Shanghai Zoo Map & Routes
Source from Shanghai Zoo Official
Shanghai Zoo Map & Best Route
1. Enter and Pick Up a Map
- Enter from the south entrance. Grab a map and locate toilets and dining areas for planning breaks.
2. Reptiles & Amphibians
- Zones 1-4
- Start with Giant Salamanders and Tortoises. Indoor exhibits perfect for weather protection.
3. Bird Exhibits
- Zones 5-14
- Visit Penguins, Pelicans, and the Avian Aviary. Best for morning viewing. Check feeding schedules.
4. Giant Pandas & Big Cats
- Visit Giant Pandas early to avoid crowds. See nearby Leopards, Wolves, and other carnivores.
5. Herbivore Area
- Zones 20-24
- See Giraffes, Zebras, and Rhinoceros. Visit the Elephant area (Zone 24) around midday for feeding sessions.
6. Primate Exhibits
- Zones 27-32
- Visit Orangutans, Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, and Lemurs. Check schedule for presentations.
7. Educational Building & Final Stops
- End at the Educational Building for interactive displays. Check any missed exhibits or shows.
Shanghai Zoo Animals in Each Area
Just got back from Shanghai Zoo and let me tell you about the animals in each area!
Herbivores Zone
This place is huge! The Giant Panda House is the most popular place and the best time to visit is between 8:30 and 10:00 in the morning when the pandas are eating breakfast and moving around. The red pandas nearby are also very lively at this time.
You can see the giraffes closely at the feeding platform. They are around five metres tall. There is a big open field where zebras and antelopes stay together, and it feels a bit like being in Africa. The elephant area is very spacious and they usually play in the mud pool at around 2pm, which is great for photos. I also saw the tapirs swimming. They look a little like large water pigs but much cuter.
Birds Zone
You should see the flamingo lake in the morning. There are more than thirty flamingos, and the water looks slightly pink because of them. The crane area is also very impressive. The red crowned cranes often do their mating dance at around 9am.
There is a large walk in aviary with many golden pheasants showing their bright orange feathers, and very loud macaws that will even talk back to you. The peacocks walk around freely and sometimes open their tail feathers right in front of you, which is great for photos.
Primates Zone
The golden monkey area is my favourite part! These guys are literally glowing gold in the sunlight and they're SO active around 11am feeding time. The orangutan setup is awesome! They've got these huge climbing frames where you can watch them use tools to get food (mind-blown). Saw this baby gibbon absolutely flying through the air with its mum, and there's this whole gang of lemurs that sunbathe together like they're at the beach.
Carnivores Zone
The tiger enclosure is insane - these Siberian tigers are like triple the size of my dog! Best time to see them is 11am feeding. The South China tigers have this really cool rocky area where they love to chill in the sun. Pro tip: the snow leopards are most active early morning - got some amazing shots around 9am when they were playing.
Amphibians & Reptiles Zone
The indoor reptile house is actually super interesting - they've got these huge Burmese pythons (like 4 metres long!), some crazy-looking vipers, and these massive monitor lizards that look like mini dinosaurs. The Chinese alligator pool outside is pretty neat - saw them doing this cool floating thing where just their eyes stick out of the water. The poison dart frog display is tiny but so worth checking out - never seen colours that bright in nature!
Note: Usually, visitors are not allowed to feed the animals.
Things to Do at Shanghai Zoo
Watch the Animals Come Alive
Hit up the panda house at 8:30am to watch them munch on fresh bamboo (they're basically sleeping the rest of the day lol). The elephant shower time around 2pm is always fun - they really know how to cool off! Just grab the daily schedule at the entrance so you don't miss the good stuff.
Picture Perfect Spots
Swan Lake is THE spot for photos - that stone bridge with the lake reflection is just chef's kiss. The Chinese gardens near the bird area are gorgeous too, especially when the cherry blossoms pop in spring. My secret spot? The viewing deck near the giraffes - you can get these amazing shots with the animals and Shanghai skyline in the background.
Picnic with Friends
There are these huge lawns everywhere that are perfect for hanging out. The grass area by Swan Lake is my go-to - nice breeze, great views, and enough space even on busy days. Lots of shady spots under the trees near the fountain too. Pack your own snacks and drinks though - the cafe food is pretty pricey and meh.
Garden & Nature Walks
The zoo's actually got some really nice gardens hidden away from the main paths. Love the bamboo grove, it's so peaceful you'll forget you're in Shanghai! In autumn, the maple tree walkway turns this incredible red colour. And the Chinese garden section? Perfect quiet spot when you need a break from the crowds.
Kid-Friendly Activities
For families, there's more than just animal watching. The children's zoo area lets kids get closer to some friendly animals, and there's a cool educational centre with interactive displays. Several playgrounds are scattered throughout the zoo for when the little ones need a break from walking. The mini train ride (extra fee) is a hit with kids and gives your feet a rest!
356912 booked
