Suzhou Zoo

Suzhou Zoo

Suzhou Zoo is located within Dongyuan (East Garden). It was established in April 1953 by the Suzhou Municipal Government on the former site of Changshan Bureau and other old structures. The zoo officially opened to the public on May 1 of the following year. After more than half a century of development, Suzhou Zoo has undergone several expansions to reach its current state. The number of animal species on display has increased from the initial 30 to 40 to over 100 today, with a total of more than 1,000 animals, making it a nationally renowned medium-sized zoo of considerable scale.

Suzhou Zoo is divided into five exhibition areas: the northeast section is the carnivore zone, featuring large predators such as lions, tigers, leopards, and bears; the southeast section is the herbivore zone, showcasing animals like camels, elk, and blue sheep; the central area is the primate zone, displaying various species of monkeys; the western section is the bird zone, featuring a variety of songbirds and flying birds; the northern section is the small mammal zone, exhibiting animals such as raccoon dogs, foxes, badgers, and rodents. There are also scattered attractions such as the Goldfish Pavilion and Waterfowl Pond. In the center lies a square pond, which is the "Release Pond" remaining from the former Changshan Bureau. It houses a large softshell turtle whose age is difficult to verify. Locals in old Suzhou often refer to it as the "Turtle Elder," making it a nostalgic highlight for many residents.

Among the currently displayed species, more than ten are Class I protected animals in China, and over twenty are Class II protected animals. Notable among them are the South China tiger, Siberian tiger, leopard, elk, red-crowned crane, Chinese alligator, red panda, python, and the large softshell turtle. Particularly, the South China tiger—of which only 64 were known to exist worldwide as of 2003—is a globally endangered species. To prevent its extinction, the zoo has been engaged in South China tiger breeding research since the 1980s. In 1999, with funding of over 8 million RMB from the Garden Bureau, the "China South China Tiger Breeding Base" was established on Li Island in the Shihu Scenic Area. By 2003, 40 tiger cubs had been successfully bred, marking significant progress in the conservation of this species.

In recent years, the Dongyuan Management Office has intensified infrastructure development at the zoo. While preserving the original ancient and famous trees, the area has seen extensive planting of flowers and plants, expansion of lawns, and rational adjustment of green landscaping, continuously creating a beautiful visiting environment for tourists. Since April 2006, over three and a half years and an investment of more than 20 million RMB have been dedicated to infrastructure renovation, comprehensively upgrading and transforming the zoo. Throughout the renovation project, whether in venue construction, pipeline installation, sewage treatment, or environmental greening, emphasis has been placed on reflecting ecological civilization and highlighting natural wilderness, bringing animal breeding and display closer to nature, and allowing visitors to observe animals more closely.

Scenic Area Address: No. 5-1, Baita East Road, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province

Transportation: Within Suzhou City, take bus routes 313, 40, 305, 301, etc., to the “Loumen” stop (north gate of the zoo; enter from the northwest path under Loumen Bridge) or the “Dongyuan” stop (west gate of the zoo, southern end of Beicang Street)

Self-driving Route: 1. From the East Ring Elevated Road or East Ring Road, turn onto Loumen Road heading west, then turn onto the southern end of Beicang Street; 2. From Northeast Street, turn onto the southern end of Beicang Street; 3. From Renmin Road or Lindun Road, turn onto Baita East Road heading east to the easternmost end of Baita East Road.

Address: No. 5-1, Baita East Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City

Type: Zoo

Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours

Phone: 0512-67275937

Official Website: http://www.szhzoo.cn/dwy/cn/web-ia/web/index.asp

Opening Hours:

March 1 – October 31: 7:30–17:00; November 1 – end of February next year: 7:30–16:30

Ticket Information:

Gate Price: 25.0 RMB