The zoo opened in 1955 in the Jiulongpo district and covers a substantial area of hills and wooded grounds, with lakes and broad walking paths. It has one of the longer histories of giant panda keeping in China and has been involved in panda breeding and research for many years, which is why the collection here is more than a display.
The animals
Besides giant pandas, the zoo holds red pandas, Asian elephants, giraffes, hippopotamuses, lions, tigers, snow leopards, takin, deer and a wide range of monkeys and apes, along with a large aviary and a reptile house. The panda enclosure is the priority for most visitors and is best seen in the morning, when the animals feed and move; by midday they are generally asleep.
Visiting well
Go on a weekday and arrive at opening time. The site is large and hilly, so plan a route rather than wandering; the panda house, the primate area and the aviary are the highlights and can be covered in about three hours. There are food stalls and a few restaurants inside, and shaded paths make the walking comfortable even in summer.
Practical notes
The zoo is in Jiulongpo in western Chongqing, on the metro and about thirty minutes by road from Jiefangbei. Tickets are inexpensive and separate fees apply for some attractions inside. It is a good choice for families and for anyone who wants to see pandas without the travel and the crowds of the Chengdu base. Combine it with a visit to the Three Gorges Museum if you are crossing the city in one day.
