Shanghai Zoo (Shanghai Dongwu Yuan)
Shanghai Zoo (Shanghai Dongwu Yuan)
3.5
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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Address
Neighborhood: Changning
How to get there
- Shanghai Zoo • 9 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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3.5
637 reviews
Excellent
132
Very good
231
Average
132
Poor
63
Terrible
79
Venture23915196840
4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
A zoo is a zoo - it's a bit sad for the animals, especially the primates, but it's still good fun for kids and it serves an educational purpose. In contrast to some of the earlier reviews, I had a pretty good time on my visit. The trick is visiting during the week (which you, as a tourist, can, unlike the local kids), not on the weekend and definitely not on a national holiday. The park had quite a lot of elderly locals doing their exercises. The animals were not being harassed, and most of them had plenty of space and enjoying the peace of quiet. The highlight for us were the red pandas. Whereas the giant pandas looked pretty bored, the red pandas were active and quite cheeky. The primate nursery was also very cute. It was also very interesting to see some of the small mammals native to this corner of China. The drawback of visiting during the week was that there weren't any hot food options. Plan your meals around your visit, or pack a picnic.
Written October 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SH_daddy
Shanghai, China7 contributions
Sep 2013 • Family
Shanghai Zoo itself is not as depressing as other reviewers have villainized it as. I think *any* zoo is "depressing" when you consider that these animals are locked in cages their whole lives, though admittedly some zoos actually research wild life behavior or help endangered animals procreate. Shanghai Zoo is strictly for profit and is quite obviously not interested in the more humane aspects of zoology, but it is not quite the “animal prison” westerners make it out to be.
The grounds are gorgeous; a massive, sprawling park with lush glades, dense woodlands and reflective ponds; it’s a great place for a family picnic or to let your kids explore, and you’ll need a solid day to see it all. And be sure to go on a weekday to avoid the throngs of weekend visitors.
Some of the animal sections *are* sparse and in some instances completely empty, but there is at least one of every critter you can think of encompassing the entire animal kingdom, so your children will at least leave satisfied to have seen their favorites. True, some of the animals appear to have been neglected or mistreated or are slowly rotting away – e.g. none of the peacocks have their plumes, and the vulture is missing his talons – but the tiger section is quite grand and there are more species of monkeys here than I’ve seen anywhere else.
The most despicable thing I saw here, however, was the Chinese tourists themselves, who take great delight in throwing plastic water bottles and trash at the animals, especially the monkeys. They howl with laughter and encourage their kids to also throw stuff at any animal not protected by a glass partition. I witnessed a grown man in his 40s spray a jet of water with a supersoaker right into a bear’s face (the bear was sitting directly below him begging for food). The man was with his entire family and they all thought watching this poor bear be tortured was a riot. There are no guards or security cameras to stop this kind of behavior; my wife had to physically restrain me from confronting him.
We as westerners have to remind ourselves that in Chinese culture there is no such thing as “animal rights”; eating dogs is commonplace; killing tigers and bears for their testicles and bile is a time-honored tradition, and sharks are slaughtered by the dozens just for their fins. So when at a zoo in China, it might be difficult to tell which side of the fence the real animals are on. But if you can get past this, I still think Shanghai Zoo is a nice place to visit.
The grounds are gorgeous; a massive, sprawling park with lush glades, dense woodlands and reflective ponds; it’s a great place for a family picnic or to let your kids explore, and you’ll need a solid day to see it all. And be sure to go on a weekday to avoid the throngs of weekend visitors.
Some of the animal sections *are* sparse and in some instances completely empty, but there is at least one of every critter you can think of encompassing the entire animal kingdom, so your children will at least leave satisfied to have seen their favorites. True, some of the animals appear to have been neglected or mistreated or are slowly rotting away – e.g. none of the peacocks have their plumes, and the vulture is missing his talons – but the tiger section is quite grand and there are more species of monkeys here than I’ve seen anywhere else.
The most despicable thing I saw here, however, was the Chinese tourists themselves, who take great delight in throwing plastic water bottles and trash at the animals, especially the monkeys. They howl with laughter and encourage their kids to also throw stuff at any animal not protected by a glass partition. I witnessed a grown man in his 40s spray a jet of water with a supersoaker right into a bear’s face (the bear was sitting directly below him begging for food). The man was with his entire family and they all thought watching this poor bear be tortured was a riot. There are no guards or security cameras to stop this kind of behavior; my wife had to physically restrain me from confronting him.
