Chongqing Zoo (重庆动物园), a popular destination for animal lovers and families, offers an exciting opportunity to see a variety of animals, including the beloved giant pandas. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, this zoo is home to over 200 species of animals, along with entertaining exhibits and informative shows. Whether you’re planning a leisurely stroll through the zoo or a fun-filled day with your loved ones, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the zoo, plan your visit, and make the most of your time there.
Opening Hours & Admission
- Opening Hours: Chongqing Zoo is open every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry allowed at 4:30 PM. The zoo is closed on no days, making it a convenient option for a spontaneous visit.
- Admission fees:
- Adults: 25 RMB
- Students: 12.5 RMB (with a valid student ID)
- Ticket purchase: Tickets can be bought through the zoo’s official WeChat account by searching “重庆动物园” or directly at the zoo entrance.
- Ticket Notes:
- Adult tickets do not require an ID for purchase.
- Discounted and half-price tickets (for students and others) require the relevant identification.
Transportation to Chongqing Zoo
- Metro: Take Line 2 to the Zoo Station (动物园站, Exit 1), which is conveniently located near the East Gate.
- Bus: Multiple bus routes go directly to the zoo, including 413 (from Jiefangbei), 420 (from Daping), 822, 478, and 475.
- Driving: While you can navigate to the East 1 Gate parking lot, it’s not recommended to drive as parking spaces can be limited and difficult to find due to the zoo’s popularity.
Giant Panda Exhibit
One of the highlights of Chongqing Zoo is its Giant Panda House, which currently houses 23 pandas. Here’s when you can catch these adorable creatures in action:
- 8:30 AM: The pandas begin their breakfast.
- 9:50 AM: Watch as pandas like Shuangshuang, Chongchong, Xixi, and Qingqing engage in a fun game of “mahjong” (this lasts for 3 to 5 minutes).
- 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM: This is when the pandas are most active, so it’s the best time to see them up close.
- 2:00 PM: The pandas come out to play again, though they are less active than in the morning.
- 4:30 PM: The pandas are taken back to their enclosures.
Suggested Route to Explore the Zoo
Start at the East 2 Gate → Giant Panda House → Goldfish House → Amphibian House → Red Panda House → Bird Language Forest → Comprehensive Animal House → Penguin House → Cute Animal Zone → Orangutan House → Monkey House → Bear House → Tiger House → Wolf House → Leopard House → Deer House → Rhino House → Kangaroo House → Elephant House → Giraffe House → Antelope House → End at the Giant Panda House → Exit at the East 2 Gate.
Things to Do After Visiting the Zoo
Once you’ve finished exploring the zoo, there are several nearby attractions to visit:
- On Foot: You can walk from the zoo to Eling Park, Eling Factory No. 2, Liziba, Jiefangbei, and Hongya Cave for a scenic tour and cultural experiences.
- By Metro: Alternatively, take Line 2 from the zoo directly to Jiefangbei, a bustling commercial area where you can shop and explore, or visit Hongya Cave for its stunning night view.
Helpful Tips for Chongqing Zoo
- Rental Services:
- Stroller rental (5 RMB/30 minutes)
- Shared mobility scooter rental (60 RMB/30 minutes)
- Luggage Storage: There’s a large luggage storage facility located on the right side of the East 2 Gate. The prices are as follows:
- Small locker: 15 RMB
- Medium locker: 25 RMB
- Large locker: 35 RMB
- You can also find a cheaper option inside a convenience store near the entrance (around 10 RMB).
- Footwear Advice: Wear comfortable shoes as the zoo features many stairs and inclines, which can make walking tiring.
- Bird Watching Caution: Be cautious around the Bird Language Forest, as the area has many birds in the trees. You may get splattered by bird droppings while walking beneath them.
- Rainy Day Warning: It’s best to avoid visiting the zoo on rainy days, as the ground can get slippery and muddy, making it less enjoyable.