Chongqing Zoo occupies grounds in Jiulongpo District, Chongqing, and is best known for its Panda House, one of the larger giant panda exhibits in the region, alongside enclosures for red pandas, South China tigers, elephants and a variety of other species across wooded, hilly grounds. Visitors entering through the East Gate typically head first to the Panda House, where several giant pandas can usually be seen feeding, resting or playing behind glass and open-air enclosures, before continuing through the rest of the grounds to see the primate house, big cat enclosures and children's petting areas. Because the zoo is built on sloped, forested terrain typical of Chongqing, paths wind up and down between exhibits rather than following a flat grid, and a full visit covering the main enclosures takes two to three hours. The pandas are most active, and easiest to photograph moving around rather than sleeping, in two daily windows: 8:30 to 10:30AM and again from 3:30 to 4:30PM, which also correspond to feeding times. The Panda House enclosures offer the clearest sightlines and photo opportunities in the morning before crowds build. The zoo is busiest on weekends and during school holidays, particularly around the Panda House, so a weekday visit during the morning activity window offers the best combination of active animals and manageable crowds.
| Admission | Adult ¥25 Jan-Nov, ¥20 Dec (approx $3.50 / $2.80) · Child Free under 1.2m tall |
|---|---|
| Hours | Summer daily 6:30AM-9:00PM; winter 7:00AM-9:00PM; Panda House most active 8:30-10:30AM and 3:30-4:30PM |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Morning between 8:30 and 10:30AM when the giant pandas are most active |
| Getting there | Jiulongpo District; Metro Line 2 to Chongqing Zoo Station, then approx 200m walk to the East Gate |
| Address | 1 Xijiao Yicun, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing 400050, China |
Weather through the year in China
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for China.
Location
1 Xijiao Yicun, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing 400050, China
29.5385, 106.4956 View on map
Highlights
- Giant panda enclosures at the dedicated Panda House
- Red panda and South China tiger exhibits
- Wooded, hilly grounds typical of Chongqing's terrain
- Elephant and primate enclosures along the main visitor route
- Two daily panda feeding windows for peak animal activity
Tips for visiting
- Head straight to the Panda House first, ideally between 8:30 and 10:30AM when pandas are most active
- Return near 3:30-4:30PM for the second daily activity window if time allows
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are hilly with many gradual climbs between enclosures
- Weekday visits are noticeably quieter around the Panda House than weekends
- Admission is slightly lower in December (¥20) than the rest of the year (¥25)
When to visit
Morning between 8:30 and 10:30AM is best, when the giant pandas are most active and crowds are lighter than later in the day.
Accessibility
The zoo's hilly, forested layout includes sloped paths and some stairs between enclosures, which can be challenging for wheelchair users, though main paths are paved.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Chongqing Zoo take?
A full visit covering the main enclosures, including the Panda House, typically takes two to three hours.
Is Chongqing Zoo worth visiting with children?
Yes, the zoo is a popular family destination, particularly for the giant pandas, and children under 1.2m enter free.
Is photography allowed at Chongqing Zoo?
Yes, photography is permitted throughout the zoo, including at the Panda House, though flash photography near animals is generally discouraged.