If you are one of those people who think that all zoos are the same, a visit to the Beijing Zoo will change your opinion. Located in the Xicheng district in west Beijing, the zoo encompasses vast stretches of land, beautifully maintained flowerbeds and a stream, and houses some of China’s most exquisite animals.

Up until 1906 the zoo was a park, but Emperor Guangxu had it converted into a farm as well as a zoo, though the gates weren’t open to the public until 1908. In the turbulent time of the Northern Warlords during and after the Japanese invasion, the Beijing zoo lost all its glory. When the Chinese people regained control in 1949 it had only 12 monkeys, 2 parrots and a single blind emu. Today the zoo has much to boost about. Today it houses seven thousand animals of 600 different species on 40,000 square acres of land with 30 massive halls. Its animals include some of China’s most exotic animals, such as the golden monkey, as well as foreign animals like giraffes, elephants, bears, hippopotamuses. The aquariums – including the largest ocean hall in China, opened to the public in 1999 – houses water born animals like crocodiles and performing sea lions and dolphins.

One of the most interesting parts of the Zoo is the panda section. This section has a separate entry fee of 5 Yuan, but don’t let that deter you because it’s well worth it. These lovely black and white bears can steal your heart. The cuddly animals are kept in a large space with ample greenery to make the environment natural and comfortable for this highly endangered species.

Over and above the animals the zoo, there’s the grounds and the architecture. There are a number of Qing era buildings scattered throughout the grounds. The stream provides a perfect place for a picnic and there are plenty of luscious green grounds to enjoy and for children to run around on. If you are an animal lover you will simply fall in love with the zoo; if you aren’t, after a visit to the Beijing zoo be rest assured you will be.

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