Hangzhou Zoo

A Hillside Zoo with Character

Hangzhou Zoo is not the biggest or most modern zoo in China — but it might be the most charming. Built into the forested hills south of West Lake, the zoo uses its natural terrain to create enclosures that feel integrated with the landscape rather than imposed upon it. Stone paths wind up and down the hillside through dense tree cover, and the animal habitats are spacious and well-planted by Chinese zoo standards.

At just ¥20 for admission (approximately USD $3), it is one of the best-value attractions in Hangzhou and an easy crowd-pleaser for families. The zoo has been undergoing gradual renovations in recent years, and while some older enclosures remain, the key exhibits — particularly the panda house and the walk-through aviary — are excellent.

Key Exhibits

Giant Panda Exhibit

The main event. Hangzhou Zoo houses two giant pandas in a well-designed exhibit that includes both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. The indoor area is air-conditioned (the pandas retreat here during Hangzhou's hot summers), while the outdoor enclosure features climbing structures, a small pool, and plenty of bamboo — which the pandas consume with single-minded dedication for hours at a time.

The best time to see the pandas active is between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM, when they are fed their morning bamboo and are most likely to be moving around. By mid-afternoon, they are typically asleep — adorable but not very photogenic. The panda house has informative displays (some English) about panda conservation and the breeding program.

Red Panda Exhibit

Often overlooked because visitors rush to the giant pandas, the red panda exhibit is actually one of the zoo's highlights. Hangzhou Zoo has several red pandas in a forested enclosure that mimics their natural Himalayan habitat. These acrobatic animals are far more active than their giant cousins — you are likely to see them climbing trees, walking along branches, and generally being charmingly curious about visitors. The red panda area is near the giant panda house but often much less crowded.

Tiger Valley

The South China tiger is one of the world's most endangered big cats — fewer than 100 remain in the wild. Hangzhou Zoo participates in the breeding program for this critically endangered subspecies, and the tiger exhibit is well-designed with multiple viewing platforms overlooking a naturalistic valley enclosure. The tigers are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Feeding times (usually around 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM) draw the biggest crowds but offer the best chance to see the tigers moving.

Walk-Through Bird Aviary

A genuinely delightful experience. This large netted enclosure allows you to walk among free-flying birds including parrots, peacocks, pheasants, and water birds. The birds are accustomed to humans and some of the parrots will land on visitors' shoulders (staff sell small cups of bird feed for ¥5). The aviary is lushly planted and includes a small stream and waterfall. Children especially love this area, and it is a welcome shady respite on hot days.

Other Notable Exhibits

The zoo also houses Asian elephants, golden monkeys (a Chinese species with stunning blue faces and golden fur), a reptile house with Chinese alligators and large pythons, and a small aquarium. These exhibits are older and more basic than the flagship areas, but they are well-maintained and the animals appear healthy and well-cared-for.

Visitor Tips

• Go early: The zoo opens at 8:00 AM. Arriving before 9:00 AM gives you the best animal activity, the coolest temperatures, and the smallest crowds. By 11:00 AM, especially on weekends, the panda exhibit can be packed.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The zoo is built on a hill, and the paths involve significant up and down walking. Flip-flops or heels will make for an uncomfortable visit. The total walking distance if you cover the whole zoo is about 3-4 kilometers.
• Bring water: Vendors inside the zoo sell drinks at inflated prices. There are water fountains near the restrooms. In summer, plan for heat — the tree cover helps, but Hangzhou's humidity is relentless.
• Avoid weekends if possible: Like all attractions in Hangzhou, the zoo is significantly more crowded on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekday mornings are the quietest.
• Combine with other attractions: The zoo is near the southern shore of West Lake and relatively close to Leifeng Pagoda and the Su Causeway. It pairs well with a morning zoo visit followed by lunch and a boat ride.

How to Get There

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