Beijing Travel Forum

Hello!

Has anybody been to the beijing Zoo recently? How did you like it? Do you think it is a good experience for children?

Thank you in advance
Ulrike

I think children would really enjoy the Beijing Zoo !! : ))) I had heard that some people didn't like their time at the zoo, but I loved it. The place was beautiful. the people were fascinating to watch and the cages were been cleaned while I was there .So too were the lawns being mowed. It was a great day looking at all the animals and eating and watching all the things happening!! !Beijing Zoo


Beijing Zoo was initially named Ten Thousand Animal Garden which was built in 1908, proving that it already has had a history of more than 90 years. It is located in Xicheng District of Beijing City , beside Beijing Exhibition Hall, facing Beijing Astronomical Observatory. The Zoo was originally the imperial manor in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Plants were cultivated and animals were raised here during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). After the liberation, it was reconstructed and was known as the West Suburb Park. And in 1955, the name was changed to Beijing Zoo

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Address: Across the street from the bus terminal
Directions: Best I could say is : across the street from a bus terminal, so it was very easy to get to and catch a bus else where.

My family (children 8 and 11 years old) visited Beijing zoo last fall. We had a great time seeing the pandas but I must say that the place does in no way compare to a modern european zoo. Some of the animals clearly live under appaling conditions. I had a pretty hard time coping with the locals feeding the animals anything from crisps to plastic-wrapped ham and cheese rolls. The adjacant Beijing aquarium is ok and boasts a dolphin show which the kids loved, but in al honesty we could have put our time to a better use. If you really want to see the pandas I suggest you combine the zoo with a visit to the Summer Palace.

I went there in May last year, and was not really impressed. The panda section (which I was so excited to view) was cramped and in pathetic condition. The pandas looked like they needed a good bath. I would recommend that you drop by and walk around, but don't get your hopes too high.

I haven't been there. However I've heard that Chinese zoos are usually in dismal condition (especially for the animals) and Beijing zoo seemed to be no exception.

I have to agree with ellyse. The polar bears didn't seem to enjoy the weather of 40 degree celsius with no shadow or water. But that was 5 years ago so I hope they have made some improvements.

If you are not in a hurry, hold it for a while. Because Beijing government is arranging 8 pandas (selected from panda base in Sichuan)to be shown in Beijing Zoo, to support Olympics promotion......:-).

I think children will always love going to the zoo. We went about a month ago and it seemed that the animals are not well kept, even the pandas. The zoo is under some construction so that is part of the problem. You also have to endure the people who will throw things at animals to wake them up or get their attention. A better bet would be the aquarium.

Thank you very much. Your answer were really helpful.
Ulrike