Beijing Zoo

The Beijing Zoo (Bei jing ding wù yuán) is located in the northwest section of the city and encompasses more than 220 acres. It was founded in 1906, making it one of China's oldest zoos. The country's largest zoo, with about 15,000 animals from 1,000 species, includes numerous rare local species such as South China tigers, snow leopards, golden snub-nosed monkeys, pandas, and those not so uncommon such as the red-crowned crane and Pere David's deer.

Elephants, lions, and jaguars are among the many species on display, scattered around grounds that nearly mimic ancient Chinese gardens, replete with deep woodlands, meadows, rivers, streams, and ponds, well as a variety of attractive pavilions and terraces. There is also a well-stocked aquarium at the zoo.

Beijing Aquarium is highly recommended for anyone visiting Beijing Zoo. It opened in 1999, is widely recognized by tourist bodies as one of the country's top attractions, and is the largest inland aquarium globally. The aquarium features thousands of different aquatic species - man-eating fishes, precious Chinese sturgeons, giant sea elephants, and fierce sharks are some highlights. Tourists can also enjoy shows performed by dolphins, sea lions, and whales in the aquarium's Ocean Theater. While here, visitors also have the chance to sample some of the nearby historical relics: Lemarck Hall was built to commemorate the life of Lemarck (1744-1829), a famous French natural historian, and has also been used as the Chinese Botanical Science Research Base.

Address: 137 Xizhimen Outer St, Xicheng, Beijing