We as westerners have to remind ourselves that in Chinese culture there is no such thing as “animal rights”; eating dogs is commonplace; killing tigers and bears for their testicles and bile is a time-honored tradition, and sharks are slaughtered by the dozens just for their fins. So when at a zoo in China, it might be difficult to tell which side of the fence the real animals are on. But if you can get past this, I still think Shanghai Zoo is a nice place to visit.
Written October 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elmertheelephant_10
Tamworth, UK240 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
Shanghai Zoo - very easy to get to from the city by Subway Metro
(underground system) and the Subway day pass costs just £1.80- you do need to purchase this from a person in a kiosk so some Chinese speaking of having what you want written down for you is necessary (concierge service at your hotel will do this for you).
They do have ticket machines in subway stations in English - but you can only buy single trip tickets from them.
The Zoo is very large with lots of nice gardens and seating areas for visitors. Many of the animal cages are outdated, small and basic - not uk standard.
However the main attraction the Giant Pandas have a great area and seem very happy and active.
Entrance to the Zoo is equivalent of just £4 per person, be careful the sign posts don't match the paper maps handed out - so don't get lost. We found this funny added to the novelty. Disappointed there is no gift shop.
In general well worth the visit, but don't book a tour excursion go by Metro or Taxi and buy your ticket at the gate (English speakers in ticket booths) to save cost. Suggest you plan about 2 hours to see the major attractions.
(underground system) and the Subway day pass costs just £1.80- you do need to purchase this from a person in a kiosk so some Chinese speaking of having what you want written down for you is necessary (concierge service at your hotel will do this for you).
They do have ticket machines in subway stations in English - but you can only buy single trip tickets from them.
The Zoo is very large with lots of nice gardens and seating areas for visitors. Many of the animal cages are outdated, small and basic - not uk standard.
However the main attraction the Giant Pandas have a great area and seem very happy and active.
Entrance to the Zoo is equivalent of just £4 per person, be careful the sign posts don't match the paper maps handed out - so don't get lost. We found this funny added to the novelty. Disappointed there is no gift shop.
In general well worth the visit, but don't book a tour excursion go by Metro or Taxi and buy your ticket at the gate (English speakers in ticket booths) to save cost. Suggest you plan about 2 hours to see the major attractions.
Written July 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annexplorer71
Brighton, IL256 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Due to time constraints I was unable to go to the panda research center in Chengdu so I ventured here to the Shanghai zoo instead to see the giant panda. Seeing a panda is a must in China. This is a large zoo and has many other animals that we walked past but we only concentrated on the panda. I'm so glad I was able to see him.
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Narsfweasels
Shanghai, China165 contributions
Jun 2015
I am very much a fan of zoos, and have been since I was a child. I don't subscribe to the view that zoos are cruel and torturous places where animals are made to suffer for human amusement.
However, if I did, Shanghai Zoo would be the first example on my list of a zoo that needs to be shut down.
1) Many animals appear sick, bedraggled with matted coats, malnourished or exhausted.
2) Enclosures are often small and filled with litter.
3) Visitors (exclusively locals, I am sorry to say) feed the animals trash, unsuitable items or throw things at the animals. Nobody seems keen to stop them.
4) The rides in the zoo for children are poorly-maintained and unsafe - I saw one child who was clinging to the side of a plane ride as he had nearly fallen in to the water. I called for someone to stop the ride and they did, but it carried on operating immediately after.
I would say protest this place by not opening your wallet, but I doubt that it would do much good. The zoo is always full of people spitting, throwing objects into the enclosures and treating the animals with disrespect. It has been this way for years, so what you and I do will have little impact. Avoid.
However, if I did, Shanghai Zoo would be the first example on my list of a zoo that needs to be shut down.
1) Many animals appear sick, bedraggled with matted coats, malnourished or exhausted.
2) Enclosures are often small and filled with litter.
3) Visitors (exclusively locals, I am sorry to say) feed the animals trash, unsuitable items or throw things at the animals. Nobody seems keen to stop them.
4) The rides in the zoo for children are poorly-maintained and unsafe - I saw one child who was clinging to the side of a plane ride as he had nearly fallen in to the water. I called for someone to stop the ride and they did, but it carried on operating immediately after.
I would say protest this place by not opening your wallet, but I doubt that it would do much good. The zoo is always full of people spitting, throwing objects into the enclosures and treating the animals with disrespect. It has been this way for years, so what you and I do will have little impact. Avoid.
