Located on the west side of the capital, the Beijing Zoo is considered the largest animal park in Asia in terms of attendance. If it does not leave an unforgettable impression, it offers some attractions that are worth a visit.

Despite the (bad) reputation that precedes it, the Beijing Zoo, located on the west side of the capital, attracts many Chinese and foreign groups. And for good reason. Created in 1906, this centennial site, then called "Wan Sheng Yuan" (The Garden of the Countless Pets), is the most active zoo in Asia with 10 million tourists per year.

Covering about 90 hectares, the Beijing Zoo has more than 1,600 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and aquatic invertebrates, spread over thirty installations. More than 1,000 people take care of the animals and the park. The place is in no way comparable to Western zoos, but animals do not appear to be abused as guaranteed by some detractors. Although it is true that a few cages and enclosures seem somewhat dilapidated.

For example, two giraffes share an enclosure of about 200 square meters. A modest space after all if we consider the size of these mammals. Another detail, the windows of many cages could be cleaner. This somewhat spoils the enjoyment for visitors and photographers. Otherwise, the main essentials are there in this beautiful imperial-style garden, very pleasant to walk through.

Up to 320 kilos

The giant pandas remain the undisputed masters of the zoo, at least according to the massive crowds gathered around their enclosure. And this, despite the extra 5 RMB fee. They also seem to be better off than the other residents. Located across from the main entrance of the park, the current panda facilities, constructed in 1990 and consisting of an interior glass enclosure of about 1,500 square meters and 3,000 square meters grassy outdoors. The first giant panda was presented to the public in 1955 at the Beijing Zoo. During our visit, four adult pandas were visible.

The next zone is composed of many buildings housing birds, small mammals, monkeys and kangaroos. A little further, the Siberian tiger, found mainly in the north-west of China, makes its mark. A species threatened with extinction, the cat's coat is similar to that of the Bengal tiger. Very impressive. The biggest of all big cats, the male Siberian tiger can be 4 and a half feet tall and weigh up to 320 kilos. A new bad note: you can only regret the lack of space.

Built in the 1910s, the monkey pit is the Zoo's oldest structure. Shows run for a small fee and are reminiscent of circus acts. Visitors can be entertained by brown bears and chimpanzees performances.

Children shouldn't miss the mini zoo. This is a good opportunity for the small urban dwellers to get to know pets and farm animals. Finally, the aquarium, inaugurated in 1999, is worth a visit. Covering an area of 3.5 hectares, the site in the shape of a semi-circle cost more than 100 million euros and is regarded as the largest and most impressive in the world.

Practical Information:
Beijing Zoo (北京动物园): Open daily from 7:30 AM to 5PM (November to March) and up to 6PM (in the summer). 137 baishiqiao Lu, Xizhimen Dajie, Haidian District. 海淀区西直门大街白石桥路137号. Xizhimenwai Dajie 137. Tel: 010-6831-4411

Rates: 15 RMB entry (10 RMB in winter). 5 additional RMB to see the pandas. Zoo Ticket + aquarium + giant panda house: 100 RMB. Shows: 5 RMB and Pandas House: RMB 2

Very little information is provided in English. If you want to learn more about the animals, you can rent an audio guide for RMB 40 with a 100 RMB deposit. If the English is easily understood, the 'automatic' mechanism which would be activated when you approach a cage does not always work very well. Sometimes it starts when you are still far, sometimes not at all. Despite these minor problems, the information is quite interesting, or at least entertaining...

Text: Edouard Beauchemin
Photos: Wang Zhuo
March 2008