Nanning Day | Zoo Travel Diary

The following is a travel guide to Nanjing Zoo (Hongshan Forest Zoo), covering transportation, tickets, must-see venues, tour routes, practical tips, and more to help you easily plan your trip!
📍 Basic Information
Address: 168 Heyan Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing (Hongshan Forest Zoo)
Opening Hours: 8:30–18:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Tickets:
Adult ticket: CNY 40/person (book online in advance)
Student/child ticket: CNY 20/person (for children over 1.4m and students with valid ID)
Free admission: Children under 6 years old or 1.4m tall, seniors over 70 years old, etc. (must bring ID)
🚗 Transportation Guide
Subway: Take Line 1 to Hongshan Zoo Station, Exit 1, and walk about 5 minutes to the North Gate.
Bus: Take bus routes 8, 54, 64, 72, 76, etc. to Hongshan Forest Zoo Station.
Self-driving: Navigate to the North Gate or East Gate parking lot (parking spaces are limited on weekends/holidays, so it is recommended to arrive early).
🐾 Must-See Venues & Animals
Asian Primate Area: See lively primates such as gibbons, macaques, and mandrills.
China Cat Pavilion: Observe native cat species such as leopard cats and lynx up close.
Bear Valley: An open-air habitat for brown bears and black bears where you can observe their natural behaviors.
Koala House: The only zoo in East China where you can see koalas—super cute!
Orangutan House: Interactive displays of orangutans and chimpanzees.
Gondwana Area: A tropical rainforest-themed area where you can see sloths, toucans, flamingos, and more.
Gaoligong Area: A bionic habitat for red pandas and gibbons with a super-healing environment.
🌟 Featured Experiences
Animal Behavior Shows: Scheduled explanations and feedings (koala weighing, elephant bathing, orangutan interactions, etc.).
Native Species Conservation Area: Learn about Chinese endemic animals such as the Yangtze alligator and the roe deer.
Environmental Protection Concept: The first zoo in China to cancel animal performances, advocating for nature conservation.
🗺️ Recommended Tour Route
Classic Route (3–4 hours):
North Gate → Panda House → Koala House → Gaoligong Area → Gondwana Area → Asian Primate Area → Bear Valley → Tiger House → Giraffe House → Exit North Gate
Family Route:
North Gate → children's play area (next to the Ferris wheel) → Red Panda House → Giraffe House → Elephant House → Koala House → Gaoligong Area (highly interactive)
📌 Practical Tips
Wear comfortable shoes: The park is built on a mountain, so you need to walk uphill. It is recommended to travel light.
Visit during off-peak hours: There is a large flow of people on weekends, so it is recommended to enter the park on a working day or before 9am.
Bring your own food: There are few restaurants in the park and they are expensive, so you can bring water and snacks (do not feed the animals!).
Strollers: You can bring your own or rent one (at the North Gate entrance). Some mountain roads require pushing.
Guided tours: Pay attention to the park's electronic screens or official account to get the animal tour schedule.
Souvenirs: There is a cultural and creative shop at the park exit with super cute koala merchandise!
🍜 Recommended Food Nearby
Tengjia Noodle Restaurant (near the North Gate): Nanjing's signature crispy pork noodles and braised pork noodles.
Sun Ji Braised Pork Noodles: A noodle restaurant frequented by locals with generous portions.
Hongshan Snack Street: Opposite the North Gate of the zoo, there are snacks such as milk tea and grilled skewers.
Changfa Plaza/Maigaoqiao Business District: 1–2 subway stops away with more choices (hot pot, barbecue, fast food, etc.).
⚠️ Precautions
It is forbidden to feed the animals and to tease the animals with selfie sticks.
Pay attention to sun protection and mosquito prevention in summer. Some venues may close early in winter.
Smoking is prohibited in the park to protect the environment.
🌿 Other Recommendations
If you have enough time, you can visit:
Nanjing Underwater World (on the shore of Xuanwu Lake, suitable for families)
Pearl Spring Wildlife Park (highly interactive, you can feed giraffes and alpacas)
I hope this guide can help you enjoy Nanjing Zoo! Hongshan Forest Zoo focuses on natural ecology and animal welfare, and is suitable for slow-paced tours to experience the harmonious coexistence of humans and animals 🦒🐘🐨