Beijing Zoo is the oldest zoo in Asia Pacific and home of the world-famous the giant pandas. Located in the northwest area of the city, it is home to more than 7000 animals, including golden monkeys from Sichuan, yaks from Tibet, sea turtles from the Chinese sea, Manchurian tigers and snow leopards. The zoo is also famous for being the home of zoological research and for housing many rare birds and animals. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-early 20th century), the zoo was a private garden, but later became an experimental farm and small menagerie. It was first opened to the public in 1908, but was destroyed during the Japanese occupation of Beijing (1937-1945), only to reopen in 1950.

Beijing Dongwu Yuan, 137 Xizhimenwai, Xicheng District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
Tel: (010) 6831 4411
Website: www.beijingzoo.com

Air: Beijing Capital Airport. Rail: Train: Beijing Station.

China National Tourism Administration (CNTA)
Department of Marketing and Communications, 9A Jianguomennei Avenue, Beijing 100740, People’s Republic of China
Tel: (010) 6520 1114. Fax: (010) 6512 2851.
Website: www.cnta.com
China National Tourist Office (CNTO)
4 Glentworth Street, London NW1 5PG, UK
Tel: (020) 7935 9787 or (09001) 600 188 (brochure request and general information; calls cost 60p per minute). Fax: (020) 7487 5842.
Tibet Tourism Administration
Yuanlin Road, Lhasa, Tibet 850001, People’s Republic of China
Tel: (0891) 683 4313. Fax: (0891) 683 4632.

China, Beijing