Shanghai Zoo Complete Guide
400+ Species · Giant Pandas · Golden Monkeys

Quick Facts

Adult ticket	¥40 / Klook from ¥30
Student ticket	¥20 (with valid ID)
Children	Under 6 or under 1.3 m — free
Combo ticket	¥65 (Butterfly House + Science Hall)
Opening hours	Mar–Oct 7:30–17:00; Nov–Feb 7:30–16:30
Recommended visit time	3–5 hours
Transport	Metro Line 10 "Shanghai Zoo Station" Exit 1
Park size	74 hectares (about 18 football fields)

1. About Shanghai Zoo: What You Need to Know

Shanghai Zoo (located at 2381 Hongqiao Road, Changning District) was founded in 1954, originally as the "West Suburb Park," and is Shanghai's oldest and largest urban zoo. The 74-hectare park is home to over 400 animal species and 6,000+ individual animals, including giant pandas, golden monkeys, South China tigers, Chinese alligators, and many other species of national protected status.

Unlike Shanghai Wildlife Park (which sits in distant Pudong), Shanghai Zoo's biggest advantage is direct metro access, low admission prices, and a half-day itinerary — ideal for families, local weekenders, and tourists with limited time. The park has exceptional tree coverage: spring brings cherry blossoms, autumn brings golden ginkgos, and even without the animals, the grounds are pleasant for a stroll.

2. Six Main Zones Explained

1. Giant Panda Hall (Must-see)

The zoo's most popular exhibit, with 2–3 giant pandas on permanent display — the only place in Shanghai proper to see wild-born giant pandas. Climate-controlled indoor and outdoor areas. Visit before 10:30 am: that's when pandas are most active; after noon they mostly sleep. The adjacent Red Panda area is equally charming.

2. Primate Zone

Houses golden monkeys, chimpanzees, gibbons, baboons and 30+ other primate species. The Golden Monkey Island is the highlight — these striking golden-haired creatures are China's national treasure, and their coats gleam in sunlight. The Chimpanzee Hall has glass viewing windows for up-close behavioral observation.

3. Carnivore Zone

South China tigers, Northeast tigers, African lions, leopards, black bears and other large predators. The South China tiger is one of the world's most endangered tiger subspecies — fewer than 200 remain in the wild. Exhibits use moat barriers for safety without obstructing views.

4. Herbivore Zone

Giraffes, zebras, antelopes, camels, and other African and Asian savanna animals. The giraffe-feeding experience (ticket: ¥10 for food) is hugely popular with children — feed them from a raised platform. Two sessions daily: 10:00 and 14:00.

5. Reptile Hall

Chinese alligators (endemic species), snakes, Komodo dragons, tortoises. Climate-controlled indoor hall — great on rainy or hot days. The Chinese alligator is a Class-1 protected species with fewer than 200 surviving in the wild.

6. Bird World

Large walk-through aviary with peacocks, parrots, flamingos. Endangered species like red-crowned and black-necked cranes also on display. Spring is peak bird-watching season.

3. Top 5 Must-See Highlights

1. Giant Pandas — see them eating bamboo, somersaulting, climbing at their most active in the morning.
2. Golden Monkey Island — golden fur shines brilliantly in sunlight; outstanding photo subject.
3. Giraffe Feeding — twice daily; beloved by children; interactive animal encounter.
4. South China Tigers — one of the world's rarest tiger subspecies, with only hundreds surviving globally.
5. Swan Lake — the park's artificial lake at the center with free-roaming black swans and mandarin ducks; ideal rest and photo spot.

4. Ticket Types & Pricing

Ticket type	Regular price	Klook	Notes
Adult	¥40	From ¥30	Instant confirmation, scan-and-enter
Student	¥20	¥20	Valid student ID required
Combo	¥65	¥55	Includes Butterfly House + Science Hall
Children	Free	Free	Under 6 or under 1.3 m tall
Seniors	Free	—	65+ with ID

Klook advantages: skip entrance queue — gate lines on weekends can exceed 30 minutes. Pre-buy online to use the fast-track lane.

