Chongqing Zoo Chongqing
A vast zoological park in Chongqing, famous for its large population of giant pandas and diverse animal collection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pandas are most active
Chongqing Zoo Chongqing
Best Time
Pandas are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast zoological park in Chongqing, famous for its large population of giant pandas and diverse animal collection.
"The zoo is big, pandas are the most popular attractions, and the bird cage."
🚗 Rentable Cars Recommended
Navigate the vast zoo grounds easily with rentable cars to avoid extensive walking. :car:
⏰ Arrive at Opening
See pandas at their most playful before the heat and crowds arrive. :clock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Panda Haven
Panda Enclosures
Witness dozens of giant pandas in spacious habitats, a major draw for visitors.
+2
Interactive Bird Aviary
Bird Cage
Get up close and personal with hundreds of birds in this engaging, interactive exhibit.
Diverse Animal Collection
Various Enclosures
Explore a wide array of animals beyond pandas, from tigers to other rare species.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Panda Paradise Planning
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rentable Cars Recommended
Navigate the vast zoo grounds easily with rentable cars to avoid extensive walking. :car:
⏰ Arrive at Opening
See pandas at their most playful before the heat and crowds arrive. :clock:
💧 Stay Hydrated
The heat can be intense; bring plenty of water or be prepared to buy it. :droplet:
📱 Easy Ticket Purchase
Scan QR codes for quick ticket purchases and avoid entry queues. :ticket::iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rentable Cars Recommended
Navigate the vast zoo grounds easily with rentable cars to avoid extensive walking. :car:
⏰ Arrive at Opening
See pandas at their most playful before the heat and crowds arrive. :clock:
💧 Stay Hydrated
The heat can be intense; bring plenty of water or be prepared to buy it. :droplet:
📱 Easy Ticket Purchase
Scan QR codes for quick ticket purchases and avoid entry queues. :ticket::iphone:
🗺️ Follow the Signs
Directions to specific animals can be unclear, so pay attention to signage. :compass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Chongqing Zoo for its impressive collection of animals, particularly the well-cared-for pandas in spacious habitats. The zoo's accessibility via metro and affordable entry are highlights. However, some find the enclosures for non-panda animals to be smaller, and restroom facilities are noted as basic and sometimes unclean. The heat can also impact animal visibility.
"Chongqing Zoo is certainly a very large facility, offering a wide array of animals. I found myself navigating vast grounds, which can be quite a walk. While the pandas are undoubtedly the stars here, and they enjoy a wonderfully spacious containment area with plenty of room to roam and play, I did observe a noticeable disparity in enclosure sizes. Some of the other animals, unfortunately, seemed to have smaller pens. This contrast can make you feel a bit conflicted about the conditions.
Regarding amenities, the bathrooms are standard public restrooms. They are functional and serve their purpose without offering anything particularly noteworthy.
During my visit, the heat was quite intense, which impacted my experience of seeing the animals. Many of them were wisely resting in the shade or inside their enclosures, making it challenging to spot them. If you plan to visit, I highly recommend going during cooler weather or earlier in the morning to maximize your chances of seeing the animals active. Despite the heat affecting my viewing, the sheer size of the zoo and the well-cared-for pandas remain a significant draw."
Ryan Bagley
"We got there exactly at opening hour,
which is still the time the pandas are out and playful before it gets too hot. With waking up early for that!it's also a very nice zoo with each animal having a lot of space as well as a private area to be to hide from the crowds if they wish to."
Amit Ashkenazi
"Highly recommend using the rentable cars to get around. Too much walking in the blistering heat.
The restrooms are disgusting and filthy. Make sure to go before arriving at the zoo.
While they have an impressive amount of animals, the fence and cloudy glass ensure that you won’t get a good view."
Secret Society
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The zoo is easily accessible via public transport. Line 2 of the Chongqing Metro has a station directly in front of the zoo entrance, making it a convenient option for visitors.
While specific details on parking availability and cost are not widely publicized, public transportation is the most recommended and straightforward way to reach the zoo.
For larger groups, consider booking a private van or taxi service for a more comfortable and direct journey to the zoo. This can be arranged through local tour operators or ride-sharing apps.
Yes, ride-sharing apps are a popular and convenient way to travel within Chongqing, including to the zoo. Ensure you have a working data connection for booking.
Information on dedicated shuttle services is limited. The most reliable public transport option remains the Metro Line 2.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is approximately twenty-one Chinese Yuan, making it an affordable attraction.
Tickets can be purchased on-site, and many visitors recommend scanning QR codes for a quick and easy purchase process, often avoiding long queues.
Information on specific discounts is not readily available. It's advisable to check the official zoo website or inquire at the ticket counter for any potential offers.
The zoo typically opens early in the morning, around opening hour, to allow visitors to see the animals, especially the pandas, before it gets too hot. It's best to confirm exact hours closer to your visit.
Yes, pre-booking tickets, especially by scanning QR codes, is a recommended method for a smooth entry process.
🎫 🐼 Panda Encounters
Chongqing Zoo is home to a significant number of giant pandas, with reports indicating around 21 to 26 pandas residing there.
The pandas are most active and playful in the early morning, right around opening hour, before the heat of the day sets in.
While not a regular offering, there have been unique experiences like a 'panda sleepover' where guests could interact closely with pandas, including feeding them apples.
Direct feeding of pandas by visitors is generally not permitted for their health and safety. However, some special experiences might involve keeper-assisted feeding.
Notable pandas include baby QiYing, her grandpa DunDun, and Qi-SanMei (officially QiYing). Panda Yubao, known for his twin sister Yubei, also resided here before being loaned out.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The panda enclosures offer prime photo opportunities. The bird aviary also provides chances for close-up shots.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of flash photography, especially around sensitive animals. Some enclosures might have glass that can cause glare.
Try to shoot at an angle to minimize fence obstruction, or use a lens with a wider aperture to blur the background and fence.
Early morning offers softer light and more active animals. Midday sun can be harsh and animals may be resting.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in zoos for safety and animal welfare reasons. Always check local regulations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food vendors and dining facilities within the zoo, though quality and variety can vary.
Expect typical zoo fare like snacks, drinks, and some local Chinese dishes. Bringing your own snacks is also an option.
The area surrounding the zoo likely has various local eateries and restaurants offering a wider range of dining experiences.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed, which can be a cost-effective option.
Reviews suggest that the restrooms can be quite basic and sometimes not very clean. It's advisable to use facilities before entering the zoo or be prepared.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The bird aviary also offers close-up opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Panda Experience at Chongqing Zoo
+2Some unique experiences have been reported, such as a 'panda sleepover' where guests could have close encounters, even feeding them apples under supervision.
To truly appreciate the pandas, arriving at opening time is crucial. This allows you to witness their most active period before the heat of the day makes them retreat to shaded areas or indoor spaces.
Navigating Chongqing Zoo: Size and Amenities
While the panda enclosures are generally praised for their spaciousness, some reviews point out a disparity in enclosure sizes for other animals, with some appearing smaller.
Amenities like restrooms are described as standard public facilities, functional but not particularly noteworthy, and some visitors have found them to be less than clean.
Best Times to Visit for Animal Activity
Therefore, the absolute best time to visit is right at opening hour. This is when the pandas, in particular, are known to be out and playful, engaging with their environment before the sun becomes too strong.
While the zoo is large, arriving early allows you to cover more ground and see more animals before the peak crowds and heat arrive. This strategic timing can make a significant difference in your overall experience and the number of active animals you encounter.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit