Chongqing Zoo

Chongqing Zoo

Chongqing Zoo is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Chongqing Zoo, situated in the western suburbs of Chongqing, was built in 1955 and spans 45 hectares. It is one of the large-scale zoos in China, boasting rolling hills and beautiful natural landscapes. The zoo typically exhibits over 230 animal species and more than 4,000 animals (including birds and beasts). It welcomes nearly 2 million visitors annually from both China and abroad, including about 100,000 international guests, making it one of the major urban zoos in the country.

The administrative body of Chongqing Zoo is the Chongqing Zoo Management Office, which is under the jurisdiction of the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Gardens and Afforestation. It operates under a three-tier management system with the zoo director bearing executive responsibility. Chongqing Zoo is an executive director unit of the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens, the deputy leader unit of the association’s Southwest Collaborative Zone, a National Science Education Base, as well as a national breeding base for giant pandas, South China tigers, and red pandas. It maintains close ties with zoos in countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia. In 1995, it was invited to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the World Zoo Organization (WZO). With the support of the Chongqing Municipal Government and the Municipal Bureau of Gardens, the zoo has achieved significant development.

The zoo's terrain features continuous rolling hills, winding shallow valleys, lush green mountains and clear waters, as well as flat lakes with scenic shorelines, creating a fresh and beautiful natural environment. The area is abundant with ancient and famous trees, and boasts a rich diversity of plant species, with a green space ratio of 71% and a greening coverage rate of 85%. There are over 20 animal exhibition areas housing more than 150 species and around 1,200 animals, including rare species such as giant pandas, red pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, white-headed langurs, takins, wildebeests, and cassowaries. The zoo also features an artificial lake connected by small islands, curved bridges, and scenic pavilions, with a wide variety of waterfowl and fish living in the lake.

The park includes amenities such as a children’s playground, roller skating rink, open-air stage, reading room, restaurants, and teahouses.

Historical Development

Chongqing Zoo was first built in 1953 and officially opened to the public on January 24, 1955, initially exhibiting 11 animal species and 60 animals.

The Park’s Predecessor

The predecessor of Chongqing Zoo was West District Park. In August 1953, the former Chongqing Construction Bureau formed a park construction group. In September of the same year, Professor Liang Baiyun from the Southwest People’s Science Museum and Professor Li Chaoran from the Southwest Agricultural College were invited to provide guidance on site selection, surveying, and planning for the park. On January 7, 1954, land covering 10 hectares centered around Peach Blossom Creek was acquired to establish "Yangjiaping Park," the predecessor of West District Park.

Construction began in March of the same year and was completed by the end of December. It was named "West District Park" and officially opened on January 24, 1955.

Official Establishment of the Zoo

On March 28, 1958, after inspecting the Chongqing Iron and Steel Company, Chairman Mao Zedong visited West District Park. Chairman Mao instructed: “This park should be well developed, to serve the steel workers and the people of Chongqing.” Subsequently, the former Chongqing Municipal People’s Committee decided to expand West District Park into a zoo. The first phase of expansion increased the area to 22.3 hectares, and the second phase in 1959 expanded it further to 44.5 hectares. After some land was borrowed and later returned according to policy, the area became 41 hectares, which was later expanded to the current 48 hectares. In October 1960, it was renamed "Chongqing Zoo." Through comprehensive planning, the construction of large animal enclosures, the addition of animal species, landscaping adjustments, and new service facilities, by 1966 it had grown into a medium-sized zoo with initial scale.

Reform and Development

After the reform and opening-up, Chongqing Zoo actively sought diverse operational models in line with reform requirements and its own characteristics, achieving comprehensive development. In 1979, through exhibiting animals externally and organizing cultural and recreational activities, the zoo saw a significant increase in operating income, with visitor attendance reaching a record high of 2.371 million—the highest in the zoo’s history since its establishment. Simplified diagram of various departments at Chongqing Zoo

In 1985, based on actual conditions, Chongqing Zoo fully implemented the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Gardens’ directive titled "On the Comprehensive Implementation of the Economic Contract Responsibility System in Public Green Space Institutions," as well as the spirit of the National Directors of Gardens Conference in December 1984 advocating "one main industry with diversified operations." Within the framework of reforms centered on the position responsibility system, the zoo adopted the guiding principle of "one main industry with diversified operations," implementing strategies such as "using the main business to support secondary operations, and using secondary operations to promote the main business," as well as "four guarantees" (i.e., leadership focus on the main business, staff allocation meeting main business needs, financial priority given to the main business, and material resources allocated to the main business) and "four implementations" (tasks, management systems, technology, and distribution), ensuring the smooth progress of the reforms. That year, the zoo welcomed 2.12 million visitors, and employee welfare saw substantial improvement. The landscape and facilities of the garden also changed markedly, yielding positive economic, environmental, and social outcomes. In the same year, the Chongqing Municipal Committee designated Chongqing Zoo as a county-level institution.

After 1997, with the rapid development following Chongqing’s status as a municipality directly under the central government, Chongqing Zoo experienced accelerated growth across all areas. In response to the growing cultural needs of residents, the zoo set wildlife relocation and conservation as its core mission. Prioritizing scientific research, the zoo focused on expanding animal species, improving animal habitats, and strengthening breeding and protection efforts. It constructed eco-friendly animal enclosures, created classic garden landscapes, enriched the park’s tourism and cultural offerings, and expanded external development space. Overall development has shown a steady upward trend, gradually advancing toward national top-tier zoo status.