5. Best Time to Visit

• Best seasons: March–May (spring) and September–November (autumn). Comfortable temps, animals very active. Spring cherry blossoms, autumn ginkgos.
• Avoid: July–August (peak summer heat 35°C+, animals and crowds lethargic) and major holidays/May Day (overcrowded).
• Best time slot: 8:00–11:00 am — animals most active, especially giant pandas and carnivores. Post-2:00 pm, many animals rest.
• Weekdays vs weekends: Weekday visits have less than half the weekend crowd. If possible, visit Tuesday–Friday.

6. Recommended 3–4 Hour Itinerary

1. 8:00 Exit Metro Line 10 Shanghai Zoo Station, Exit 1; 3-minute walk to south entrance;
2. 8:10 Head straight to Giant Panda Hall (arrive early, pandas active, less crowded) → 30 minutes;
3. 8:45 Walk to Golden Monkey Island + Primate Zone → 30 minutes;
4. 9:20 Visit Carnivore Zone (South China tigers, lions) → 30 minutes;
5. 10:00 Reach Herbivore Zone, catch 10:00 giraffe feeding → 30 minutes;
6. 10:30 Walk through Swan Lake, rest and photos → 15 minutes;
7. 10:50 Browse Bird World → 20 minutes;
8. 11:15 Tour Reptile Hall (cool on hot days) → 20 minutes;
9. 11:40 Zoo restaurant lunch or bring a picnic for the lawns;
10. 12:30 Exit and rest.

With children: slow the pace and allow 5–6 hours, adding kids' play areas and science exhibits.

7. Transportation & Directions

Subway (Recommended)

Take Metro Line 10 to Shanghai Zoo Station, Exit 1. Walk 3 minutes to the south entrance. From People's Square: about 35 minutes. From Hongqiao Railway Station: only 15 minutes. Most convenient option.

Bus

Lines 57, 91, 519, 807, 809 all stop at Shanghai Zoo Station.

Taxi/Ride-hailing

Parking at the zoo lot (¥10/hour). Weekends and holidays get busy; metro is preferable. Navigate to "Shanghai Zoo South Gate."

8. Shanghai Zoo vs Shanghai Wildlife Park — Quick Comparison

Factor	Shanghai Zoo	Shanghai Wildlife Park
Location	City center (Changning)	Distant Pudong suburbs
Transport	Metro Line 10 direct	Metro Line 16 + bus
Admission	¥40	¥130
Size	74 hectares	153 hectares
Highlights	Classic exhibits, landscape gardens	Self-drive safari, live shows
Duration	3–4 hours	6–8 hours
Best for	Half-day, families, quick visits	Full-day immersion, self-drive

Verdict: Time-limited → Shanghai Zoo (half-day, walkable, cheap). Lots of time → Wildlife Park (full day, safari, shows). Young kids (under 3) → Shanghai Zoo (less travel, slower pace, less tiring).

9. Insider Tips & Practical Advice

• Sunscreen essential: Most of the zoo is outdoor. Bring hat, sunscreen, sunglasses (summer).
• Pack snacks and water: On-site vendors are pricey. Bring your own. Picnic blanket on the Swan Lake lawns is ideal.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Full route is about 5–6 km on foot. Flip-flops and heels not suitable.
• Do not feed animals: Prohibited; fines apply. Giraffe feeding uses only official food (¥10).
• Electric cart rental: Gate vendors rent battery carts (¥50/hour) — good for seniors or families with babies, but walking is recommended for the full experience.
• Rainy-day backup: Reptile Hall and Science Hall are indoor — focus on these if rain hits.
• Photography tips: Panda Hall glass has strong reflections — hold phone close to the glass. Golden Monkey Island best shot with 3x zoom or telephoto.
• Stroller rental: Available at gate (¥30/visit). Flat terrain throughout, stroller-friendly.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

11. Combine With Nearby Activities

After the zoo, these nearby spots make easy same-day or next-day add-ons:

• Hongqiao Business Park: 2 km away. Shopping malls, restaurants.
• Jing'an District: 5 km. Traditional temples, shopping streets.
• French Concession: 8 km. Historic alleyways, cafes, galleries.

12. Why Book Through Us

tickets.bj.cn is an independent travel information portal — we do not sell tickets directly. We partner with Klook, the global travel-tech leader, who handles all bookings, payments, and customer service. You get:

• Lowest-price guarantee vs gate entry;
• Instant e-ticket confirmation, scan-and-enter, skip entrance queues;
• Multi-currency checkout;
• 24/7 customer support;
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before most bookings.

From ¥30 · Book on Klook now →