Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a passionate traveler who loves to explore cultures and histories around the world. Over the years, I have visited numerous countries, delving deep into the unique corners of the world. Whether it’s human history or natural beauty, I seek out unique perspectives during my travels and share them with you. As a dedicated Chinese travel enthusiast, I’m particularly eager to showcase the destinations in China that are rich in culture and natural wonders. One such place is the Shanghai Wild Animal Park. In this article, I will take you on a journey through this 5A-rated national tourist attraction. Whether you are visiting with your family to enjoy a day close to nature or are a supporter of animal conservation, you will find a distinctive experience at this incredible park.

Summary

Shanghai Wild Animal Park Introduction

Opened in 1995, the Shanghai Wild Animal Park is one of China’s first 5A-level national tourist attractions. The park is home to over 200 species and thousands of rare wild animals, including giant pandas, golden monkeys, golden takins, red-crowned cranes, giraffes, chimpanzees, gibbons, lemurs, flamingos, and more.

  • Address: 178 Nanliu Highway, Pudong New District, Shanghai (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours:
    • January 1st to June 30th: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • July 1st to October 7th: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    • October 8th to November 30th: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • December 1st to December 31st: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Recommended Visit Duration: 4-6 hours
  • Best Time to Visit: The park is suitable for visits year-round, but since it’s an outdoor venue, it’s recommended to avoid rainy, excessively hot, or cold days, as the animals may not be visible.
  • Ticket Prices: 165 RMB
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals, KKday Offers
Shanghai Wild Animal Park Entrance Statue

Shanghai Wild Animal Park Map

Shanghai Wild Animal Park Visitor Map

Why You Need to Visit Shanghai Wild Animal Park?

Rich Animal Species

The park is home to both Asian and African elephants, showcasing over 200 species of rare wild animals, numbering in the thousands. Some of the largest captive populations in the world can be found here, including golden monkeys, African and Asian elephants, zebras, ring-tailed lemurs, flamingos, and more.

Immersive Experience

The “Monkey Kingdom” exhibit simulates the wild habitats of primates, allowing visitors to feel as though they are in the natural environment of monkeys, observing their life habits up close. The “Water Secret” project allows guests to take a boat ride through an Amazon-like jungle to see more than 20 rare animals and large flocks of migratory birds. These exhibits break down the barriers between humans and animals, striving to recreate habitats that closely resemble the animals’ natural wild environments.

Things to do in Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Main Attractions

Walking Area and Close Interaction with Small Animals

The walking area of Shanghai Wild Animal Park is a great place to have close interactions with animals. This area houses many gentle and adorable animals, and visitors can observe their daily activities up close and even interact with some of the smaller animals. Some of the animals you’ll find here include giant pandas, capybaras, flamingos, penguins, alpacas, and Himalayan red pandas. This area is especially suitable for family visitors, particularly those with children. It’s a perfect spot for kids to connect with animals in a fun and educational way.

  • Note: The park does not allow visitors to feed animals with their own food. You can only feed the animals with food provided by the park. Interaction tickets can be purchased on-site for 30 RMB per type of animal.
Close Interaction with Animals at Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Exciting Animal Shows

Shanghai Wild Animal Park offers not only rich natural landscapes but also several exciting animal performance theaters. These shows are a must-see for all visitors. Each performance showcases the intelligence and natural talents of the animals, giving you a deeper understanding of their behaviors. There are multiple animal performance theaters throughout the park, and if you’re lucky enough to catch a show, it’s highly recommended to participate.

  • Animal Welcome: Free, located at the entrance plaza. 9:15 AM – 11:00 AM.
  • Ocean Wonders: Free, at the Sea Lion Theater, shows at 10:00 AM / 12:30 PM / 2:30 PM / 3:15 PM / 4:00 PM. Please note that the timing may vary, check the schedule at the park entrance.
  • Beast Party: Free, at the Beast Mountain Theater, shows at 2:15 PM / 3:15 PM / 4:15 PM.
  • Secrets of Nature: Free, at Sun Plaza, shows at 10:30 AM / 12:00 PM / 1:15 PM.
  • Magic City Circus: Paid, at the International Circus Theater. Ticket prices range from 40 RMB to 80 RMB per person, with VIP tickets offering the best experience, sitting in the front row and interacting with the animals. Show times are weekdays (1:00 PM), weekends (1:00 PM), and holidays (12:30 PM / 2:00 PM).
Beast Party Show at Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Beast Feeding Tour

The Beast Feeding Tour is one of the must-try activities at Shanghai Wild Animal Park, especially for those who love adventure and getting up close with wild animals. During the tour, you’ll pass through various predator zones, including habitats of wolves, white tigers, lions, and Malay bears. It’s a unique experience where you not only get to see these magnificent predators but also have the chance to feed them, providing a memorable interaction with these wild creatures.

