As one of the most influential urban zoos in the southwest region, Chongqing Zoo has become an ideal place for tourists to understand nature and get close to animals with its rich animal resources, unique natural landscapes and complete service facilities. The following is an evaluation from multiple dimensions:
1. Animal resources: a shelter for rare species
Chongqing Zoo takes giant pandas as its core highlight and has the largest population of urban zoos in the country (23). Its panda house is built on the mountain and simulates the natural ecological environment. Visitors can observe vivid scenes such as panda cluster activities and chewing bamboo in the upper and lower halls. Especially in the active period from 8:30 to 10:00 in the morning, you can capture the cuteness of star pandas such as "Si Xi Wan Zi" and "Yu Ke Yu Ai". In addition, the park also brings together more than 230 rare animals such as South China tigers, Asian elephants, golden monkeys, flamingos, etc., of which 80% are protected species. It is worth mentioning that the zoo stimulates the natural behavior of animals and enhances the viewing experience through environmental enrichment (such as the rockery villa in the wolf house and the tire toys of Asian elephants) and food enrichment (such as hanging leaves for giraffes and fruit and vegetable strings for pandas).
2. Nature and Humanities: Ecological Painting in Landscape Gardens
The park covers an area of 43.5 hectares, surrounded by mountains and rivers, with lush forests, gullies, streams and pavilions. Buildings such as the Panda House and the Goldfish House integrate Bayu characteristics and garden art. The Goldfish House is famous for its Suzhou garden style and thousands of koi, and is known as the "Garden in the Garden". In summer, the spray system, sunshade nets and air conditioners in the park bring coolness to animals and tourists. Pandas can take ice baths and eat iced watermelons, while tourists can stroll on the trails under the shade of trees and enjoy the scenery of lakes and mountains.
3. Service and Experience: Careful Details
• Convenient Transportation: Metro Line 2 goes directly to the East Gate, and the surrounding bus network is dense. Self-driving can park at the East Gate Parking Lot (172 parking spaces) or surrounding commercial buildings such as Vientiane City.
• Affordable Tickets: 25 yuan for adults in peak season, half price for students/seniors, free tickets for children under 14 years old on holidays, and discounts for joint tickets (such as with Jianchuan Museum)
• Complete facilities: Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rental, and barrier-free access covers the main exhibition area; there are panda restaurants (mainly fast food) and Swan Lake snack kiosks in the park. It is recommended to bring your own drinking water and snacks. The authentic snacks (such as hoof flowers and oil tea) in the surrounding Democratic Village and Super 80 Street are worth a try.
• Science and technology interaction: Parent-child activities such as "I Plant Bamboo for Pandas" are held regularly. Visitors can experience the preparation of panda ingredients, participate in science classes, and gain in-depth knowledge of animal protection.
IV. Suitable crowds and tour suggestions
• Parent-child families: Rich animal species, children's playgrounds (extra charge) and interactive projects (such as feeding parrots in the bird forest) are deeply loved by children, but be careful to avoid peak holidays.
• Photography enthusiasts: The glass house of the Panda Pavilion has excellent light and shadow in the morning, the Flamingo Island is colorful in the morning, and the arched corridor of the Goldfish Pavilion is suitable for retro style photography.
• Nature enthusiasts: Ecological Bird Forest, Feiran Lake Pink Grass Sea and other areas are suitable for observing birds and wetland ecology. It is recommended to reserve 4-6 hours for in-depth tours.
5. Areas for improvement
• Peak period experience: Holiday traffic