夜行动物馆

The Night Animal House is an essential and mysterious part of the famous Beijing Zoo—one of the oldest and largest in China. Founded in the early 20th century in Beijing, this complex covers an area of 86 hectares. It offers a unique blend of a modern zoological center and a traditional Chinese park with elegant bridges, canals, and rocky hills.

It is home to over 5,000 animals representing about 450 species. Tourists are especially drawn to China's rare endemics: giant pandas, golden monkeys, and Amur tigers. Specialized pavilions, such as the Night Animal House, provide a glimpse into the hidden world of creatures whose activity begins after sunset, creating an atmosphere of mystery and discovery.

In addition to land dwellers, the grounds feature an impressive Aquarium, shaped like a giant seashell. Inside, guests will find tropical rainforest halls, shark tanks, and a marine animal theater. Visiting this place is more than just a walk; it is a true journey through the planet's different climate zones in the heart of the Chinese capital.

When planning a visit to the Night Animal House and the Beijing Zoo, we recommend checking for up-to-date information on ticket prices and potential schedule changes in advance. Since it is a state-run institution, the latest information is often published on official resources and popular travel apps.

We advise checking the official website or using authorized booking services, as entry rules and access to specific pavilions can vary depending on the season or scheduled animal care activities.

A rich program awaits visitors in the Night Animal House and throughout the zoo grounds. The Hall of Pandas traditionally remains the main draw for all guests. To see these charming bamboo bears in action, it is best to come in the morning (from 9:00 to 10:00 AM) or later in the afternoon when they head out to the play areas.

Wildlife enthusiasts should visit Monkey Hill and the golden monkey enclosures, as they are particularly active during morning feeding times. For those seeking a thrill, the Lion and Tiger Hill is open, where predators majestically roam through settings designed to mimic natural rock caves.

Be sure to include the Aquarium in your itinerary: here, you can walk through transparent shark tunnels, admire exotic fish in the rainforest zone, and watch an exciting show featuring dolphins and fur seals. For those seeking relaxation, a stroll along the picturesque ponds with waterfowl and over the delicate bridges—a hallmark of Beijing's park architecture—is the perfect choice.

Reaching this wonderful location in Beijing is easy thanks to the city's well-developed transport network. The fastest and most convenient way is by metro: you will need Beijing Zoo Station on Line 4. Exits A2 or B2 will lead you almost directly to the entrance, which is very convenient for tourists looking to save travel time.

If you prefer surface transport, many bus routes stop nearby, including Nos. 7, 15, 19, 111, and 118. A trip from central squares like Tiananmen Square will take between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic. For maximum comfort, you can use a taxi or the Didi ride-sharing service; a trip from the airport takes about an hour.

The history of this site dates back to the early 20th century. The Beijing Zoo was founded between 1906 and 1908 by the personal order of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. In those days, it bore the poetic name "Garden of Ten Thousand Animals" and served as a retreat for the imperial family, becoming a public park only after the fall of the monarchy.

Over its century-long history, the complex has evolved from a small imperial menagerie into a major scientific and educational center. The site received its modern name in 1955. Interestingly, the architecture of many pavilions, such as the famous Lion and Tiger Hill built in 1956, still retains a retro style with cave-like design elements, creating a unique historical atmosphere.

The construction of the Hall of Pandas in 1989 was of particular significance to the complex's development. This 10,000-square-meter building became a symbol of China's commitment to the conservation of rare species. Today, the Night Animal House and other themed zones harmoniously combine the traditions of classic Chinese gardens with modern animal care technologies.

To explore the Night Animal House at a leisurely pace and see the other zoo inhabitants, we recommend setting aside at least 4–6 hours for your visit. The complex covers a vast area of about 86 hectares, and a rushed walk-through won't allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of the landscaped gardens and observe the behavior of rare species.

If your main goal is to see the giant pandas and visit the Aquarium, you might manage in 2–3 hours, but be sure to factor in potential queues. It is best to arrive at opening time: the animals are most active in the morning, and the park's paths are not yet crowded with large tour groups.

The Beijing Zoo is open to guests daily. Standard operating hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though please note that ticket offices close one hour earlier. During the winter season (from November to February), the complex may close an hour earlier, at 4:00 PM, due to shorter daylight hours.

The Aquarium and special shows have their own schedules, which can change depending on the season. To see the animals at their most active, experienced travelers suggest arriving right at opening time or planning a visit for the late afternoon after 4:00 PM.

A visit to the zoo can easily be combined with a walk through other historical sites in the Xicheng District. Very close by is the majestic Prince Gong's Mansion, considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved palace ensembles of Imperial China. A stroll through its gardens will allow you to immerse yourself even deeper into the atmosphere of the old city.

Also nearby is the picturesque Beihai Park with its famous White Pagoda and imperial lakes. If you plan to continue exploring the capital's cultural heritage, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, which offers the best panoramic view of Beijing, are just a short taxi or metro ride away.