Written August 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SLH91
London, UK7 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
I visited Shanghai Zoo in May. I wish I never paid money to this park, as this only encourages them to keep their animals in such appalling conditions.
Firstly the panda enclosure. I only saw one giant panda and he/she was so sad. He was on his own, in a large concrete room/box with a glass window for the visitors to see him. All he had for stimulation was a few bamboo sticks. He looked incredibly depressed and it saddened me to see people banging on the glass at him.
Tourists were throwing rubbish at the animals (plastic water bottles, packets of biscuits, and other inappropriate things). NO respect for the animals. The zoo staff did nothing to discourage this whatsoever. I find this disgusting.
> The lion enclosure is at a level lower than the level for visitors. (Visitors stand on a platform above the enclosure)...The lions were sleeping in the sun. Tourists were THROWING THINGS AT THE LIONS in an attempt to cause a reaction and get the lions to 'do something'.
> The ape enclosure sits behind a fence and deep moat which prevents the apes from leaving. But people were able to throw human wrapped food and bottles of water at the apes. People seemed to get enjoyment out of the apes eating through plastic wrapping to get to the chocolate bar underneath.
The orangutan enclosure was similar to the panda. They were housed inside a concrete building with hardly any natural daylight, and a glass window for visitors to see them. Orangutans are incredible intelligent animals and it is just atrocious how little stimulation they were provided in their prison cell.
It felt as though the poor animals here are in prison.
PLEASE DO NOT FUND THIS ZOO.
Firstly the panda enclosure. I only saw one giant panda and he/she was so sad. He was on his own, in a large concrete room/box with a glass window for the visitors to see him. All he had for stimulation was a few bamboo sticks. He looked incredibly depressed and it saddened me to see people banging on the glass at him.
Tourists were throwing rubbish at the animals (plastic water bottles, packets of biscuits, and other inappropriate things). NO respect for the animals. The zoo staff did nothing to discourage this whatsoever. I find this disgusting.
> The lion enclosure is at a level lower than the level for visitors. (Visitors stand on a platform above the enclosure)...The lions were sleeping in the sun. Tourists were THROWING THINGS AT THE LIONS in an attempt to cause a reaction and get the lions to 'do something'.
> The ape enclosure sits behind a fence and deep moat which prevents the apes from leaving. But people were able to throw human wrapped food and bottles of water at the apes. People seemed to get enjoyment out of the apes eating through plastic wrapping to get to the chocolate bar underneath.
The orangutan enclosure was similar to the panda. They were housed inside a concrete building with hardly any natural daylight, and a glass window for visitors to see them. Orangutans are incredible intelligent animals and it is just atrocious how little stimulation they were provided in their prison cell.
It felt as though the poor animals here are in prison.
PLEASE DO NOT FUND THIS ZOO.
Written August 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josh Barnes-Welsenaer
Milton Keynes, UK44 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
I have been to a lot of zoos and have never been so disappointed and distressed by one such zoo before!
First of all, the animals inside the zoo were impressive but the treatment of them was quite the opposite! The animals were probably having a better life being hunted than in this so called "zoo". Zoo keepers were non existent throughout the park, the environments in which the animals were in were not adequate enough and the Chinese peoples behaviour was disgusting! They were taunting all the animals by banging on the glass panels, throwing litter and bottles into the enclosure, even throwing a rope into one of the monkey areas which the animal could have killed itself with! In the crocodile enclosure, there were coins all in the water they swum in and even an umbrella! It was at this point we all decided to leave. An absolute disgrace of a zoo and I imagine the rest of the zoos in the country are run in the same shoddy way.
It is supposed to be a place of conservation, not a jail!
First of all, the animals inside the zoo were impressive but the treatment of them was quite the opposite! The animals were probably having a better life being hunted than in this so called "zoo". Zoo keepers were non existent throughout the park, the environments in which the animals were in were not adequate enough and the Chinese peoples behaviour was disgusting! They were taunting all the animals by banging on the glass panels, throwing litter and bottles into the enclosure, even throwing a rope into one of the monkey areas which the animal could have killed itself with! In the crocodile enclosure, there were coins all in the water they swum in and even an umbrella! It was at this point we all decided to leave. An absolute disgrace of a zoo and I imagine the rest of the zoos in the country are run in the same shoddy way.
