Hangzhou Zoo (杭州动物园), established in 1958, spans an area of 260 acres and stands as a forest-style zoo that integrates wildlife conservation, scientific research, popular science education, and recreation. With a cleverly designed layout, the zoo houses 120 species and nearly a thousand individual rare and wild animals. The zoo features over 20 exhibition halls, including the Elephant Hall, Giant Panda Hall, and Goldfish Hall, showcasing a diverse array of animals such as golden snub-nosed monkeys, gibbons, black chimpanzees, and Northeast tigers.
Upon entering the zoo, visitors can choose between two routes, often opting for the less crowded path for a more convenient experience observing and photographing the animals. Although the zoo isn’t extensive in size, its scenic beauty is noteworthy, with shaded tree-lined pathways providing a pleasant backdrop for observing wildlife. In addition to animal exhibits, the zoo offers a small train amusement park and a carousel for children to enjoy, although these attractions may have separate admission fees. Hangzhou Zoo serves as both an educational and recreational destination, providing a diverse and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Hangzhou Zoo
- Vlog about Hangzhou Zoo
- Attractions near Hangzhou Zoo
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 – 4 hours |
| Ticket Price | 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.00 – 17.00 (9th October – 29th April) 7.00 – 17.30 (30th April – 10th October) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0571-87970657 0086-0571-87981257 |
Location and Transportation
Hangzhou Zoo is situated at 40 Hupao Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, near the Hupao Spring. To get there, you can take bus 4, 31, 180, 194, 197, 315, or 318 and get off at Dongwuyuan Stop (动物园站).
Highlights of Hangzhou Zoo
Giant Panda Hall
The Giant Panda Hall, located near the Primate House, is home to both giant pandas and red pandas. Established in the 1970s, the hall has housed pandas such as “Chengjiu” and “Shuanghao” from Chengdu. In October 2019, Chengjiu and Shuanghao returned to their hometown in Chengdu, leaving a vacancy in the Panda Pavilion. In August 2023, after meeting the requirements for conducting public education and science popularization activities, Hangzhou Zoo collaborated with the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to bring pandas “Chunsheng (春香)” and “Xiangguo (香果)” to the zoo for a three-year public education and science popularization exhibition. The Panda Pavilion officially opened on August 18, allowing visitors to meet these lovely creatures.
Chimpanzee Hall
Situated on the northwest side of the zoo, the Chimpanzee Pavilion covers an area of over 4,000 square meters, including an outdoor activity area of 2,000 square meters. Drawing inspiration from the planning and construction of urban zoos with ecological displays, the pavilion creates an ecological reproduction of the natural habitat for chimpanzees, bridging the spatial distance between visitors and animals. This open and ecologically designed space provides an authentic experience of a vast world for both visitors and chimpanzees.
Aviary Lake
Aviary Lake is divided into two areas, the upper and lower lakes, connected by a shallow beach. Each area has a small island providing a habitat for waterfowl to feed and rest. The islands are covered with lush vegetation, seamlessly blending with the surrounding environment. The upper lake is home to five species of geese, including little swans, little white-fronted geese, and Canadian geese. The lower lake hosts a variety of ducks such as the crested ibis, northern pintail, and tufted duck.
Lion Mountain
Located near Bear Mountain and the Small Animal Paradise, Lion Mountain is a somewhat secluded area. Following the main road on the right side of the entrance and passing through a tunnel, visitors will encounter a mural depicting majestic lions, signaling the arrival at Lion Mountain. Within this area, two African lions, one male and one female, reside. African lions are primarily active in the wild during the early morning and evening, spending much of the day resting in shaded areas. As a result, the African lions at the zoo are often observed in a resting state during the daytime.
