Beijing Zoo is the oldest zoological garden in China, tracing its roots to 1906 when it was established as a menagerie and botanical garden during the late Qing dynasty. It formally opened its gates to the public on June 16, 1908, for an admission price of eight copper coins, making it one of the earliest public parks in northern China.
Today the zoo sprawls across roughly 89 hectares (220 acres) in Beijing’s Xicheng District, including several hectares of lakes and ponds, and draws more than five million visitors a year. It remains best known internationally for its giant pandas, though its collection spans hundreds of species from red pandas and golden snub-nosed monkeys to snow leopards and Siberian tigers.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Xicheng District, Beijing, China
- Opened: 1906 (public access from June 16, 1908)
- Size: About 89 hectares (220 acres)
- Species: Around 950 species
- Annual visitors: More than 5 million
- Famous for: Giant pandas
A Living Piece of Chinese History
Beijing Zoo began as an imperial-era garden built to house animals and plants gathered from across China and abroad, later evolving into a modern zoological park under the Republic and then the People’s Republic of China. As the country’s oldest public zoo, it has served as the model for zoo development throughout China, with over 30 major exhibition halls and more than 50,000 square meters of buildings added over the decades.
The zoo has also long functioned as a breeding and research center, working with critically endangered species. Its giant panda breeding efforts, in particular, have made it a key site in China’s broader conservation story, alongside its ongoing work with golden snub-nosed monkeys and South China tigers.
Beijing Aquarium and the Animal Collection
Attached to the zoo grounds is the Beijing Aquarium, which opened in 1999 and covers about 120,000 square meters, making it the largest inland aquarium in China. It features dolphin and beluga whale shows alongside extensive marine life exhibits, drawing its own steady stream of visitors in addition to zoo attendance.
Across the combined zoo and aquarium complex, animal enthusiasts can see everything from rare cranes, of which the zoo holds 13 of the world’s 15 species, to the giant pandas that remain the single biggest draw for both domestic and international tourists visiting Beijing.
Explore more: Explore more top zoos and aquariums.
Beijing Zoo FAQs
When did Beijing Zoo open?
It was established in 1906 and opened to the public on June 16, 1908, making it the oldest zoo in China.
Does Beijing Zoo have pandas?
Yes, giant pandas are the zoo’s most famous residents and its biggest draw for visitors.
Is there an aquarium at Beijing Zoo?
Yes, the Beijing Aquarium sits on the same grounds, opened in 1999, and is the largest inland aquarium in China.
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