Maria Asatryan and Narek Khachatryan reporting from Beijing

The Beijing Zoo is not just a place where animals live. It is a living chronicle of China, a scientific center, and one of the main symbols of the Chinese capital. Founded in 1906, it is considered one of the oldest and largest zoos in the country. Located in the heart of Beijing, on an area of more than 90 hectares, the zoo is home to more than 5,000 animals from more than 400 species. Among them are rare and endangered members of the fauna: giant pandas, white tigers, Chinese alligators, and golden monkeys.

From imperial gardens to science center

The history of the Beijing Zoo began during the reign of Guangxu Emperor of the Qing dynasty. At that time, it bore the poetic name "Garden of Ten Thousand Animals" and was created on the territory of the former imperial Leshan and Zi gardens. Its first inhabitants were exotic animals purchased from Germany for Empress Dowager Cixi. The zoo opened to the general public in 1908 and became the first public zoo in China.

After the fall of the monarchy in 1911, the park received the status of a national heritage. However, the first half of the 20th century was a difficult period for it: during the wars, the animal collection was almost completely destroyed, and only a few monkeys and a single emu remained in the huge cages.

A new phase for the Beijing Zoo began after 1949. The authorities of the People's Republic of China (PRC) carried out large-scale reconstruction and expansion of the territory, and in 1955 the zoo received its current official name. At the same time, it was managed to preserve and restore many historical buildings from the late Qing dynasty: the ancient main gates, the elegant “Beautiful View Tower.” and the Changchun Hall. Today, these architectural monuments remind us that the Beijing Zoo is also a living open-air museum of the history of imperial China.

The main attraction is the giant panda pavilion

The main center of attraction for the Beijing Zoo visitors remains the “Giant Panda House” pavilion, located in front of the main entrance. Here you can watch these charming animals run around the flowering lawns, swing on swings, jump up small stairs, and enjoy bamboo.

The panda is not just a resident of the zoo, but a living symbol of China and one of the important tools of Chinese diplomacy. “Panda diplomacy” is the practice of transferring pandas to other countries in order to strengthen international ties. The first documented case dates back to 685, when Empress Wu Zetian had sent two pandas to Emperor Tenmu of Japan. It became a regular practice in the 1950s.

Notable moments of "panda diplomacy" are as follows: 1957—the male Pin-Pin was gifted to the Soviet Union, 1959—the second male, An-An, was sent to the USSR, 1972—two pandas were sent to the US after President Richard Nixon's visit to China, 1973—Yan-Yan and Li Li were gifted to France on the occasion of the ninth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

But since the 1980s, amid a decline in the panda population, China has abandoned these gratuitous gifts and switched to the practice of long-term leasing of animals for research and exhibition purposes. In January 2026, an agreement was signed to send two pandas to Munich, in addition to the pair already living in the Berlin Zoo. Experts consider “panda diplomacy” an effective tool of soft power that helps China shape an appealing image of the state.

The world of animals in thematic zones

The Beijing Zoo is divided into several thematic zones, each of which reproduces a unique natural environment. A walk through the territory turns into an interesting journey to different corners of the planet.

What is worth seeing: Monkey Hill - home to rare golden monkeys.

Bear Mountain - a zone where you can observe the behavior of different species of bears.

African zone - home to giraffes and elephants.

Pheasant pavilion and waterfowl lake - a real paradise for ornithology lovers,

Reptile cage - more than a hundred species of snakes and crocodiles for those who are not afraid of exoticism.

Breeding chambers - sometimes here you can see how specialists feed primates.

The Beijing Zoo pays special attention to the conservation of rare species and scientific research. An animal breeding program is actively operating, the goal of which is to preserve ecosystems and increase the number of endangered species.

Peace and comfort for everyone

The Beijing Zoo is an ideal place for family recreation. There are specialized zones for children here, with interactive games and educational programs. Thematic events are held here: animal feeding, popular science lectures and shows.

For the convenience of visitors, there are also cafes, shops, recreation, and picnic areas in the zoo. Special attention has been paid to accessibility: facilities for people with disabilities have been provided. Also, there is a subway station next to the zoo, so getting here is easy.

Stroll along the shady alleys, sit by the water, have a small picnic in the green zone, and you will understand why the Beijing Zoo is loved not only by tourists, but also by Beijing residents themselves. This is a place where science, history, and nature merge into a single whole, giving unforgettable impressions and important knowledge about the fragile balance of life on Earth.