 hectares, and it is easy to get lost inside! There are many signs and many staff members, so if you really can't find your way, just ask. The zoo houses and exhibits more than 500 species of animals. When bringing children to play, you can look for the animals they like according to the signs. If you can't find them, you might discover something else. For moms who are bad with directions, just see whatever you can find. The zoo is beautifully scenic, so if you get lost, you can also enjoy the scenery and take a break. In such a large park, dragging a little kid around, I usually just see whatever I can find. If I can't find anything, I just enjoy the scenery. Sometimes, we end up seeing the same animal several times. When the kids get tired, there are many places in the zoo that sell toys and snacks, which is quite friendly for children.

As the first snow falls in Beijing, the Beijing Zoo instantly transforms into a fairy tale world! Who would have thought! By the Waterfowl Lake, I spotted Momo in the snow — the giant panda Menglan, this trip was truly worth it😭 Snowflakes gently fall on the surface of Waterfowl Lake, swans 🦢 glide leisurely with their snowy fluffy feathers, and the lake is shrouded in a light mist, resembling a fairyland from an ink painting. And my gaze was completely captured by Momo not far away! The little one sports a fluffy white coat, strolling slowly in the snow, occasionally sniffing the snow beneath, leaving a trail of shallow little footprints with its round body, cuteness making hearts race 💓 Snowflakes land on its ears and shoulders, making it look even more like a soft glutinous rice ball! 📸 Star-chasing & snow-appreciating double buff guide For those wanting to spot Momo, it’s best to go in the morning! After the first snow, more visitors come, so arriving early lets you grab a front-row viewing spot~ Waterfowl Lake and the Panda House are close by; after seeing Momo, you can head to the lake to photograph snowy swans, a one-stop double happiness check-in! Snowy days mean slippery paths, so be sure to wear non-slip shoes, and don’t forget gloves, scarves, and hand warmers—after all, you’ll be taking photos and cuddling the panda, and cold hands won’t do! This winter, you must come to Beijing Zoo for a date with the first snow and Menglan~

Beijing Zoo is located in Xicheng District, Beijing, China, on the outer street of Xizhimen, adjacent to Beijing Exhibition Hall and Moscow Restaurant, covering an area of about 86 hectares, with a water area of 8.6 hectares. It was established in the 32nd year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty (1906), and is the earliest open and the zoo with the most types of animals on display in China. In addition, Beijing Zoo is also one of the world-renowned zoos. In the park, you can see precious animals native to China, marine fish and marine life, and various animals from all over the world, making it one of the largest urban zoos in China, and it can be called the best in a century. At the same time, Beijing Zoo also actively organizes various science popularization education activities, such as fire safety day publicity activities, science and technology education experience base activities, etc., to provide the public with rich scientific knowledge and cultural experience.

I didn’t get a chance to visit the zoo during the Spring Festival~Today, I passed by and took a stroll inside the zoo~ The various Spring Festival decorations have not been taken down yet~On both sides of the west avenue, several rows of red pinwheels gently spin in the breeze, lively and creative~The large and small red lanterns hanging on the trees and shrubs are festive and lively~Near the south gate, the plane trees are adorned with the most red lanterns, making the nearby old buildings seem to be reborn~Usually, the zoo is crowded with visitors, but today there are few tourists, allowing for photos that capture the charm of the old buildings~Several festive Spring Festival flower beds scattered throughout the park are also celebrating the 120th anniversary of the zoo’s founding. I just learned that this year marks the 120th anniversary of Beijing Zoo’s establishment, which is truly worth celebrating~ Since it’s the Year of the Horse~the “horse” naturally takes center stage~Near the Science Popularization Hall, a new bronze statue of a war horse has been placed. It represents Chairman Mao’s former steed—the chrysanthemum-colored brown-green horse, which, along with the war horses of Zhu De and Ren Bishi, was relocated to the Prairie Animal Garden within the zoo for breeding and exhibition~ When passing through the herbivore area, I paid special attention and indeed saw large red lanterns hanging high in front of the enclosures. It turns out these are the enclosures for Przewalski’s horses, as well as the “cousins” of horses—the Tibetan wild ass and the Asian wild ass enclosures~It makes sense since modern horses are domesticated animals, not wild, so the zoo wouldn’t exhibit them; it should be Przewalski’s horses~I didn’t see the main stars, the Przewalski’s horses, but I did see the Tibetan wild asses wandering outside, seemingly enjoying the attention~ Exiting from the northwest gate of the zoo~I was surprised to find that the street trees along Wuta Temple Road were all dressed in sweaters! Colorful, funny, and cute, some with big eyes staring, some raising their hands, some hanging little horses, some with carrots, some wearing scarves, some with Mickey Mouse, some with big persimmons, and even some in camouflage colors~This road, already perfect for walking and cycling, has become even more interesting to see~

