Beijing Zoo
Beijing’s 110-year-old zoological park and home to the city’s beloved giant pandas. See the iconic black-and-white bears up close, plus golden monkeys, Siberian tigers, and more — one of the best-value family outings in Beijing.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
Beijing Zoo is the easiest place in the capital to see giant pandas up close, and for many visitors that is the whole reason to come. The Panda House is the zoo's centrepiece, and a chance to watch these iconic bears munch bamboo, nap in the sun, and roll around their enclosure is a genuinely heart-warming half-day.
It is also excellent value for families — entry is around CNY 15-20, and beyond the pandas you get golden snub-nosed monkeys, Siberian tigers, and a lovely lakeside park setting right in the city, 110 years old and still one of Beijing's most-loved outings.
What to Expect
Beijing Zoo is a proper 19th-century-style zoological park wrapped around a lake, not a cramped attraction. The pandas are the headline, but the park rewards wandering: golden snub-nosed monkeys in a hillside enclosure, big cats along one avenue, and waterfowl on the lake that cuts through the grounds.
The Panda House is the star. There are usually several giant pandas on display across an indoor hall and outdoor yards, and they are at their liveliest first thing in the morning during feeding. Watching a panda methodically strip bamboo shoots while a crowd three-deep looks on is a quintessential Beijing moment.
Beyond the pandas, the zoo has an aquarium area, reptile house, and a growing set of modern enclosures. The atmosphere is casual and local — you will see as many Beijing grandparents with grandchildren as tourists, which is part of the charm.
Allow two to three hours, and pace it around the pandas: arrive at opening, do the Panda House first, then take a relaxed loop around the lake before the school groups build through the morning.
The panda outdoor yard right after opening, when the bears are active and the viewing crowd is thin. The golden monkeys by the lake in the zoo’s northeast corner also make lively shots.
| Ticket Price | CNY 15 – CNY 20 |
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Nearest Subway | Beijing Zoo (Line 4), Exit A |
| Best Season | Spring, Autumn |
| Best For | All visitors, including families |
Must-See Highlights
- Giant Panda House
- Golden snub-nosed monkeys
- Siberian tigers
- Lakeside park setting
How to Get There
Take Line 4 to Beijing Zoo station (Exit A). The attraction entrance is a short walk from the station.
Beijing subway operates from approximately 5am to 11pm daily. Fares range from CNY 3 to 9. English signage and announcements are available on all lines.
How to Spend Your Time
- 1
Arrive at the 7:30am gate opening and head straight for the Panda House.
- 2
Watch the pandas' morning feeding (8:30-10am) while the crowd is thin.
- 3
Loop the lake past the golden monkeys and big-cat enclosures.
- 4
Finish with a snack at the lakeside stand before the mid-morning rush.
Insider\u2019s Tip
Pandas are most active at feeding time between 8:30 and 10am — arrive at the 7:30am gate opening and head straight for the Panda House before the school groups arrive. The indoor glass enclosure is coldest in winter, when the pandas are liveliest.
A Bit of History
Founded in 1906 during the late Qing Dynasty as the Imperial Agricultural Exhibition Garden, Beijing Zoo is the oldest public zoo in China. It has been home to giant pandas since the 1950s and hosted the famous pandas gifted to visiting heads of state, including two sent to the US in 1972 in the 'panda diplomacy' era.
Beat the Crowds
Weekend mornings are packed with school groups. Go on a weekday, and if you only see one thing, make it the Panda House before 10am.
Where to Eat Nearby
The zoo has snack stands and a decent cafe, but the nearby Beixia Street hutong has proper local food — try the jianbing and lamb skewers. For a sit-down meal, the Sichuan restaurants near Xizhimen are a 10-minute walk.
Best Photo Spot
The panda outdoor yard right after opening, when the bears are active and the viewing crowd is thin. The golden monkeys by the lake in the zoo’s northeast corner also make lively shots.
Good to Know
- Entry is CNY 15-20; the Panda House is included.
- Nearest subway is Beijing Zoo station, Line 4, Exit A — the north gate is 2 minutes away.
- Pandas are liveliest 8:30-10am; by afternoon they are usually napping.
- Weekday mornings are far quieter than weekends.
- The zoo is closed on some national holidays for maintenance — check before visiting.
Beijing Zoo: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Beijing Zoo cost?
Around CNY 15-20 for general entry, which includes the Panda House. It is one of the best-value attractions in Beijing.
What time are the pandas active?
Feeding happens between roughly 8:30 and 10am, when the pandas are most active. By mid-afternoon they are typically asleep, so go in the morning.
How long should I spend at the zoo?
Two to three hours covers the pandas and a relaxed loop of the park. It makes a good half-day with a nearby lunch.
Is Beijing Zoo worth it for adults without kids?
Yes — the giant pandas are a must-see for many visitors regardless of age, and the park itself is pleasant and cheap. Morning is the time to go.