Chengdu Zoo: A Complete Guide to Visiting the Chengdu Panda Zoo

Chengdu Zoo, located in the heart of Chengdu, is a family-friendly destination that offers an unforgettable experience with wildlife, especially the beloved giant pandas.

Overview
Founded in 1953 and located at No. 237 North Second Ring Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu, the zoo covers a total area of approximately 17.7 hectares. It houses over 300 species of animals, totaling more than 5,000 individuals, including 29 species under first-class national protection such as giant pandas, golden monkeys, and Asian elephants, and 58 species under second-class national protection like red pandas and white tigers. Officially positioned as a “comprehensive zoo integrating exhibition, protection, scientific research, and education”, it is also a national-level popular science education base for wildlife protection, undertaking important tasks of endangered species breeding and public environmental education.

Core Attractions
1. Panda Pavilion
The Panda House is located at the center of Chengdu Zoo and currently houses and exhibits four giant pandas. Covering an area of approximately 1,000 square meters, it consists of three outdoor playgrounds, four air-conditioned exhibition halls, several inner rooms, and operation rooms.

2. Sichuan Golden Snub-nosed Monkey House
The Sichuan Golden Snub-nosed Monkey House is located at the heart of Chengdu Zoo and is adjacent to the Panda House—just as Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys and giant pandas are neighbors in the wild. The facility comprises one indoor exhibition hall and two outdoor activity enclosures.

A family group of Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys, consisting of one male, multiple females, and several infants, resides in the large outdoor enclosure. The family members often huddle together and groom each other, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. The small outdoor enclosure is home to several sub-adolescent monkeys, which are as lively and playful as human children—they chase and frolic, or tussle and play-bite with each other from time to time, earning this area the nickname of the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey "kindergarten."

Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys have a habit of taking afternoon naps, with their rest period lasting from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM every noon. If you visit the monkey house during this time, please refrain from making loud noises.

3. Antelope House
The Antelope House is located in the middle of the Herbivore Area of Chengdu Zoo and was built and put into use in 2005. As the zoo’s first mixed-species exhibition area, it has overcome the drawbacks of the traditional exhibition mode in urban zoos, such as cramped enclosures, excessive human interference with animals, and poor viewing experiences. What greets visitors is a spacious and open activity enclosure, where various antelope species live freely, harmoniously and comfortably.

The Antelope House is home to the largest number of animal species among all enclosures in Chengdu Zoo, currently housing bharals, blackbucks, and white oryxes.

4. Giraffe House
The Giraffe House is designed according to the height proportion of giraffes, with doorways as high as 6 meters—making it the tallest enclosure among all facilities in the zoo. It houses three species of animals: giraffes, zebras, and emus.

Currently, two giraffes (one male and one female) are exhibited here. The male giraffe, named Haitian, was born on May 5, 2016, and came to Chengdu from Guangzhou on the 20th of an unspecified month in 2020. Many zoos across China have giraffes with names containing the character "Hai" (Sea); Haitian is a member of this giraffe "Sea Family" and is related to these giraffes. The female giraffe, named Meimei, was born on May 24, 2015, to parents Shulan (father) and Zaimai (mother). As their first daughter, Meimei is elegant and steady in the eyes of the keepers, exuding the demeanor of a responsible older sister.

Identification Features of Haitian: It has white lower limbs, a prominent bulge on its forehead (a distinctive trait of male giraffes), and its fur is darker in color than Meimei’s.

5. Elephant House
The Elephant House is adjacent to the Giraffe House. The newly renovated Elephant House features a large outdoor playground with a rockery and fountain, as well as an indoor breeding room and three inner rooms, which can meet the needs of elephants for normal activities in different seasons.

Currently, a pair of Asian elephants are kept and exhibited here. The male elephant, named Jisheng, is the second Asian elephant born in Beijing Zoo. The female elephant, named Mojia, was born on June 16, 2012, at Kunming Zoo and moved to Chengdu Zoo on October 25, 2021.

Basic Information
1. Opening Hours
· Summer (March–October): 8:00 AM–5:30 PM
· Winter (November–February): 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
· Last Entry Time: 4:30 PM
· Open Year-round

2. Ticket Prices
· Adult Ticket: 20 RMB per person
· Half-price Ticket: 10 RMB per person

3. Ticketing Instructions
Visitors can book tickets via online ticketing channels:
· Purchase tickets online through the menu bar at the bottom of the Chengdu Zoo official WeChat public account;
· Search for the mini-program "Chengdu Zoo E-ticket" on Alipay or WeChat;
· Buy tickets on major online travel platforms (Qunar, Lvmama, Dianping, Meituan, Ctrip).
· Visitors who are unable to book tickets online may purchase them at the on-site ticket windows.
· Inquiry Service Hotline: +86-28-83516651

4. Transportation Routes
· Metro: Take Metro Line 3 and exit at Exit A.
· Bus Routes:
Routes 99, 18, 32, 527, 64, 650, 9 and others can reach the Main Entrance (North Gate) of Chengdu Zoo.
Or routes 1, 49, 53 and others can take you to Qinglongchang (Zhaojue Temple) Bus Stop; you can access the South Gate of the zoo via Zhaojue Temple.

5. Best Tour Route
North Gate — Goldfish Corridor — Amphibian and Reptile House — Parrot House — Bird Garden — Waterfowl Lake — Science Popularization Hall — Children's Zoo (seal show, Penguin House) — Turn right at T-junction — Sichuan Golden Snub-nosed Monkey House — Peacock & Pheasant House — Bear Mountain — Orangutan House — Lion and Tiger House — Leopard House — Turn right at the end of the road — Giraffe House (circle the house) — Elephant House — Return to main road — Hippopotamus House — Zebra House — Rhinoceros House — Antelope House — Various Deer & Camel Area — Signpost near Administration Office — Panda House

Practical Travel Tips
1. Safety & Etiquette
No climbing enclosures, no feeding animals with outside food, no loud noise to disturb animals, keep children under supervision, comply with staff instructions

2. Best Travel Time
Best season (spring: March-May, autumn: September-November, mild weather and active animals), best daily time (9:00 AM-11:00 AM, pandas are most active; avoid 12:00 PM-2:00 PM, animals may rest)

3. Weather & Equipment Preparation
Check weather forecast in advance, bring sunscreen/umbrella in summer, warm clothes in winter, comfortable walking shoes (long walking distance), portable water bottle (drinking fountains available in park)

Chengdu Zoo is more than just an animal park; it’s a place where conservation meets education. With its impressive collection of animals, interactive exhibits, and dedication to protecting endangered species like the giant panda, the zoo provides an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re an animal lover, a family looking for a fun day out, or someone interested in wildlife conservation, Chengdu Zoo offers something for everyone. Make sure to visit and immerse yourself in this educational and fun adventure!

Your Way Holiday’s Expert Guide to Chengdu Zoo and the Unforgettable Animal Experiences

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