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Hongshan Forest Zoo

4.1
·98 reviews·Nanjing, China

Nanjing's Hongshan Forest Zoo offers a diverse wildlife experience with iconic pandas and a commitment to animal welfare, set within a sprawling fores...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better views

CrowdLow
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Panda

Hongshan Forest Zoo

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Nanjing's Hongshan Forest Zoo offers a diverse wildlife experience with iconic pandas and a commitment to animal welfare, set within a sprawling forest park.

4.1
(98 reviews)

"Worthwhile to see the pandas, and some of their enclosures were quite large."

Vertical photo
TIP

⚡ Electric Caddy Rental

Rent an electric caddy to cover the vast zoo grounds efficiently. They're locked to your user for convenience! :electric_plug:

🐼 Panda Exhibit Strategy

Expect massive crowds at the panda exhibit. Arrive early or be prepared to push through for a view. :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giant Pandas

Giant Pandas

Panda Exhibit

See China's iconic national treasure, the giant panda, in a zoo that offers a chance to see them outside of Chengdu.

Reddit
Meerkat Mayhem

Meerkat Mayhem

Meerkat Enclosure

Watch these energetic and social creatures as they play and interact, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.

TikTok
Golden-faced Saki

Golden-faced Saki

Primate Area

Meet Dudu, the star golden-faced saki, known for its unique appearance and playful antics.

Instagram
Orangutan Enrichment

Orangutan Enrichment

Orangutan Enclosure

Observe orangutans engaging with provided sheets for play and comfort, showcasing the zoo's care for its residents.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Panda Views

Weekends and public holidays at Hongshan Forest Zoo are notoriously crowded, especially at the panda exhibit. Arrive early or consider a weekday visit to avoid elbowing your way for a glimpse of these beloved national treasures. Reddit

Navigate the Expansive Grounds

Hongshan Forest Zoo is a large park, and walking between exhibits can take time. Renting an electric caddy is highly recommended for efficient exploration, especially if you have limited time or mobility concerns. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better views
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon (Weekdays)
Why
Animals more active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#InNanjing "The Hongshan Forest Zoo demonstrates a genuine concern for animal welfare, while Nanjing should be commended for its efforts in preserving the natural environment and protecting wildlife." Ekaterina Kaligaeva, winner of a Chinese language competition said. What has she learnt from this trip to the zoo? Click on the video to watch! #DiscoverNanjing 抖音@白俄小美女苏小小 Video Credit: Ekaterina Ka...
@discovernanjing
7K likes • 58.7K views

⚡ Electric Caddy Rental

Rent an electric caddy to cover the vast zoo grounds efficiently. They're locked to your user for convenience! Reddit :electric_plug:

🐼 Panda Exhibit Strategy

Expect massive crowds at the panda exhibit. Arrive early or be prepared to push through for a view. Reddit :ticket:

Replying to @hiraetht Pt1 @Judydoll_official x Hongshan Forest Zoo #cbeauty #chinesemakeup #douyinmakeup #xiaohongshu #chineseculture #judydoll #judydollhongshanforestzoo #judydoll橘朵 #travelchina #nanjing
@foodishbeauty2.0
4K likes • 22.8K views
اگه فکر می‌کنی فقط توی فیلم‌ها می‌تونی پاندا ببینی، یه بلیت بگیر بیا نانجینگ تا واقعیت بخوره تو صورتت! Hongshan Forest Zoo همونجاست که ببر سفید 🐯، زرافه قدبلند 🦒، میمون‌های فضول 🐒 و حتی تمساح‌های همیشه‌عصبانی 🐊 همه یه جا جمع شدن! بالای ۳۰۰۰ تا حیوان که بعضیاشون از ما هم اجتماعی‌ترن (شترها هنوز رکورد لبخند مصنوعی رو دارن!) چی بهتر از یه جنگل سرسبز 🌳، هوای تمیز 🌬️ و صدای حیواناتی که از پشت فیلتر نی...
china.migrate
203 likes • 18.9K views

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The zoo is expansive, so wear comfortable shoes for a day of exploring its many exhibits. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water bottles, especially during warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :droplet:

UFC Nanjing kicked off at Hongshan Forest Zoo! 🐒 © 是锦鲤呀 #EcoCityNanjing #nanjingchina #nanjing #china #nanjingtravel #thisisnanjing #visitnanjing #beautifuldestinations #china_vacations
discover_nanjing
518 likes • 98.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

⚡ Electric Caddy Rental

Rent an electric caddy to cover the vast zoo grounds efficiently. They're locked to your user for convenience! Reddit :electric_plug:

🐼 Panda Exhibit Strategy

Expect massive crowds at the panda exhibit. Arrive early or be prepared to push through for a view. Reddit :ticket:

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The zoo is expansive, so wear comfortable shoes for a day of exploring its many exhibits. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water bottles, especially during warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :droplet:

📚 English Signage

While basic, English signage is available, offering some educational information about the animals. Reddit :books:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(98 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Hongshan Forest Zoo for its diverse animal collection, including beloved pandas, and its apparent commitment to animal welfare. The zoo is generally clean and well-organized, with electric caddies being a lifesaver for navigating the expansive grounds. However, the experience can be significantly marred by overwhelming crowds on weekends and holidays, particularly at popular exhibits, and the food options are considered subpar and overpriced.

