Green Oasis in the City: A Deep Dive into Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo

Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo turned out to be the most delightful surprise of my trip to Nanjing. Initially, I just wanted to take a stroll and see some animals, but the park's layout and attractions exceeded my expectations. Conveniently located in the city center, it's easily accessible—just step out of the Hongshan Zoo Metro Station, and you're right at the main entrance. It's incredibly visitor-friendly. The entire park is built along a hillside, offering a forest-like atmosphere without being too challenging to navigate. With plenty of shade, even summer visits are comfortable and not overly hot. The zoo boasts a wide variety of animals, including giant pandas, white tigers, Asian elephants, and rare species like golden snub-nosed monkeys and chimpanzees. The spacious enclosures, some of which are semi-open, provide a more natural viewing experience compared to typical zoos. I highly recommend the Panda Pavilion and the Primate House—you could easily spend hours there. The park also features several interactive zones and educational displays, making it a great choice for families with kids. The zoo opens at 8:00 AM, and I suggest arriving early when it's less crowded and the animals are more active. Tickets are only 40 RMB, offering incredible value for money. You can easily spend half a day exploring, and if you take your time, you'll discover many hidden details. It's a relaxing yet educational urban zoo. If you're visiting Nanjing, be sure to add this to your itinerary—it's absolutely worth it.