Beijing Zoo

137 Xizhimenwai Dajie
10/6831-4411
www.bjzoo.com [1]

HOURS: Daily winter 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., summer 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

COST: ¥10 adults, ¥5 children

METRO: Beijing Zoo (Line 4)

The Beijing Zoo has nearly 15,000 animals spread over 89 hectares (220 acres), of which 5.6 hectares (14 acres) are water. Its huge aquarium is the biggest in China.

The zoo is home to rare animals like the giant panda, snub-nosed monkey, Chinese alligator, and Pere David’s deer, as well as lions, jaguars, and 13 types of cranes.

The zoo is one of the oldest in China, and was established in 1906 by the Empress Dowager Cixi to house a collection of exotic animals brought from abroad. It took over a Ming Dynasty manor and garden, the ponds and pavilions of which can still be seen.