It is supposed to be a place of conservation, not a jail!
Written July 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoChina03
Suzhou, China7 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
This zoo is quite beautiful with so many animal types to see....lots of grassy areas and paths covered with gorgeous landscaping and trees. My family and I enjoyed seeing such a variety of animals, so overall I think it's a good stop during a family trip to Shanghai.
That being said, I rated it "poor" because I left here feeling so disgusted by the other visitors I encountered during the visit. The locals were openly feeding animals and throwing plastic/trash directly towards the animals.....I've never seen anything like it! I am not typically an "animal activist" or anything like that, but seriously someone needs to CRACK down on this type of behavior and punish these people. Mark down their social credit score or give them a fine! Surveillance cameras with facial recognition.....SOMEthing!
That being said, I rated it "poor" because I left here feeling so disgusted by the other visitors I encountered during the visit. The locals were openly feeding animals and throwing plastic/trash directly towards the animals.....I've never seen anything like it! I am not typically an "animal activist" or anything like that, but seriously someone needs to CRACK down on this type of behavior and punish these people. Mark down their social credit score or give them a fine! Surveillance cameras with facial recognition.....SOMEthing!
Written June 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alamo25
Sydney, Australia74 contributions
Nov 2010 • Friends
This zoo is a depressing torture place for animals and should not be in operation. A few lowlights:
- A demented concept of a ‘Domestic Dog Zoo’ where every breed of dog imaginable is kept isolated in cement cages (without air conditioning for dogs from arctic climates). Puppies only a few months old were sleeping on top of cages with metal bar floors. See photos.
- The zoo previously sold live baby chicks for visitors to throw at the crocodiles.
- Animal enclosures comprising of only cement, filled with rubbish visitors had thrown in trying to get the animals attention.
- A ‘Catch a Goldfish’ activity where children rent fishing lines per minute and use rusted hooks to catch as many Goldfish as they can in the time. The many fish are then packed into a tiny tank with no room to move and are carried around in the hot sun for the rest of the day.
- Numerous fish tank displays in the scorching hot sun.
It’s a pity because the zoo ground and gardens are really beautiful, hiding the real truth of this place. If you are an animal lover this place will leave you in tears, knowing there is nothing you can do about it.
- A demented concept of a ‘Domestic Dog Zoo’ where every breed of dog imaginable is kept isolated in cement cages (without air conditioning for dogs from arctic climates). Puppies only a few months old were sleeping on top of cages with metal bar floors. See photos.
- The zoo previously sold live baby chicks for visitors to throw at the crocodiles.
- Animal enclosures comprising of only cement, filled with rubbish visitors had thrown in trying to get the animals attention.
- A ‘Catch a Goldfish’ activity where children rent fishing lines per minute and use rusted hooks to catch as many Goldfish as they can in the time. The many fish are then packed into a tiny tank with no room to move and are carried around in the hot sun for the rest of the day.
- Numerous fish tank displays in the scorching hot sun.
It’s a pity because the zoo ground and gardens are really beautiful, hiding the real truth of this place. If you are an animal lover this place will leave you in tears, knowing there is nothing you can do about it.
Written October 16, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kris
2 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
All the animals were neglected. Like legit, on the sign, it said no feeding. Did any of the people give a sh**? No. I saw at least 30 people feeding the animals. One of them was feeding them a cheese puff. I took a picture of the no feeding sign and showed it to her while saying, no feeding allowed. And do you know what she said to me? " If you don't want me to feed, why are you looking?"
You can guess how pissed I was. I called 2 zoo officials to catch people like her.
Next subject, the zoo legit prioritize the animals. Like for example, the pandas are given air conditioning and an indoor place full of bamboo. Their relatives the brown bears and the grizzly? Their water pool looks like it has never been cleaned before. And they look like they never have been fed before.
Moving on, the people there have no manners. Like in the aquarium it was so darn loud.
Like, imagine this, a bunch of kids and adults yelling about a pufferfish!
It was so MISERABLE, especially for animals.
You can guess how pissed I was. I called 2 zoo officials to catch people like her.
Next subject, the zoo legit prioritize the animals. Like for example, the pandas are given air conditioning and an indoor place full of bamboo. Their relatives the brown bears and the grizzly? Their water pool looks like it has never been cleaned before. And they look like they never have been fed before.
Moving on, the people there have no manners. Like in the aquarium it was so darn loud.