Planning a family trip to Beijing? Here are the top spots to check out with your little ones 👨👩👧👦🚇 – all easily accessible by subway, surprisingly affordable, and packed with unforgettable vibes! 1. Universal Beijing Resort A paradise for all ages! Experience the magic of Hollywood, meet the Minions, hit up the best rides, and crash with the whole fam at The Universal Studios Grand Hotel (No. 2 Courtyard, Richu Lane) — the rooms feature Minion and Kung Fu Panda themes, and they're clean and cozy. Just a heads-up: the soundproofing isn't perfect, and the service can be a bit hit-or-miss sometimes. 📍Address: Tongzhou District, Universal Resort subway station (Line 7 / Batong Line). ⏰ Hours: 09:00–20:00. 💸 Ticket: 315 RMB. 2. Happy Valley Roller coasters and rides for all ages, and it's especially awesome during the warmer months! 📍Address: Xiaowuji North Road, right by Happy Valley Scenic Area subway station, Exit B. ⏰ Hours: 09:30–20:30 (Mon–Thu), open until 22:00 (Fri–Sun). 💸 Entry: 169 RMB. 3. Beijing Zoo Pandas and exotic animals are a given! Huge grounds and endless photo ops. 📍Address: 137 Xizhimen Outer Street, Beijing Zoo subway station (Line 4). ⏰ Hours: 07:30–19:00 (Apr–Oct), open until 18:00 (Nov–Mar). 💸 Ticket: 79 RMB. 4. Chaoyang Theater World-class acrobatics and shows for kids of any age! 📍Address: 36 North East Third Ring Road, Hujialou subway station, Exit C1 (Line 6 or 10). ⏰ Hours: 16:00–18:30. 💸 Ticket: 258 RMB. 5. Beijing World Park Travel the world in a single day — featuring miniature replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, and more. A fantastic outdoor stroll! Pro tips: · Definitely stick to the subway; it's the cheapest and fastest way to reach all these spots. · Book your tickets for major attractions ahead of time on Trip.com – the morning lines are way shorter. · Always bring your own water to the zoo; the vending machines are a total rip-off. · For toddlers and younger kids, go for the themed rooms at The Universal Studios Grand Hotel.

In the morning, I took a trip to Beijing Zoo. I didn’t go to the zoo to see animals, but to see the peonies. In the Peony Pavilion in the east area of the zoo, the peonies are in full bloom. It’s very close to the south gate. I had originally turned on navigation, preparing to walk for quite a while. But before long, by the waterside of the Waterfowl Lake, I looked up and clusters of peonies appeared magnificently before my eyes, effortlessly. The Peony Pavilion is on an island in the lake, a circular pavilion formed by two semicircular corridors, planted all over with peonies. Red, pink, white, and purple intertwine, showing off their elegant and noble beauty, with the fragrance of flowers filling the air. Occasionally, you can see pelicans and swans swimming by, a stillness and movement that feels refreshing. Walking along the gallery towards Binfeng Hall, I saw the catalpa trees blooming in the courtyard. The tall catalpa trees have delicate pink flowers, small and exquisite, creating a strong contrast. The crabapple flowers in front of Binfeng Hall have all fallen, I was a bit late. Sitting under the crabapple tree, I recalled what Wang Guowei wrote in “Yulouchun: This Year’s Flowers Are Slowly Passing”: “This year’s flowers are slowly passing by, Next year’s blossoms should be even more splendid. Many have always loved to see flowers, But I fear youth does not belong to me. I urge you not to tire of the large wine cup, Let’s get drunk and lie beneath the flowers. Look at today’s blossoms on the tree, They are not the same buds from last year’s branches.”

