Baoding Zoo

Baoding Zoo

Baoding Zoo was first built in 1921 by Cao Kun, then the military governor of Zhili Province, hence it was known as “Cao Kun’s Garden.” Covering an area of over 600 acres, it was largely reduced to ruins due to wars and turmoil in the following years. After the liberation, with the care and support of the Baoding Municipal Government, it was rebuilt and officially opened to the public on June 24, 1952, and was named “Baoding People's Park.” It initially housed and exhibited more than ten species of wild animals, and gradually developed into a comprehensive park focused on the breeding, rearing, exhibition, and conservation of wildlife. In 1995, with official approval from higher authorities, it was formally renamed “Baoding Zoo.”

From 1996 to 1999, the Baoding Municipal Government allocated a total of over 8 million yuan over three consecutive years to carry out large-scale renovations of the park. A giraffe house and a veterinary hospital were newly built, while the elephant house, flightless bird house, gorilla house, rare animal house, and deer park were renovated. A number of precious and rare animals were introduced, including giraffes, African elephants, and chimpanzees. Baoding Zoo boasts beautiful scenery with well-arranged centuries-old trees and various trees and shrubs, complemented by seasonal flowers. The park also retains attractions such as the ancient city wall from the Ming Dynasty, the historic structure “A Unique Sight” (别有洞天), and the largest Taihu rockery in North China.

Baoding Zoo displays nearly 140 species and over 1,000 individual animals, along with 20 varieties of goldfish totaling more than 2,000. Among them, there are 29 species and over 90 individuals that are under Class I national protection or listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Major rare animals include: African elephants, giraffes, chimpanzees, bear macaques, black-capped capuchins, Francois’ langurs, green vervet monkeys, red pandas, zebras, wildebeests, addaxes, scimitar-horned oryxes, blue sheep, cougars, white tigers, Siberian tigers, spotted hyenas, Chinese alligators, and Burmese pythons.

Transportation Guide

Location: Intersection of Tianwei Middle Road and Park Street, Baoding City, Hebei Province

Getting There: Within Baoding City, take bus routes 3, 21, 26, 32, 33, 36, 301, or 306 and get off at the Zoo stop.