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Visit the various animal enclosures, including the pandas, tigers, and elephants. Enjoy the lush gardens and explore the zoo’s themed areas like the tropical rainforest and aquatic zones.
Qingdao Zoo began building animal enclosures in 1915. In 1977, another zoo was built on the southwest side of Taiping Mountain. Over the next 10 years, 18 unique animal enclosures and pavilions were built, including the Monkey House, the Orangutan House, the Monkey Hill, the Bird Cage, the Songbird House, the Lion and Tiger Hill, and the Children's Petting Zoo, housing hundreds of species and over a thousand animals.
Qingdao is located in the northern temperate monsoon region and has a temperate monsoon climate with humid air, abundant rainfall, moderate temperature and distinct four seasons.
Recommended one-day tour
8.5 yuan/person
07:00-18:00
Qingdao Zoo was established in 1963 and has grown into one of the largest zoos in Shandong province. It plays an important role in wildlife conservation and education.
Qingdao Zoo is located in the southern part of the city. You can reach it by taxi, bus, or metro (line 3, stop at Qingdao Zoo station). Walking from nearby neighborhoods is also an option.
The zoo is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily. It is less crowded in the mornings, particularly on weekdays.
The entrance fee is around 30 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through local ticket platforms.
Advance booking is not required, but it is recommended during peak seasons or holidays to avoid long lines.
You will need about 2 to 3 hours to explore the zoo fully, depending on your interest in the animals and exhibits.
The must-see areas include the panda exhibit, the tiger and lion enclosures, the tropical bird aviary, and the aquatic animal section.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in Mandarin and English are offered for a more detailed experience.
Best spots for photography include the panda enclosure, the tiger habitat, and the zoo’s botanical gardens. The entrance area also provides a scenic view of the surrounding landscape.
Start with the animal enclosures near the entrance and gradually explore the more distant sections like the aquarium and tropical rainforest. End with the garden area for a relaxing walk.
Night visits are not typically available, but special events may be held during holidays or festivals. The zoo is known for hosting educational activities for children.
The zoo can get crowded during weekends and holidays. Weekdays, especially in the morning, are the least crowded times to visit.
There are restrooms, food stalls, water fountains, and a gift shop available throughout the zoo. There are also shaded areas for resting.
The zoo is wheelchair accessible, and there are paths suitable for strollers and elderly visitors. Staff can assist with special needs if required.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are accepted at most locations in the zoo. Cash is still accepted at some stalls.
There are a few casual restaurants and cafes within the zoo. Nearby, you can find more dining options in Qingdao’s city center.
There are vegetarian options available within the zoo's food vendors. For vegan or halal options, it's better to check restaurants outside the zoo area.
There are several hotels nearby, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Popular choices include Qingdao Oceanwide Elite Hotel and Holiday Inn Qingdao City Center.
Nearby attractions include Qingdao Marine Science Museum, Zhongshan Park, and the famous Zhanqiao Pier, which can be easily combined into a day trip.
The zoo has souvenir shops that offer plush toys, animal figurines, and local crafts. The typical souvenirs are animal-themed items and Qingdao-specific products.
From the zoo, taxis and public buses are the easiest ways to continue your trip. The Qingdao metro system also provides good connections to other tourist sites.
