Beijing Dongwuyuan Zoo
Beijing zoo housing pandas and diverse wildlife exhibits
Beijing Dongwuyuan houses giant pandas, big cats, an aquarium and older zoo enclosures; families and wildlife enthusiasts visit for animal exhibits and weekend crowds.
Beijing Dongwuyuan at a Glance#
Address: Beijing Zoo, West Section, Beijing, China
Hours: Daily 7:30am-5:00pm (seasonal variations possible)
About Beijing Dongwuyuan#
Beijing Dongwuyuan, commonly known as Beijing Zoo, is a major zoological park in western Beijing with collections of native and exotic species and long-established public exhibits. The zoo includes animal houses, landscaped enclosures, and an attached aquarium.
Key attractions include the Panda House, which houses giant pandas, and the Beijing Aquarium with marine displays. The zoo functions as both a public attraction and a center for conservation and education.
The zoo was established in the early 20th century and has evolved into one of China’s largest city zoos, with ongoing development of exhibits and facilities. It is located near the city’s West Third Ring Road and is accessible by public transit.
Visitors typically plan morning visits when many animals are more active and to avoid afternoon crowds on weekends and holidays.
- Highlights and timing: Founded in the early 20th century, the zoo houses a wide collection of mammals, birds, and reptiles, including giant pandas which attract many visitors; mornings are generally the best time to see the animals active.
What to See#
- Panda House: The Panda House is the zoo’s dedicated pavilion for giant pandas and associated displays about panda conservation and biology.
- Beijing Aquarium: The Beijing Aquarium, located within the zoo complex, contains marine and freshwater exhibits and is one of the larger aquarium facilities associated with a city zoo.
How to Get to Beijing Dongwuyuan#
Beijing Zoo is in western Beijing and is served by the Zoo Station (Line 4) on the Beijing metro. Several buses also stop near the zoo entrance. The zoo is adjacent to the city’s western parks and is accessible by taxi from central Beijing.
Tips for Visiting Beijing Dongwuyuan#
- Check the enclosures' feeding times and guided programs for the best animal-viewing windows
- Arrive early to avoid afternoon school groups and to see animals at their most active
- Combine a zoo visit with a walk through nearby Chaoyang Park or Beijing Zoo for a fuller day of outdoor activity
Best Time to Visit Beijing Dongwuyuan#
Spring and autumn are best for visitor comfort and animal activity; weekends can be busy with local families.
Weather & Climate near Beijing Dongwuyuan#
Beijing Dongwuyuan's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (563 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | -9° - 2° | -7° | 3 mm | some cloud | 51% | 2.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| February | Acceptable | -6° - 5° | -4° | 4 mm | partly cloudy | 49% | 2.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.6h |
| March | Very Good | 0° - 12° | 4° | 8 mm | some cloud | 42% | 2.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 8° - 21° | 14° | 16 mm | partly cloudy | 39% | 3.1 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.1h |
| May | Excellent | 14° - 26° | 20° | 32 mm | partly cloudy | 39% | 2.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.2h |
| June | Very Good | 19° - 31° | 25° | 75 mm | partly cloudy | 52% | 2.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 14.7h |
| July | Very Good | 22° - 31° | 26° | 196 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 2.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.5h |
| August | Very Good | 20° - 30° | 25° | 156 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 1.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.5h |
| September | Excellent | 14° - 26° | 20° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 1.8 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 7° - 19° | 13° | 17 mm | some cloud | 57% | 2.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Very Good | 0° - 10° | 3° | 7 mm | some cloud | 55% | 2.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.9h |
| December | Good | -6° - 4° | -4° | 4 mm | some cloud | 53% | 2.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
