Chengdu Zoo, located in the city's south-western district of Chenghua, is one of the oldest and most popular wildlife yards in southwest China. It covers a total area of about 360 mu of green grounds and it harbours over 300 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and ornamental fish. The zoo is a fun place to visit for all ages, families, wildlife lovers, and school groups alike, from the giant panda enclosure to the golden monkeys, African elephants, and king penguins on site.
Operating Hours: March–October: 08:00–17:30; November–February: 08:30–17:30
Estimated Time Required: 4–6 hours
Optimal Visiting Times: Weekday mornings in spring or autumn
1. Registration with ID (real name) is required when booking tickets via the official mini programme or the official WeChat public account of Chengdu Zoo or major ticket booking platforms like the "Trip.com".
2. Metro Line 3 (Dongwuyuan Station, Exit A) drops visitors within 100 metres of the north gate.
Chengdu Zoo has consistently brilliant reviews with the vast majority of guests hailing it as a great value. The panda enclosure is consistently cited as the best part by visitors, and since the zoo is one of the world's best kept breeding grounds for pandas, this exhibit is doubly remarkable. The large grounds are suitable for a full day, loved by families with young children and offers a wide range of species in individual pavilions, which are clearly labelled. Many visitors from around the globe also comment that the abundantly landscaped area and peaceful ambiance of the zoo make it more like a park than a zoo. Most basic tip: show up to opening time on a weekday.
Make your zoo trip double as a visit to the nearby Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding or the Zhao Jue Temple for a full day of enriching experience in northern Chengdu. The best part of our comprehensive Chengdu sightseeing guide is that we've included all the transportation tips and tips on what to pair up with the best attractions.
It is recommended that all advance bookings be made online, especially on national holidays and school breaks where a daily limit exists on visitors. There are ticket windows on site, which operate but may be closed when the subsequent capacity limit is reached.
Kids 6 years and younger, or shorter than 1.3 m, go free of charge. Children of 6–18 years are eligible for a half-price ticket of ¥10.
Use of personal water bottles, sealed snack containers are allowed. Animals must NOT be fed anywhere in the zoo – observe all signage near animal enclosures.
Yes. One of the most visited sections, and a space where giant pandas have resided since the early years of the zoo, the panda house. If you want a more immersive experience of the pandas, be sure to visit the nearby Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding as well.
Use the Metro Line 3 to Dongwuyuan Station, exit through the north gate (Exit A).
