
Hongshan Forest Zoo
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
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views

Hongshan Forest Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views

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

⚡ 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

Meerkat Mayhem
Meerkat Enclosure
Watch these energetic and social creatures as they play and interact, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Golden-faced Saki
Primate Area
Meet Dudu, the star golden-faced saki, known for its unique appearance and playful antics.

Orangutan Enrichment
Orangutan Enclosure
Observe orangutans engaging with provided sheets for play and comfort, showcasing the zoo's care for its residents.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Panda Views
Navigate the Expansive Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚡ 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:👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The zoo is expansive, so wear comfortable shoes for a day of exploring its many exhibits.
:athletic_shoe:💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles, especially during warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :droplet:
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!
:electric_plug:🐼 Panda Exhibit Strategy
Expect massive crowds at the panda exhibit. Arrive early or be prepared to push through for a view.
:ticket:👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The zoo is expansive, so wear comfortable shoes for a day of exploring its many exhibits.
: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.
:books:What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
: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.
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.
: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.
🎫 🧭 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.
The zoo demonstrates a genuine concern for animal welfare, with efforts towards conservation and providing adequate enclosures, though some may not be exceptionally large.
On weekends and public holidays, the zoo can be extremely crowded, particularly the panda exhibit, making it difficult to get a good view.
Yes, there is educational material in English available, though the signage might be basic without extensive details.
The zoo is a forest park, so be prepared for some walking and potentially light hiking. Comfortable shoes are a must.
: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.
: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.
: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.
:sparkler:For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐼 Panda Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Animal Welfare and Conservation Efforts
Specific examples of this care include the orangutans receiving sheets for both comfort and play, demonstrating an effort to provide enrichment. 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. 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. 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
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. 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.
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. 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
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. 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.
Other notable residents include gorillas, for whom naming contests have been held, suggesting a focus on individual animal personalities. These diverse animal encounters, from the iconic to the more unique, make Hongshan Forest Zoo a memorable destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit