Beijing Zoo (Giant Pandas)

Beijing Zoo was founded in 1906 as the imperial menagerie of the Qing dynasty, making it the oldest zoo in China. The 90-hectare park houses 14,500+ animals across 950 species, but the unmistakable draw for foreign visitors is the Panda House — Beijing has 7-10 giant pandas including some born in this very enclosure. Pandas are most active in the cooler morning hours (8:30-11:00 in summer) — the rest of the day they sleep. The Panda House requires a separate 5 RMB ticket on top of the main 15 RMB park entry. Beyond pandas, the historical layout (Qing-era pavilions converted to animal enclosures) is a charming throwback. The Beijing Aquarium is on the same grounds (separate 130 RMB ticket) with one of the largest indoor pools in Asia. Best for families with kids; older visitors will find the older parts of the zoo's enclosure standards dated. Metro Line 4 to Beijing Zoo Station, exit directly into the entrance plaza.