Changchun Zoological and Botanical Park (长春动植物公园), covering 74 hectares with 8.8 hectares of water and 0.8 hectares of buildings, is a specialized park focused on animal and plant conservation and exhibition.
Originally established in 1938 during the Japanese occupation, it was known as the “Xinjing Zoological and Botanical Garden,” commonly referred to as the “Tiger Park” or “Nanling Zoo,” and was once hailed as “Asia’s No. 1 Park.” However, during Japan’s surrender in 1945, large carnivores like lions and tigers were poisoned, and other animals starved due to neglect. Under Kuomintang control, the park became a military training ground, leading to the destruction of its facilities. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Changchun government restored the park, and it reopened as the Changchun Zoological and Botanical Garden on September 15, 1987.
The park boasts over 130 species of woody plants, more than 200 herbaceous species, and dozens of greenhouse plants. Divided into three sections by an artificial lake, the east section houses over 200 species of northern flora and fauna, earning it the nickname “Miniature Natural Kingdom.” The west section features a simulated vertical plant distribution with a micro-scale “Changbai Wilderness.” In the north, there is a tropical plant garden. From the park’s western mountains, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the park and Changchun’s city center.
The animal exhibition area includes a wide variety of domestic and international wildlife, such as Siberian tigers, African lions, lynxes, bustards, red-crowned cranes, flamingos, golden monkeys, giraffes, rhinos, Asian elephants, Guangxi macaques, zebras, and chimpanzees, totaling over 200 species. The “Bird Paradise” is a highlight, featuring more than 100 species and 3,000 birds in a walk-in aviary, 8 meters tall and covering 1,800 square meters. The aviary includes areas for “human-bird interaction” and bird performances, creating a lively and interactive experience. The park also features a large amusement park in the northern section with thrilling attractions such as rapids and a space shuttle ride.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 30 RMB |
| Opening Hours | Zoo: 8.30 – 16.30 Journey to the West Immersive Performance: 16.30 – 21.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0431-85640196 |
Location and Transportation
Changchun Zoological and Botanical Park is located at No. 2121 Ziyou Avenue, in the southeastern part of Changchun City, Jilin Province. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 227, G160, G218, G228, G238, G25, G265, or G61 and get off at Zoological and Botanical Park Stop (动植物公园站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Changchun Zoological and Botanical Par is Northeast Normal University (东北师大) on line 1. After getting out of the station from Exit B, walk about 500 meters to the east to reach the park.