"Pandas.
Worthwhile to see the pandas, and some of their enclosures were quite large. It seems they are rotated around enclosures during the day depending on the weather, I empathised with them being out in the heat though and they moved around as much as you'd expect - wouldn't get hopes up for seeing any Kung fu. Some animals such as the big cats did seem to be somewhat confined.
The electric caddies were a lifesaver to access the large park quickly and efficiently stopping off at different areas, and are locked to the user for convenience.
The park was well organised and clean, and it generally felt (and I'm hoping) that investment went towards the animal welfare and conservation. There was plenty of education material in English."

Shannon Stodd

"It's a decent zoo but it is marred by over-tourism. On weekends and especially pubic holidays, it is so crowded as to not be enjoyable at all. The exhibits are relatively well-maintained, but there aren't any along the many walkways. Which means you'll be walking for a while without seeing anything. This also means that once there is something to see, it is really crowded because the crowds don't have a chance to thin out. Oh and the panda exhibit sucks because there are so many people you have to literally elbow your way to the front if you want to see anything at all. Personally, I'd skip the panda exhibit entirely."

M. Véaigh

"The best Zoo I have visited till now.
Clean, well maintained and a lot of animals are present."

Dr. Abdul Mudabbir Rehan

What People Like

Pandas and diverse animals
Electric caddy convenience
Clean and organized grounds

What People Dislike

Extreme weekend crowds
Expensive/poor food
Confined animal enclosures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hongshan Forest Zoo is accessible by public transport. You can take a bus or the metro to stations near the zoo. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services for direct access. TikTok

Yes, parking is available at the zoo, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early is advised if you plan to drive. :car:

The zoo is quite large. Renting an electric caddy is highly recommended to navigate the grounds efficiently and save time. Reddit :electric_plug:

Absolutely! Taxis and ride-sharing services are a convenient way to reach Hongshan Forest Zoo directly from your accommodation. :taxi:

While there isn't a metro station directly at the zoo, several lines have stops within a reasonable distance, requiring a short bus or taxi ride to reach the entrance. :subway:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are considered fairly cheap, making it an affordable outing for families and individuals. Check the official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

The zoo typically opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM. It's always a good idea to confirm hours before your visit. Reddit :clock3:

While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, purchasing tickets online in advance is often a good strategy to save time, especially during peak seasons. :computer:

Information on specific discounts for students or seniors isn't readily available in the provided content, but it's worth inquiring at the ticket counter. :moneywithwings:

Occasionally, exhibits may be closed for maintenance or other reasons without prior notice. This can lead to wasted time, so check for any posted notices upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the Giant Pandas, Meerkats, Golden-faced Sakis, and Orangutans. The giraffe family in the new African zone is also a highlight. TikTokInstagram+2

The zoo demonstrates a genuine concern for animal welfare, with efforts towards conservation and providing adequate enclosures, though some may not be exceptionally large. TikTokReddit

On weekends and public holidays, the zoo can be extremely crowded, particularly the panda exhibit, making it difficult to get a good view. Reddit

Yes, there is educational material in English available, though the signage might be basic without extensive details. Reddit

The zoo is a forest park, so be prepared for some walking and potentially light hiking. Comfortable shoes are a must. Reddit :hiking_boot:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Food options inside the zoo are generally not great and can be rather expensive. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to eat outside the park. Reddit :hamburger:

While not explicitly stated, it's generally a good idea to check the zoo's policy on outside food and beverages. Bringing snacks is often permitted. :apple:

Specific dietary options like vegetarian meals are not detailed, but given the general feedback on food quality, options might be limited. :salad:

Exploring the surrounding areas of Nanjing will offer a wider variety of dining experiences, from local eateries to more upscale restaurants. :forkandknife:

Given the feedback on food quality and price inside, eating before or after your visit to Hongshan Forest Zoo is likely a better option. :stomach:

📸 📸 Photography

Capture moments with the pandas, meerkats, and other charismatic animals. The new African zone with giraffes also offers great photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram :camerawithflash:

