Stories
There's a widely told anecdote about Beijing Zoo: back in the day, Empress Dowager Cixi once visited here, and it's said she was especially delighted when she saw the monkeys, even ordering extra food for them. Later, the Monkey Hill became one of the most popular spots for children. Also, Lion and Tiger Hill gained fame thanks to a movie—the classic film "Song of Youth" features scenes shot there. Another detail: there's a century-old pagoda tree in the park, and it's said that Lu Xun once strolled here and left written records of it. These stories give the zoo not just the liveliness of animals, but also a touch of cultural warmth.
History
Beijing Zoo's history goes back to 1906, when the Qing government set up an agricultural experiment station here, along with a zoo called the Garden of Ten Thousand Animals. It opened to the public in 1908, making it China's first public zoo. During the Republic of China era, it went through many changes and was once renamed the Natural Museum. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was officially named Beijing Zoo in 1950, and iconic buildings like Lion and Tiger Hill and Panda Hall were built one after another. In the 1960s and 70s, it was temporarily closed for special reasons, but it soon reopened. Today, it's not just a place for people to relax, but also an important base for wildlife protection, scientific research, and science education, witnessing the development of China's modern zoo industry.
Nature
Beijing Zoo itself is a park in the style of a botanical garden. Inside, ancient trees tower overhead, the grass is lush, and the four seasons are clearly distinct. In spring, cherry and crabapple blossoms are in full bloom; in summer, the lotus ponds fill the air with fragrance; in autumn, the ginkgo trees turn golden; and in winter, after a snowfall, the whole park is wrapped in silver. Waterfowl Lake is the most natural spot here. With its open water and dense reeds, it attracts a large number of water birds. Besides the captive animals, this is also a rare birdwatching spot in the city. Wild ducks, egrets, and other wild birds often visit. The park has very high vegetation coverage, and many areas are shaded by green canopy, so even in midsummer, you can find cool corners. Nature and animals complement each other, letting visitors experience a touch of wilderness right in the city.
Travel Tips
It's recommended to spend at least half a day here. If you want to explore thoroughly, you can plan a full day. The best time to visit is on weekday mornings, avoiding the peak crowds on weekends and holidays. Getting there is very convenient: take Metro Line 4 to Beijing Zoo Station, exit from Exit A, and it's just a few minutes' walk. If you drive, parking is tight, so it's better to use public transport. You can book tickets in advance through the official WeChat account and enter the park with your ID card. A suggested route: enter from the South Gate, first see the Giant Panda Hall, then go counterclockwise to Lion and Tiger Hill, Monkey Hill, and Waterfowl Lake, and finally visit the Amphibian and Reptile House. In summer, remember to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated. There are several snack bars and restaurants in the park, but prices are a bit high, so you can bring some snacks. For photos, the best spots are in front of the glass at the Giant Panda Hall and at the top of Lion and Tiger Hill. Just remember not to use flash to startle the animals.
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