Beijing Zoo Travel Guide: Fun Family Itinerary

Beijing Zoo Family-Friendly Cool Route + "Star Animal" Tour + Tips to Avoid Pitfalls Beijing Zoo, established in 1906, is one of China's earliest and most diverse zoos, housing over 500 species and 5,000 animals. As one of China's largest and world-renowned zoos, it's a must-visit for families to see adorable panda cubs. 📍Location: 137 Xizhimen Outer St, Xicheng District, Beijing 🚇Transport: South Gate is most convenient - Exit C of Beijing Zoo Station (Line 4) 🎫Ticket Info: • General admission: ¥15 | Discount: ¥7.5 • Combo ticket (includes Panda House): ¥19 | Discount: ¥9.5 • Free: Children under 6 & seniors over 60 (with ID) 📌Buy online 1 day in advance for faster QR code entry. Student discounts require on-site verification. ⏰Opening Hours: • Main gate: 7:30-18:00 (closes 19:00) • Animal houses: 8:00-18:00 (close 18:00) ⏳Recommended visit duration: 4 hours 🌟Star Animal Route: South Gate → Giant Panda House → Small Mammal Zone → Polar Bear Exhibit → Bear Hill → Lion & Tiger Hill → Elephant House → Rhino & Hippo House → Giraffe House → Golden Monkey House → Gorilla House 【Summer Must-Know Tips】 🚶Avoid Crowds: • Best days: Tue-Thu (avoid weekends) • Dragon Boat Festival peak: May 31 (visit after June 1) ⏱Timing: • Arrive at South Gate before 7:30 (Panda House opens 8:00, Meng Lan most active 8:30-10:00) 【Cool Route Recommendation】 ✅7:30-9:30 Panda House • Olympic Pavilion: See Meng Lan (queuing required) • Asian Games Pavilion: Watch Meng Da & Meng Meng interactions • Tip: Bring handheld fan! No restrooms inside - single entry only ✅9:30-11:30 Core Exhibits • Pheasant Garden (colorful birds) → Lion & Tiger Hill → Amphibian & Reptile House (air-conditioned, king cobra exhibit) • Oceanarium (dolphin show) → Nocturnal House (sand cats, porcupines with cool lighting) • Hidden gem: Underground reptile exhibit with chameleons 【Summer Special Tips】 ☀Heat protection: Sunhat, cooling patches, handheld mist spray (security approved) ⚠️Avoid Pitfalls: ❌Don't feed animals outside designated areas (Panda House has special feeding zone) ❌If Meng Lan returns indoors, don't wait >30 mins (other pandas equally cute) ❌Bring power bank (limited rental stations) ❌Pack snacks (on-site restaurants expensive) Nearby Attractions: • Beijing Oceanarium (800m NE) • Beijing Exhibition Center (300m SE) • Beijing Planetarium (400m S) • Beijing Museum of Natural History (600m SW)