Like, imagine this, a bunch of kids and adults yelling about a pufferfish!
It was so MISERABLE, especially for animals.
Written July 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leot88
Jakarta, Indonesia24 contributions
Hi,i am planning to.come over the zoo around 7 or 8th june.
As im leaving shanghai at 9th june in the morning,may somebody suggest good n nearest hotel in the middle between zoo n airport? Thx
Alok Nahata
Alor Setar, Malaysia6,195 contributions
If you are landing at the Shanghai Hongqiao International airport, then Holiday Inn Shanghai Hongqiao would be the best as it is near to the hotel and zoo is also a 10 min drive from the hotel. Hotel will arrange the taxi in few minutes only.
AnneMartin2016
Albury, Australia7 contributions
We are a group of 9 staying at the Wyndham Bund East Shanghai in October and would like to know the best way for us to get from our hotel to the zoo and back
Resort377449
Shanghai, China129 contributions
Hi you have 2 options first you can take subway closest metro station to your hotel as I've check is line 12 ningguo station and you need interchange to line 10 tiantong Lu station up to Shanghai zoo.Stations are written in english so its not really hard to commute.but its quite far about 18 stations from your hotel. Second you can also take taxi ask the concierge from your hotel to write the address of shanghai zoo in chinese and your hotel for your convenience because most of the taxi driver in shanghai can only speak chinese. And i may also suggest that you better go there a little bit early shanghai zoo is quite big and around 5:30 or 6 its a little bit dark already. Only few lights and better bring your own food like sandwich or any food you can easily prepare because stores are limited.
Jordanovichy
Cambridge, UK739 contributions
I'm looking at Visiting Shanghai Zoo in the summer and was just wondering, roughly, how much does entrance cost? Thanks very much!
savvyuec
Hyderabad, India589 contributions
The entrance fee is 60 RMB for adults. However I will recommend you visit the Wild Animal Park if you have more time and budget (160 RMB). You can read my review on tripadvisor. Is provides a lot of useful details for your trip.
I will be in Shanghai on Thursday 11/26 and Friday 11/27 and would like to visit the Shanghai zoo. Is it open at that time of year?
alicia d
buenos aires124 contributions
Hola, te quería preguntar si los animales se ven tristes y enjaulados o tienen grandes espacios para moverse. Muchas gracias
Hello,
We will be in Shanghai from 19th to 26th Jan, what is the best day and time to visit the zoo in order to see animals being fed and can you have an elephant ride at the zoo?
Thank you, Melissa
Honey287
Adelaide, Australia38 contributions
Hello, we went with a tour group & as it was approx 2.00pm in the afternoon, the only animal being feed other where Panda's. Where the are feed their bamboo & the fruit bread. they waited by the keeper door as they knew it was feeding time. I had heard bad reports on this zoo from Trip Advisor, but I found it better than the bad comments. Yes there was rubbish in some of the pen's, but younger teenagers where the culprits. Did not see many animal keepers. But the animals where a easy to view up close & looked well looked after.
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Claim your listingShanghai Zoo (Shanghai Dongwu Yuan) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Shanghai Zoo (Shanghai Dongwu Yuan)
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Shanghai Zoo (Shanghai Dongwu Yuan):
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Zoo and City Hotels (From $28.00)
- Private Tour by metro of Shanghai Zoo, Qibao Old Town and Shanghai Tower (From $141.87)
- Private Tour with Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Zoo and Nanjing Road plus Xiaolongbao (From $158.04)
- Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour with Shanghai Zoo and Panda (From $163.00)
- Private Layover Tour: Shanghai Zoo with Panda, Oriental Pearl Tower & the Bund. (From $238.26)
- Hotels near Shanghai Zoo (Shanghai Dongwu Yuan):
- (0.30 mi) GreenTree Inn Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Apartment Hotel
- (0.86 mi) Shanghai Marriott Hotel Hongqiao
- (0.29 mi) Song Yuan Villa
- (0.50 mi) Cypress Hotel
- (2.08 mi) Novotel Shanghai Hongqiao
- Restaurants near Shanghai Zoo (Shanghai Dongwu Yuan):
- (0.36 mi) Geneva Pub, Restaurant & Catering
- (0.35 mi) Le Fu Yi XinXian HongBei
- (0.38 mi) A Shan Restaurant
- (0.39 mi) Shu You Seafood Restaurant (XiJiao)
- (0.39 mi) MiLuo JiuBa