Kunming Zoo (昆明动物园), also known as Yuantong Mountain Zoo, officially opened in January 1954. The zoo boasts over 140 species and over a thousand animals, including local Yunnan wildlife such as elephants, wild buffalo, rhinoceros birds, and red pandas. Visitors can also encounter animals from around the world, including golden monkeys, Siberian tigers, kangaroos, and American lions. In addition to animal exhibits, the zoo features numerous small-scale entertainment facilities, providing a fun-filled experience for visitors.
Located on Yuantong Mountain, Kunming Zoo is part of the renowned Kunming Eight Sceneries. During spring, the mountain bursts into a vibrant display of cherry blossoms, attracting countless tourists and locals alike to enjoy the scenery. It is considered one of China’s top destinations for cherry blossom viewing, alongside locations such as East Lake in Wuhan, Yuyuantan Park in Beijing, Lvshun in Dalian, Zhongshan Park in Qingdao, Taiziwan in Hangzhou, and Sculpture Park in Guangzhou. With its diverse range of wildlife and picturesque surroundings, Kunming Zoo offers visitors an unforgettable experience blending nature and leisure.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Kunming Park
- Vlog about Kunming Zoo
- Attractions near Kunming Zoo
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0871-65154546 0086-0871-65197445 |
Location and Transportation
Kunming Park, located on Yuantong Mountain in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, is situated at 92 Qingnian Road in the Panlong District. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 4, 22, 83, 100, 101, 29, or Z63 and get off at Gulou Road Stop (鼓楼路站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Kunming Zoo is Yuantong Mountain Stop (圆通山站) on line 5. After getting out of the station from Exit B1, walk about 300 meters to the west to reach the zoo.
Highlights of Kunming Park
Wonderful Natural Setting
Kunming Park, despite being located in the urban area, exudes a strong wilderness atmosphere with its rugged mountain terrain and lush greenery. With over 70% of the area covered in vegetation, the park boasts a diverse range of plant species, creating a picturesque landscape throughout the year. In summer, lotus flowers and water lilies bloom gracefully, while autumn brings forth golden chrysanthemums and fragrant osmanthus. Winter showcases the resilience of plants like wintersweet and camellia, along with the pristine beauty of magnolia blossoms.
One of the park’s most celebrated features is its spring flower area, situated on the mid-slope of the northern mountain. Here, thousands of cherry blossoms and weeping cherry trees create a mesmerizing cherry blossom forest, with blooms occurring in three stages: early, middle, and late spring. March, in particular, becomes a joyous occasion for locals to appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms, known as one of Kunming’s cherished traditions.
Various Animals
Near the cherry blossom forest lies the animal exhibition area. Established in 1953 with only 6 species totaling 7 animals, the park’s animal collection expanded significantly over the years. By 1999, it boasted 228 species comprising 2634 individuals. The animal exhibits are categorized into large, small, avian, flying, and aquatic zones. Among them are not only rare birds and beasts native to Yunnan, such as Asian elephants from Xishuangbanna, white-limbed wild buffalo, hornbills, and black-tailed pythons, but also animals like red pandas, Yunnan golden monkeys, gibbons, leaf monkeys, and peacocks from Ruli by the Lancang River. Additionally, the park features rare domestic animals like Sichuan golden monkeys, Northeast tigers, and alpine vultures, as well as foreign species such as red-necked kangaroos, turkeys, zebras, and giraffes.
Peacock Garden
Peacock Garden breaks away from traditional cage confinement, providing peacocks with a larger living space. Surrounded by transparent walls, within the 1.4-hectare area, the garden features enclosures designed to mimic the natural habitat of peacocks. Robust, tall trees with good growth are retained, while new plantings of palm trees, orchids, and faux areca palms are added, complemented by rockeries and ponds, creating a subtropical landscape. Within the garden, peacocks roam freely, foraging and displaying their plumage, while visitors stroll among them at their leisure. The harmonious scene of beautiful surroundings, free-roaming peacocks, and spectators embodies the harmony between humans and nature.