Yes, photography of the animals is generally allowed, but be mindful of flash photography, which can disturb them. Always follow zoo guidelines. :iphone:

While not explicitly stated, avoid using flash photography directly at animals and be respectful of other visitors' experiences. :no_flash:

A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing close-ups of animals from a distance, but a standard zoom lens will work well for most exhibits. :camera:

Look out for special events or animal interactions that might offer unique photographic moments, like the orangutans playing with sheets. Instagram :sparkler:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hongshan Forest Zoo is a fantastic outing for families. The wide variety of animals, from the popular pandas to playful meerkats, will keep children entertained for hours. TikTok Consider renting an electric caddy to make navigating the large park easier with little ones, saving tired legs. Reddit Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as food options inside the zoo can be limited and expensive. Reddit Look for interactive exhibits or feeding times that might engage younger visitors. :stroller:

🐼 Panda Enthusiasts

If seeing pandas is your top priority, be prepared for the challenge. The panda exhibit at Hongshan Forest Zoo is a major attraction and can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends. Reddit To maximize your chances of a good view, aim for a weekday morning visit or arrive right at opening. Reddit While the enclosures are described as 'quite large' by some, the sheer volume of people can make viewing difficult. Reddit Patience and an early start are key for the ultimate panda experience.

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Hongshan Forest Zoo offers a relatively cheap ticket price, making it an affordable attraction in Nanjing. Reddit However, be mindful of potential extra costs. Renting an electric caddy is highly recommended for efficient exploration, which adds to the overall expense. Reddit Food inside the zoo is noted as being not great and expensive, so packing your own snacks and water is a smart way to save money. Reddit Focus on the free attractions (the animals!) and minimize impulse purchases to keep costs down.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Animal Welfare and Conservation Efforts

Hongshan Forest Zoo is noted for its commitment to animal welfare and conservation. One visitor highlighted the zoo's genuine concern for its animals, suggesting that investment is directed towards their well-being. TikTokReddit The enclosures, while not always expansive, are generally well-maintained, and the zoo aims to provide an environment that supports the animals' needs. This focus on care is a significant draw for visitors seeking ethical wildlife encounters.

Specific examples of this care include the orangutans receiving sheets for both comfort and play, demonstrating an effort to provide enrichment. Instagram The zoo also participates in initiatives like the relocation of its giraffe family to a new, dedicated African zone, indicating ongoing development and improved habitats. Instagram While some enclosures might be smaller than ideal, the overall impression is one of a facility striving to balance visitor experience with animal welfare and conservation goals.

For those interested in the conservation aspect, the zoo provides educational materials, some of which are in English, to inform visitors about the species they encounter and the importance of protecting wildlife. Reddit This educational component is crucial in fostering a deeper appreciation for the animals and their habitats, aligning with the zoo's broader mission.

Navigating the Zoo: Tips for a Smooth Visit

Hongshan Forest Zoo is a sprawling park, and getting around efficiently is key to enjoying your visit. Many visitors recommend renting an electric caddy to cover the large distances between exhibits. These caddies are often locked to the user for convenience, making them a lifesaver for those with limited time or mobility. Reddit

Beyond caddies, comfortable footwear is essential. The zoo is described as a 'forest + zoo' environment, implying a good amount of walking, and potentially some light hiking. Reddit Planning your route in advance can also help maximize your time. Consider starting at the main entrance and following a logical path to avoid backtracking. Reddit

Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays. The panda exhibit, in particular, can become overwhelmingly busy, requiring visitors to 'muscle their way' for a decent view. Reddit Arriving early in the morning or visiting on a weekday can significantly improve your experience by reducing wait times and allowing for more relaxed viewing of the animals.

Iconic Animals and Unique Encounters

Hongshan Forest Zoo is home to a variety of captivating animals, with the Giant Pandas being a major draw for visitors looking to see China's national treasure outside of Chengdu. Reddit Beyond pandas, the zoo offers chances to see energetic meerkats TikTok and the distinctive golden-faced saki, a primate star named Dudu. Instagram

The zoo also showcases its commitment to animal care through unique interactions. For instance, the orangutans are provided with sheets for both comfort and play, offering a glimpse into their daily lives and the zoo's enrichment programs. Instagram Furthermore, the recent relocation of the giraffe family to a new African zone highlights the zoo's continuous efforts to improve habitats and provide a better environment for its residents. Instagram

Other notable residents include gorillas, for whom naming contests have been held, suggesting a focus on individual animal personalities. Instagram These diverse animal encounters, from the iconic to the more unique, make Hongshan Forest Zoo a memorable destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

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