Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo

Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo

Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo is located on Hongshan in the northern part of the city, overlooking Zijin Mountain to the east, adjacent to Nanjing Railway Station to the west, bordering Xuanwu Lake to the south, and facing Mufu Mountain to the north. Covering an area of 68 hectares, the zoo features undulating terrain, lush green hills, and a beautiful environment with serene winding paths. It is not only a refreshing urban forest but also a dazzling green ecological gem embedded in the city, and is home to over 4,000 rare animals from around the world, representing more than 300 species. The zoo includes various zones and venues such as the Bird Area, Predator Zone, Primate Zone, Large Herbivore Zone, Large Animal Performance Stadium, Animal Photography Area, Children’s Zoo, and Lion-Tiger Mountain, all thoughtfully laid out along the hilly landscape.

Hongshan Forest Zoo was established in 1998 after relocating from Xuanwu Lake Zoo. It now consists of three main exhibition areas: the Little Red Mountain Bird Area, Big Red Mountain Predator Area, and Niuniu Mountain Herbivore and Primate Area. Thirty-nine innovatively designed animal enclosures are built along the hillsides. The Lion-Tiger Zone, Gorilla and Baboon Exhibition Area, Bear Mountain, Elephant House, as well as the adorable Giant and Red Pandas, Squirrel Monkeys, Flamingo Tropical Rainforest Pavilion, Science Pavilion, Amphibian Pavilion, and Waterfowl Pavilion showcase the wonders of nature. Facilities such as the Large Animal Performance Stadium and Children's Playground offer fun activities for visitors. With its unique forest and animal features, Hongshan Forest Zoo has become another popular tourist destination in Nanjing.

The three main peaks within Hongshan Forest Zoo—Big Red Mountain, Little Red Mountain, and Niuniu Mountain—are staggered in height and covered with dense woods. Over 400 plant species, ranging from ferns to tall trees, create a vibrant mountain forest landscape. Towering cedar, ginkgo, camphor, and metasequoia trees, along with graceful magnolia and red maple, ensure that the air here is always fresh and invigorating. The lush greenery and grassy meadows have made this place the “ecological lung” of the ancient capital.

Hongshan Forest Zoo has developed a strong population of key animal species, numbering over 200 types, such as Siberian tigers, kangaroos, deer, red pandas, peacocks, and lions. Rare animals in the zoo include white tigers, Asian elephants, giant pandas, seals, chimpanzees, black swans, and red-crowned cranes. The animal enclosures are spacious and well-equipped, combining caged and free-range exhibits to both protect the animals and facilitate visitor viewing.

Birds were among the first wild animals introduced into the zoo. Major species include Eurasian magpies, blue magpies, turtle doves, spotted doves, Chinese bulbuls, and parrots, among more than 20 varieties. The dense foliage and shaded lawns make the zoo an ideal habitat for wild birds to live and breed.

Hongshan Forest Zoo features undulating terrain, picturesque scenery, and a beautiful environment. The zoo includes peaks such as Big Red Mountain, Little Red Mountain, and Niuniu Mountain, with the highest elevation reaching 81.8 meters. The area boasts over 400 plant species, from ferns to tall trees, resulting in a green coverage rate of over 85%. Cedar, ginkgo, magnolia, camphor, metasequoia, and red maple form a vibrant mountain garden landscape, creating the unique charm of a forest zoo. The zoo also has sizable water bodies formed by mountain runoff, which have been slightly modified to serve as excellent habitats for waterfowl.

The entire zoo is divided into 37 areas, including the Little Red Mountain Bird Area, Big Red Mountain Predator Area, Niuniu Mountain Primate and Large Herbivore Zone, and Amphibian and Reptile House. It is home to nearly 4,000 animals of about 400 representative and rare species from around the world, such as white tigers from Germany, ring-tailed lemurs from Canada, mandrills from Japan, chimpanzees from South Africa, and rainbow boas from South America. First-class protected animals in China, such as golden monkeys, black-leaf monkeys, red-crowned cranes, Siberian tigers, red pandas, kangaroos, deer, green peafowls, and Chinese alligators, can also be found here. Over the years, species such as white tigers, Siberian tigers, red pandas, kangaroos, deer, green peafowls have established strong breeding populations, while many rare species like orangutans, white tigers, giraffes, ring-tailed lemurs, and mandrills have successfully reproduced.

The zoo enjoys a rare urban ecological environment, further enriched by its historical and cultural significance. While strengthening environmental protection, Hongshan Forest Zoo also emphasizes the development of cultural landscapes. On May 1, 2004, the “Daguangman Pavilion,” rebuilt at a cost of 3 million yuan, proudly stands atop Big Red Mountain—it is currently the only Six Dynasties-style pavilion in Nanjing. The three-story pavilion houses calligraphy, paintings, carvings, and artworks originating from the Six Dynasties period, exuding a strong classical charm. From the pavilion, visitors can enjoy views of the scenic Zhongshan Mountain and the shimmering waters of Xuanwu Lake. Here, guests can experience Six Dynasties culture, relax with tea, and admire the beauty of Jinling (Nanjing). Hongshan Forest Zoo is currently under the administration of the Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Gardens and Forestry.

In terms of management, the zoo blends traditional and modern approaches, combining caged and free-range exhibits. Visitors feel as though they are in nature, which benefits both animal protection and visitor experience.

Additionally, the zoo offers a variety of exciting large-scale animal performances featuring lions, tigers, elephants, black bears, and monkeys, as well as thrilling beast combat shows. Unique exhibits include lions and tigers sharing enclosures, free-range, and mixed-species displays. Leisure and entertainment facilities such as the Animal Photography Area, Children’s Playground, Petting Zoo, and Horse Racing Field allow visitors to engage and enjoy themselves.

Nanjing Hongshan Zoo address: No. 129 Huangjiawei, Xiaguan District, Nanjing. East Gate: No. 157 Hongshan Road, Nanjing.

Nanjing Hongshan Zoo ticket price: 30 RMB. Tel: 025-85620178

Nanjing Hongshan Zoo transportation: Take Metro Line 1 from Nanjing Railway Station and get off at Nanjing Hongshan Zoo Station.

Opening hours: 08:00–16:00 (last admission at 16:00, site closes at 18:00). Best travel seasons: spring and autumn.

Notes: Children under 1.3 meters enter free of charge; children over 1.3 meters pay full price.

Special Tips

1. Safari tram tickets: adults 20 RMB, children 10 RMB, valid for 4 stops. The zoo is quite large, so taking the tram is recommended to save time and energy. 2. Food and drinks inside the zoo are relatively expensive, so it’s advisable to bring your own snacks or eat outside. 3. Hongshan Food Street is located on Hongshan Road near the east gate; the north gate leads to a KFC, and exiting through the Shenyang Village Gate and walking to Nanjing Railway Station will provide plenty of dining options.

Address: No. 168 Heyan Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing

Type: Zoo / Forest / Mountain

Rating: AAAA

Recommended visiting time: 3–5 hours

Tel: 025-85620178

Official website: http://www.njhszoo.com/cn/index.aspx

Social media accounts:

Opening hours:

Monday–Sunday 07:30–18:00 (last entry at 16:30)

Ticket Information:

Adult tickets cost 40 RMB per person; half-price with a valid student ID, and free for children under 1.4 meters (inclusive) and seniors aged 60 and above (inclusive).