Shanghai Zoo (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Shanghai Zoo?
What makes it 90% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 enjoy panda pavilion, open lawns, small rides, keeper talks; child tickets half-price and stroller rental available, but long walking distances can tire younger ones.
Positives:
- Shaded Rest Areas: Benches under trees offer cool breaks for kids.
- Flat Pathways: Wide paved routes make strollers easy to push.
Challenges:
- Basic Food Choices: Zoo stalls have limited children’s meals; bring snacks.
- Crowded Weekends: Popular exhibits can have long lines; plan early visits.
What is Shanghai Zoo?
- A sprawling 378-acre metropolitan zoological park on Shanghai’s western edge near Hongqiao Airport
- Home to over 6,000 animals, including giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, South China tigers and Bactrian camels
- A landscaped urban garden combining wooded trails, lakes and purpose-built enclosures amid diverse plant life
What is so special about Shanghai Zoo for with kids?
- Meet China’s national treasure at the Giant Panda Pavilion
- Watch playful baby primates in the indoor nursery
- Roam under free-flying birds in the immersive aviary
- Ride the shuttle bus to cover the large grounds
- Let kids burn energy in the play area and open lawns
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows a relaxed pace to see pandas, nursery, aviary and enjoy play areas without rushing young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Shanghai Zoo
Giant Panda Pavilion:
Watch pandas munch bamboo behind climate-controlled glass.
Tip: Go at opening time when pandas are most active.
Primate Nursery:
See baby chimpanzees and orangutans in the indoor nursery.
Tip: Visit before noon to catch morning feeding.
Bird Aviary:
Walk under mesh roofs among colorful parrots and flamingos.
Tip: Try late afternoon light for the best photos.
Zoo Shuttle Bus Tour:
Ride the in-park bus to cover the 378-acre grounds.
Tip: Board at the main gate early; seats fill fast.
Children’s Play Area & Mini-Rides:
Enjoy a small carousel, swings and a mini-train ride.
Tip: Bring small change; tickets sold at nearby kiosks.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shanghai Zoo
- Download the Zoo Map: Use the map to plan a logical route and save walking time.
- Visit on Weekdays: Morning weekdays have smaller crowds and shorter waits.
- Pack Light Snacks: Bring refillable water bottles and small snacks to keep kids happy.
Reviews of Shanghai Zoo
Ars 3276
Quite a nice zoo/safari. Lots of animals to see and feed. Go for the Bus n Boat ride and save on the walking. Food was surprisedly good at the Tiger restaurant. Eating beside Tigers and watching them was a nice experience. Overall this is indeed 1 of the better zoo I been to. 🚨 had Questions on luggage storage previously so here's my review - Plenty of storage spaces outside BUT main issue is 1...
When is the best time to visit Shanghai Zoo (Shanghai, China)?
Spring brings flower blooms and mild weather. Autumn shows colorful leaves around Swan Lake. In summer, visit early to avoid midday heat and carry water. Winter can be chilly; dress in layers.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult tickets | CNY 80 |
| 2 child tickets | CNY 40 |
| Lunch and snacks | CNY 80 |
| Stroller rental (3 hr) | CNY 45 |
| Feed bags for birds | CNY 20 |
| Total Estimated | CNY 265 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Shanghai Zoo
Address: 178 Nan Liu Gong Lu, Pu Dong Xin Qu, China
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