Qingdao Zoo is a perfect family destination, offering a mix of wildlife, educational exhibits, and scenic strolls. Located in the heart of the city, it is home to a variety of animals, including iconic species like giant pandas, lions, and monkeys. Whether you’re visiting with young children or simply love animals, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to Qingdao Zoo, from ticket information and transport tips to the best routes and exhibits to explore.
Ticket Information
- Adult Ticket: ¥8.5
- Children (6 years old, 1.4 meters or taller): ¥4
- Online Ticketing: You can purchase tickets online and use a QR code for entry. Please note that if you re-enter the park or need to move between the East and West zones, you will need to scan your code again. You can also buy paper tickets on-site if you prefer.
Parking and Transportation
- Parking: There is ample parking at the zoo’s designated parking lot, especially during the off-peak seasons. Alternatively, you can park at the nearby World War I Memorial Museum Parking Lot (一战遗址博物馆停车场), and then walk down to the zoo’s West Gate.
- Public Transport: Take the Qingdao Metro Line 1, and alight at Guangrao Road Station (广饶路站), Exit C. From there, it’s about an 800-meter walk to the zoo.
- Gates: The zoo has three entrances: the West Gate and North Gate are accessible by car, while the South Gate requires you to walk through Zhongshan Park to reach the entrance.
Zoo Layout: East Zone vs. West Zone
Qingdao Zoo is divided into two main areas: the East Zone and the West Zone. You need to scan your ticket at separate entrances for each zone. The majority of the animals are located in the West Zone, while the East Zone mainly features Tiger Mountain and the Big Cat Section.
- West Gate Entry: For convenience, it’s recommended to enter through the West Gate and start from the top of the zoo. This way, you’ll be able to walk downhill and cover all the exhibits without feeling too tired.
- South Gate: If you’re not driving, the South Gate is easily accessed by walking through Zhongshan Park. It’s a scenic walk, but be prepared for a little uphill journey.
Recommended Zoo Route
- Enter from the West Gate and begin your visit with the African lions, followed by the wolves, monkeys, and gorillas.
- As you continue down the path, you’ll encounter the Giant Panda Area. If you’re visiting in the morning, it’s a great idea to visit the pandas early as they tend to be more active.
- After the panda area, you’ll find the Alpaca Zone. You can feed these adorable creatures with food provided by the zoo. Make sure to bring plenty of food for them as this is a highly interactive experience.
- As you move further down, you’ll come across more animals like swans, peacocks, and turtles.
- Head east from here, and you’ll reach the West Zone exit, which brings you closer to the East Zone’s Tiger Mountain, where you’ll find the zoo’s impressive tiger family.
Meet the Pandas
- Yuan Xiao: Yuan Xiao (缘小) was originally named Le Shui (乐水) but was renamed due to an unfortunate accident during his youth, where he broke his leg after falling into a ditch. Known for his grumpy appearance, he’s one of the more famous pandas in the zoo.
- Bei Bei: Bei Bei (贝贝) gained international fame as one of the mascots for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. But her real claim to fame came from a viral video during her time in Qingdao, where she was filmed sitting idly by a pond, seemingly lost in thought. This cute, dopey image made her a global sensation.
Important Tips for Visitors
- Stroller-Friendly: While there are some stairs in the park, most of the zoo is quite stroller-friendly with smooth paths, making it easy to navigate with young children.
- Feeding Areas: The zoo has designated feeding zones, mostly located around the central playground area. While animals like rabbits and chickens are behind cages and not easy to feed, you can feed sheep and pigs in the outdoor areas.
- Exit and Transport: After your visit, if you’re not driving, you can walk downhill towards the South Gate. The Zhongshan Park Metro Station is conveniently located right at the entrance.