Spring is a great time to get out and enjoy the extended daylight. I hereby announce that spring is officially here in Beijing! Now, you all may be wondering what to do out in the beautiful (tragically pollen-filled) days of spring. Not to fret, I got you covered. The Beijing Wildlife Park, 北京野生动物园, is full of animal surprises to keep you entertained for at least one whole day. I got some great reasons to visit and some tips to make your visit fun! So settle in, grab some snacks, cuddle your favorite stuffed animal, and see what the Beijing Wildlife Park has to offer.
For my school PYP (Primary Year Program) project, I chose to study endangered species. I felt like I could connect with my project more if I saw some of these animals in person. Therefore, the Beijing Wildlife Park is just perfect to do some research about different animals and species! Seeing all those adorable Red Pandas and fierce Siberian Tigers really was a major thrill. This visit surely will come in handy with my PYP exhibition. I learned a lot observing these stunning animals and how the zookeepers keep them healthy and happy. If you are an animal lover, this is a wonderful place to enjoy seeing many exotic creatures. Sometimes random animals walk around randomly, and you spot one of them easily.
The Beijing Wildlife Park, 北京野生动物园, not only has animal exhibits, there are many playing areas for kids as well! There are slides around the exotic bird section, miniature carousel rides near the baboons. Near the capybara exhibit, there are several amazing playgrounds! Seeing the cute capybaras is not the only thing you can do. You are permitted to feed them and run off and play on the jungle gym right next door. And these playgrounds are actually legit and enjoyable, not like those duller rusty ones they have at hospitals. You surely will think that this was the best way to enjoy a day.
Pro Tip: At the entrance of the park, there is a stand where you can get a bag of animal feed to feed to the animals. This is included in your entrance ticket, so you do not need to pay any extra fee. However, carefully read the signs before feeding anything because there are exhibits that will prohibit you from feeding the animals.
If you are planning to visit, here are some tips that you certainly should know before you go to the Beijing Wildlife Park. First things first, you do not have to worry about packing your own snacks and supplies when going to this park. The park has provided many restaurants and food stalls where you can easily grab a bite. My eel lunch set, which included mixed rice, a large portion of eel, and steamed vegetables, costs RMB 78, and the strawberry ice cream cup costs RMB 30. It was nice to walk around the park with a soft serve in your hands.
Secondly, try to come a bit early because the park is very large. When we went, it was not particularly crowded, and the animals were more active. However, around noon and after lunchtime, the animals are resting and taking a break under some cool shade, not as lively as before. So, if you want the best experience, come early. The animals will be mostly sleeping around noon and in the afternoon.
Note: the baboon area near the tigers is still very active and energetic even during the noon. Also, since the park is so large, there are also many electric mini cars that you can rent and drive around the park to cover more ground. There is also a golf car service that will drive you around the park, hitting all the most popular spots.
Some animals are allowed to be petted and fed. Like in the deer exhibit, you are allowed to pet the deer, except for the ones that the park staff stand in front of. If you see them there watching over a pack of deer resting, you are not permitted to pet those deer. Also, if an animal is looking stressed or confused, and does not look like it wishes to be crowded by a mob of obsessed animal petters, please take a hint. Give them some space and do not pet them. Animals deserve respect as much as we do. In one section of the Wildlife Park, you are allowed to feed the glorious lions through a hole in the glass. We would have done it, but we were not sure how safe for the lions to be fed by us without any training, and we did not want to accidentally harm the lions.
Last but certainly not least, TAKE PHOTOS.
Taking photos is a great way to keep these memories alive on your phone or camera. There is so much to see around the zoo! Even the architecture! The buildings around the exhibits have traditional Chinese styles woven into the walls and roofs. The park did a good job of incorporating many cultural elements in the park. Another great way to savor these moments is to draw! You do not have to be an artist to sketch anything. If you enjoy sketching and drawing, just go for it! No one can stop you from doing what you love!
There is also a “Safe Driven” safari option, where you can drive your own vehicle through the park and view the animals. We did choose to do this option, but it is conveniently available!
So, there you go. Another article from me. And as always … Stay tuned. And stay reading!!!
Find it:
The Beijing Wildlife Park, 北京野生动物园
中国北京市大兴区榆垡镇
Hours: April-October: 08:30-5:30
Fee: RMB 390 for two adults and one child
If you’re looking for more family friendly things to do in Beijing, be sure to join our Events group on WeChat. Add Wilhelmina87 to join.
Images: Clark Yap