  • Feeding Tours are available in three types: It’s recommended to choose the regular feeding tour as the free bus has long waiting times. If you want a better experience, you can opt for the VIP feeding tour.
    • Free Bus: The bus is without air conditioning, and no feeding occurs. No tickets are required, simply join the queue.
    • Regular Feeding Bus: The bus has no air conditioning, and the staff feeds the animals. Tickets can be purchased on-site for 50 RMB per person.
    • VIP Feeding Bus: This bus has air conditioning, allows you to feed the animals yourself, and offers clear, unobstructed views without bars blocking the sight. Tickets can be purchased on-site for 100 RMB per person.
Beast Feeding Tour at Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Water Exploration Boat Tour

The Water Exploration Boat Tour is a unique feature of Shanghai Wild Animal Park. It takes you through beautiful water environments where you can get close to the animals and plants that inhabit these areas. Along the way, you will encounter species such as the crowned crane, white kangaroo, ring-tailed lemur, capybara, and water buffalo, experiencing the magic and tranquility of nature. Particularly, the capybaras and water buffalo often leisurely roam near the water, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while having an intimate interaction with these gentle animals.

  • There are two types of boat tours: If you’re visiting with young children, the VIP boat tour is recommended for a more comfortable and engaging experience.
    • Regular Boat Tour: 60 RMB per person, no feeding. The boat will depart once it’s full (approximately 20 people per boat).
    • VIP Boat Tour: 100 RMB per person, with about 10 people per boat. You can get closer to the animals and even feed them with the help of the zookeepers.
Water Exploration Boat at Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Shanghai Wild Animal Park Ticket Guide

Ticket Prices

  • Adults: 165 RMB
  • Children/Students: 82.5 RMB. Students with a bachelor’s degree or below must present a student ID.
  • Seniors: 148.5 RMB for seniors aged 60-64, and 82.5 RMB for seniors aged 65 and above.
  • Free Entry: Children under 6 years old or under 1.3 meters in height.

Opening Hours:

  • January 1st to June 30th: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • July 1st to October 7th: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • October 8th to November 30th: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • December 1st to December 31st: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Ticket Purchase Channels

The best route allows you to interact with popular animals and watch all the performances. Here’s a recommended itinerary that ensures you see all the major attractions and animal zones:

  1. 9:00 AM – Enter the park and head straight to the predator area without waiting for the welcome performance. At this time, there’s no need to queue, and you can board the free shuttle bus. Choose a seat near the window for the best view. The tour lasts about 30 minutes.
  2. 9:40 AM – After finishing the predator area, head to the water zone to feed the swans, then continue clockwise to interact with the giraffes and see the giant pandas.
  3. 10:10 AM – After feeding the giraffes, the “Secrets of Nature” performance venue is right next to it. After observing the pandas, head over to the 10:30 AM show. Simply sit down and wait for the performance.
  4. Lunch Break – After the performance, enjoy lunch.
  5. 12:00 PM – After lunch, continue to stroll clockwise, take photos, and head to the sea lion theater for the 12:30 PM show. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes early to get a good spot. The show lasts around 15-20 minutes.
  6. 1:15 PM – Head to the Beast Mountain show. It’s recommended to arrive early (around 1:15 PM), as the show starts at 2:15 PM. You’ll get the best seats if you arrive 50 minutes in advance, and it’s a good opportunity to rest and grab a snack.
  7. Last Stop – Continue your tour with animal interactions: capybaras, tigers hunting, red pandas, brown bears at Water World, small animal park, Monkey Kingdom, gorillas, and Crocodile Island.

