Plan at a glance
A hillside zoo with three entrances
The Shijiazhuang Zoo website lists its address as No. 161 Shanqian Avenue, Luquan District. The zoo is built on sloping ground and covers a large area. The East Gate is near the flamingo house and sightseeing-shuttle departure point, making it a useful starting point for first-time visitors. The North Gate is closer to Polar Ocean World, and there is also a car park at the South Gate. Set your navigation destination to the entrance that fits your route.
Admission and seasonal hours
Adult admission is RMB 30. Visitors aged 6–18 and 60–69 pay half price, RMB 15. Children under 6 or under 1.2 metres, visitors aged 70 or over and other eligible groups enter free. In winter, the zoo is open 08:30–17:00 and stops selling tickets at 16:00. In summer, it is open 08:30–18:00 and stops selling tickets at 16:30. Check the zoo’s current notice for seasonal and daily arrangements.
How long to spend
Allow 2–3 hours to start at Tiger and Lion Valley and walk downhill through the main exhibits. Plan 4–6 hours if you want to see more animals and add the Children’s Zoo or aquarium. The slopes and walking distances affect the pace; decide whether to use the sightseeing shuttle, especially when travelling with children or older adults.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
The panda house and Tiger and Lion Valley
You can visit the panda house early in your day; giant pandas are often more active in the morning, though their behaviour varies. Tiger and Lion Valley has lions, tigers and white tigers. These two stops are a good introduction to the zoo and help determine whether to take the uphill shuttle from the East Gate.
Flamingos, Swan Lake and the Children’s Zoo
The flamingo house is near the East Gate and makes a convenient first stop. From the north bank of Swan Lake, black swans, the water and distant magnolias fit into one view. Families can add the Children’s Zoo to the downhill route, where children can meet and feed alpacas, rabbits and other gentle animals; follow the feeding rules posted on site.
Polar Ocean World as an add-on
Polar Ocean World is inside the zoo and has beluga whales, dolphin shows and an underwater tunnel. Admission is about RMB 80 and must be purchased separately; it is not included in the zoo’s RMB 30 ticket. If you plan to visit, allow separate time and admission for the aquarium.
Build your day
An easier 2–3-hour route
Enter at the East Gate and take the RMB 10-per-person sightseeing shuttle to the last stop at Tiger and Lion Valley. Then walk downhill through the panda house, elephant house and giraffe house, and leave in the direction of the East Gate. If visiting in the morning, put the panda house early in the route before continuing downhill to avoid climbing back up.
A 4–6-hour highlights route
Enter through the East Gate and visit the flamingo house first. Take the shuttle to Tiger and Lion Valley, then walk downhill through the African animal area, Bear Valley, parrot house, Swan Lake and panda house. Add the Children’s Zoo if you have time. Treat Polar Ocean World as a separate, paid part of the visit.
Aquarium and show times
Check the day’s performance programme after entering, then decide whether to fit the aquarium or an animal show into the downhill route. The panda house and aquarium are busier on weekends and holidays. On a weekday, or by arriving when the gates open at 08:30, you can visit popular exhibits earlier in the day.
Get there
Metro and bus
Take Metro Line 1 to Xiwang Station (西王站), leave through Exit D, then transfer to Tourist Route 5, Bus 320 or another service to the “Zoo” stop. The East Gate is the main drop-off direction. If Polar Ocean World is your priority, compare the North Gate as an entry point, then follow the zoo’s internal routes to arrange the exhibits.
Driving and parking
Use the zoo’s listed address, No. 161 Shanqian Avenue, and choose the East or South Gate car park to match your route. Check the exact car-park name and day’s fee before entering. The East Gate surface car park is about RMB 10 per day; the South Gate car park is about RMB 4–10 per day. Roadside spaces may not belong to the zoo, so check the location and posted rate.
Know before you go
Opening and ticket-sale cutoffs
Summer and winter hours differ. Check the zoo’s notice for the day and pay attention to the ticket-sale cutoff; arriving close to that time leaves little chance to see the main exhibits. You can buy tickets online and scan the QR code, or buy at the gate. No advance reservation is required.
Slopes, pandas and animal safety
The zoo has noticeable slopes. Taking the East Gate shuttle uphill and walking down is the easier main route; comfortable flat shoes help on the long paths between exhibits. Giant pandas are often more active in the morning, so visit the panda house early in the route. Feed animals only in designated areas and only with food supplied or expressly approved by the zoo; keep the distance required by on-site staff.
Food, water and nearby stops
Instant noodles cost about RMB 10 per bowl, and grilled sausages about RMB 3–5. You can bring snacks, and free hot water is available inside the zoo. Xinma Kingdom is beside the North Gate, and Longquan Lake Wetland Park is free. Tanhuazhang is about a 10-minute drive away, with an average spend of around RMB 100, and is an option for a family meal.