2025 Summer Vacation Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo 7-Day In-depth Travel Guide

2025 Summer Vacation Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo 7-Day In-depth Travel Guide Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo is one of China's most distinctive zoos, renowned for its "animal welfare first" philosophy, refusing animal performances, and emphasizing natural ecological displays. During the summer vacation, the animals in the zoo are active, making it suitable for family trips, nature enthusiasts, and photography lovers. This guide covers a 7-day in-depth travel plan, combining nearby attractions to create an immersive experience. Itinerary Overview 🚗 Daily Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Nanjing → Check into Hongshan Area Accommodation → Night Tour of Xuanwu Lake - Transportation: Arrive in Nanjing by high-speed rail/plane. It is recommended to stay near Hongshan Forest Zoo (e.g., **Mercure Nanjing Hongshan**, 10-minute walk to the North Gate). - Activities: - In the evening, head to Xuanwu Lake Park to enjoy the sunset and take a night boat tour (boat ticket 60 RMB/person). - For dinner, Nanjing Impressions (Lion Bridge Branch) is recommended. Taste local delicacies such as Salted Duck and Meiling Porridge. Day 2: Full-Day In-depth Tour of Hongshan Forest Zoo (North Gate Classic Route) - Tickets: Adults 40 RMB, Students 20 RMB, Free for children under 1.4m. - Opening Hours: 8:30-18:00 (Last entry at 16:30). - Recommended Route (No backtracking): - 8:30 Enter through the North Gate → Head straight to the Panda House (feeding at 9 AM, when pandas are most active). - Native Animal House (otters' famous swimming scene) → Meerkat House (take photos in the underground tunnel). - Wolf House → Dazhuangguan Pavilion (best spot for panoramic views) → Feline Planet (leopard cats, lynx). - Lunch: Super Gorilla World Restaurant inside the zoo (average 50 RMB/person, Panda Rice Ball recommended). - Afternoon: Bear House → Chinese Feline House → Tiger Mountain (where internet celebrity "Dudu" often appears). - Gaoligong (red panda skywalk) → Gondwana (white-faced saki monkey emoji base). - Koala House (must-see weighing ceremony at 14:30) → Giraffe House → Tropical Bird House → Exit through the North Gate. - Overnight Stay: Continue to stay at a hotel near Hongshan. Day 3: Second Exploration of Hongshan Forest Zoo (East Gate Niche Route + Night Exploration Activity) - Recommended Route (Enter via East Gate → Exit via North Gate): - 8:00 Enter through the East Gate → Koala House (weighing at 9 AM) → Gondwana (Dudu is most active in the morning). - Gaoligong (rent an electric car, 120 RMB/hour) → Tiger House → Wolf House → Native Conservation Area. - Afternoon: Participate in the night exploration activity (requires booking 1 week in advance, summer exclusive). - Dinner: Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup near Hongshan North Gate (local specialty). Day 4: Nanjing Museum → Presidential Palace → 1912 Street - Morning: Nanjing Museum (free, requires reservation, Republic of China Hall is a must-see). - Afternoon: Presidential Palace (ticket 35 RMB, a landmark attraction of modern history). - Evening: 1912 Street (a hub for artistic bars and trendy restaurants). Day 5: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum → Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum → Meiling Palace** - Morning: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (free, climb 392 steps to the top). - Afternoon: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (70 RMB, World Cultural Heritage) → Meiling Palace (30 RMB, a Republic of China-style villa). Day 6: Confucius Temple → Laomendong → Night Cruise on Qinhuai River - Morning: Confucius Temple (free, Imperial Examination Museum is worth a visit). - Afternoon: Laomendong (artistic district, suitable for photography). - Evening: Qinhuai River Cruise (night cruise 100 RMB/person, stunning light show). Day 7: Departure or Free Activity - Optional: Niushou Mountain (stunning Foding Palace) or Nanjing Eye Pedestrian Bridge (modern landmark). 📌 Practical Tips 1. Transportation: Metro Line 1 directly reaches Hongshan Forest Zoo North Gate. Self-driving parking is 4 RMB/hour. 2. Sun Protection: High temperatures during summer vacation, bring a hat, sunglasses, and SPF50+ sunscreen. 3. Attire: Wear comfortable sports shoes. The zoo has many hilly paths, expect to walk 30,000+ steps. 4. Dining: Bottled water in the zoo is 5 RMB/bottle. It is recommended to bring your own water bottle (there are water dispensers). 5. Cultural & Creative Products: Native Animal House, Gaoligong, and Gondwana have free stamp collection points. This guide balances an in-depth tour of Hongshan Forest Zoo with classic Nanjing attractions. The 7-day itinerary is well-paced, suitable for families or friends traveling together. Wishing you a pleasant journey! 🐼🦒