Beijing Zoo is located on Xizhimen Outer Street in Xicheng District, Beijing. Established in the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign, it has been providing animal viewing and nature education services to the public for over a century. The zoo is divided into three main areas: East, South, and North, gathering China's unique and rare species such as giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, Amur tigers, white-lipped deer, Père David's deer, and red-crowned cranes, as well as globally representative animals like chimpanzees, kangaroos, jaguars, manatees from Mexico, and European bison. The Amphibian and Reptile House exhibits over 100 species of reptiles, including the world's larger-sized saltwater crocodile. The Peony Garden covers 1,500 square meters, located east of the Waterfowl Island and west of Binfeng Hall, planting nearly 400 peony plants across 10 color series and 54 varieties. They bloom from late April to early May, beautifully complementing the ancient-style pavilions and corridors. In midsummer, the lotus pond beside the corridor sways with pink lotuses, lush and vibrant. The zoo's science education center regularly holds weekend "Animal Classes" open to preschool children for interactive experiences. Through storytelling, crafts, and fun games, children gain an understanding of biodiversity through close contact. The panda Menglan continues to be the park's popular highlight, with signature moves like the splits frequently causing visitors to stop and laugh, creating a warm and fun connection between people and animals. Come to Beijing Zoo and start your unique journey!

Families living in northwest Beijing are in luck! This all-subway-accessible, indoor-outdoor combined, educational and entertaining one-day tour route has been tested by countless Haidian parents and is considered a “textbook-level” weekend plan for taking kids out. It not only burns off the little ones’ energy but also quietly imparts knowledge—killing two birds with one stone. 🗺️ Golden Triangle One-Day Tour Route: Morning (9:30-12:00): Starting Point of Knowledge — National Library Highlight: Head straight to the “National Library Children’s Section” (located on the east side of the North Branch of the main library, with a separate entrance). It has a huge collection of books, excellent environment, and regularly hosts storytelling and other activities. Check the official WeChat account in advance for the event schedule. Let kids freely choose from the sea of books and read quietly. Parents can take the opportunity to rest and recharge. Tip: A children’s reader card or ID is required for entry, easy to apply for. Please keep quiet. Noon (12:00-13:30): Energy Boost — Convenient Lunch After leaving the National Library, there are plenty of dining options nearby. You can go to Huaxi Live·Wukesong (one or two subway stops away) for various chain restaurants, or just grab a quick meal at a nearby casual dining spot. Afternoon (13:30-16:00): Embrace Nature — Purple Bamboo Park It’s just a 5-minute walk from the National Library to Purple Bamboo Park. Follow the previous guide for a winter stroll, bamboo viewing, and ice skating. This is the time to let kids release their lively nature. Evening (16:00-17:30): Choose One Mysterious Finale Option A (Nature Science Fans): Exit from the north gate of Purple Bamboo Park and walk about 15 minutes to the “China Ancient Animal Museum.” It displays exquisite fossils from dinosaurs to ancient humans, with the museum’s treasures being a huge Yellow River elephant skeleton and dinosaur egg fossils. Although the venue is small, the content is very hardcore, and boys usually get very excited. Option B (Animal Lovers): Take one subway stop (Line 4) from Purple Bamboo Park to Zoo Station and visit Beijing Zoo. In winter, you can see cold-resistant animals like polar bears, snow leopards, and wolves with fewer crowds and a better experience. Focus on visiting the giant panda house. 🎯 Route Advantages Analysis: Seamless Connection: All locations are very close, reachable by walking or short subway rides, maximizing saved travel time and energy. Hot and Cold Alternation: Alternating indoor (library, museum) and outdoor (park) activities prevent kids from staying in heated rooms all the time or freezing outside. Combination of Activity and Calm: Quiet reading combined with lively ice activities and observation matches children’s physical and mental rhythms. Knowledge Loop: From book knowledge (library), to natural observation (park plants and animals), to scientific specimens (museum), forming a small cognitive loop. 🍭 Fun Extras: Prepare a small camera or old phone for the child to record the “three most interesting things” they see today. At Purple Bamboo Park, play a “color treasure hunt” game: find red (pavilion), yellow (wintersweet), green (bamboo), white (snow), etc. At the Ancient Animal Museum, buy a set of dinosaur cards or models as a reward for exploration. This route is economical, efficient, and rich in content, fully tapping into the treasures of urban public resources. It proves that high-quality parent-child time doesn’t necessarily require traveling far or spending a lot—just thoughtful planning and a keen eye for discovery.