While there are a few restaurants inside the park, the options are limited due to the park’s location outside the city center. If you prefer not to eat within the park, you can bring your own food. The top restaurant inside the park is the Tiger Restaurant.

Tiger Restaurant

  • Why Recommended: This 4600-square-meter restaurant is centrally located within the park and is surrounded by tigers, providing a unique and exciting dining experience. Because it’s very popular, it’s recommended to start queuing by 11:00 AM.
  • Location: Near Sun Plaza. (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Average Cost: 80 RMB per person.
Dining at Tiger Restaurant at Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Shanghai Wild Animal Park is located quite far from the city center, and there are no other major attractions nearby. It is recommended to stay in the city center and plan for a half-day visit to the park. Areas around Nanjing West Road Metro Station or Jiangsu Road Metro Station are ideal for accommodation. For more detailed recommendations, you can refer to the Shanghai Hotel Area Guide. Below are a few recommended hotels:

CitiGO Hotel Jingan Shanghai

CitiGO Hotel Jingan Shanghai
  • Location: 12-minute walk from Nanjing West Road Metro Station, 14-minute walk from the Natural History Museum Metro Station
  • Price Range: 422 RMB
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: Trip 4.8
  • Special Amenities: Gym, laundry, robot room service

Very convenient, close to Nanjing West Road shopping district, easily accessible to other attractions. Be aware, there is another hotel with the same name nearby; double-check the address when taking a taxi.

Clean and well-equipped. Breakfast offers a wide variety, including fresh vegetables, fruits, delicious mousse, Swiss rolls, and freshly ground coffee. Free night snacks including dumplings available after 10 PM.

Ji Hotel (Shanghai People’s Square Nanjing Road)

Ji Hotel (Shanghai People's Square Nanjing Road)
  • Location: 9-minute walk from Huangpi South Road Metro Station, 10-minute walk from Nanjing West Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 487 RMB
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.8
  • Special Amenities: Laundry, robot room service, triple rooms

Located near People’s Square inside an old building, quiet, with easy access to transportation. Close to the Old Shanghai Museum, City God Temple, and local parks. Great value for money.

Excellent facilities, friendly and attentive staff. Rooms are clean, odor-free, and quiet. Varied breakfast options.

Atour Hotel X Nanjing West Road Shanghai

Atour Hotel X Nanjing West Road Shanghai
  • Location: 7-minute walk from Nanjing West Road Metro Station, 9-minute walk from the Natural History Museum Metro Station
  • Price Range: 649 RMB
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: Trip 4.8
  • Special Amenities: Laundry, robot room service, triple rooms, family rooms

Prime location near Shanghai’s central business district, just below Wujiang Road, convenient for dining and close to a subway entrance.

Well-equipped, clean, and quiet. Features soft-bristled toothbrushes, excellent Wi-Fi, and high-pressure showers in the bathrooms with upscale fixtures.

How to Get from Downtown Shanghai to Shanghai Wild Animal Park

By Metro

To get to Shanghai Wild Animal Park from downtown Shanghai, take Metro Line 16 and get off at “Wild Animal Park” Station. After exiting at Exit 2, you can either transfer to the Hainan 6 Bus or take a taxi directly to the park. Taxi fare is about 8 RMB, making it a convenient and fast option.

By Taxi/ Ride-hailing

If you choose to take a taxi or a ride-hailing service to Shanghai Wild Animal Park, it will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the city center, with a fare of around 170 RMB. The travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions, so it’s recommended to allow extra time during peak hours.

FAQ

Is Shanghai Wild Animal Park suitable for strollers and wheelchairs?

Shanghai Wild Animal Park is very stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. The paths in the park are smooth and easy to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs. Additionally, the park offers stroller rentals for children at 50 RMB per day. If you need a simpler model, the cost is 15 RMB per hour, with a maximum charge of 60 RMB per day. This makes it convenient for families visiting with young children.

Where can I store my luggage?

If you need to store luggage, you can use the storage lockers at the main entrance of Shanghai Wild Animal Park. There are three sizes of lockers available: Small locker: 10 RMB per day. Medium locker: 20 RMB per day. Large locker: 40 RMB per day. The large locker can accommodate bigger suitcases, ensuring that you can explore the park without worrying about carrying heavy luggage.

Essential Shanghai Travel Resources