Chongqing zoo

Chongqing Zoo
Originally named Western District Park, located at No.1 Xijiao Yi Village, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing, this zoo first opened in January 1955. Covering 43.5 hectares, it welcomes nearly 3.6 million visitors annually and serves as a large urban zoo combining science education, animal conservation, research, and leisure activities. It’s also home to the largest population of giant pandas in any zoo worldwide.

Key Features

• 10 Themed Zones: Aquatic & Reptile Zone, Avian Zone, Herbivore Zone, Carnivore Zone, Primate Zone, Science Education Zone, Children’s Play Zone, Riverside Leisure Area, Central Plaza, and Quiet Rest Area.
• Facilities: Playground, roller rink, outdoor stage, library, restaurants, and teahouses.
• Animal Collection: Over 260 species (4,000+ animals), including rare species like giant pandas, South China tigers, golden snub-nosed monkeys, Asian elephants, takins, wildebeests, and cassowaries.

Affiliations & Honors

• Executive member of the China Association of Zoos and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
• Designated as a National AAAA Tourist Attraction (2009), one of Chongqing’s first Historical & Cultural Parks (2022), and a National Science Education Base (2022).

Location
Situated in Yangjiaping, Jiulongpo District, the zoo lies in the hilly terrain between the western Zhongliang Mountains and the Yangtze River. Coordinates: 106°49′–106°50′ E, 29°50′–29°51′ N.

Animal Highlights

• Houses 20+ animal pavilions.
• Giant pandas: 23 as of 2024 (32 births, including 13 twins and 1 set of triplets). Notably, the clouded leopard “Gan Gan” passed away in January 2025.
• Internationally, Chongqing Zoo has gifted giant pandas, South China tigers, and golden snub-nosed monkeys as “friendship ambassadors” to North Korea, France, West Germany, and more. These animals have also been exhibited in the U.S., Canada, Japan, and South Korea.

Global Collaborations

• Partnered with Toronto Zoo (Canada) in 1991 for wildlife exchanges, joint research, and staff training.
• Signed agreements with Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo (1991, 2002) for animal swaps and scientific cooperation.
• Hosted VIP visits, including Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper (2012) for panda conservation agreements.
• Sent giant panda “Er Shun” to Toronto Zoo in 2013 for a 10-year breeding program.

Visiting Info

• Hours: Tickets sold 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; animal viewing 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (varies by exhibit).
• Tickets:
  • Peak season (Jan–Nov): RMB 25/person.
  • Off-season (Dec): RMB 20/person.
• Discounts:
  1. Free for children under 6 or under 1.2m (must be accompanied by an adult).
  2. Half-price for minors (6–18), students with ID.
  3. Half-price for seniors 60–65 with valid ID.
  4. Free for disabled visitors, active/retired military, and seniors over 65 with ID.
     Group discounts and annual/monthly passes available.

Transportation

• Metro: Line 2, Chongqing Zoo Station.
• Buses: Routes 148, 204, 207, 226, 229, 275, 298, 310, 341, 362, 413, 416, 419.

Panda Supremacy
As of 2025, Chongqing Zoo boasts 22 giant pandas—the most in China and among the top globally. Most Chinese zoos have fewer than 10 pandas, making this a must-visit for panda lovers!