Jinan Zoo — Zoo in Tianqiao District

Jinan Zoo and its collection

Jinan Zoo, opened in 1960, is a zoo in Jinan, People's Republic of China.

The collection runs to over 5,000 animals across more than 300 species. The Jinan Planetarium stands to the west, diagonally opposite the main gate, while a mall and the Jinan Restaurant lie to the east.

History

Founded in October 1959, it opened to visitors on 1 May 1960 and took its current name on 8 September 1989. In 1995 it was named among China's ten leading zoos.

Animals and collection

Chinese natives kept include giant panda, golden snub-nosed monkey, Asian elephant, takin, kiang, white-lipped deer, hoolock gibbon, Francois' langur and red-crowned crane. Non-native stock covers gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, African elephants, white tigers, giraffes and zebras.

Exhibits

A 3,000 m2 bird facility holding over 150 bird species was built in 1998 to encourage breeding.

Conservation and approach

A pair of golden snub-nosed monkeys reproduced there in 1992, something few institutions have managed. Staff have published work in animal science, animal protection and breeding research.

What the venue says

• children's amusement/elf park with gentle rides
• internal tour bus system
• There are small snack kiosks inside the park selling light refreshments, quick bites, and treats like sausages, ice cream, and drinks.
• Parking is available near the zoo gates (such as the east and south gates), though spaces can fill up quickly during weekends and holidays, prompting recommendations to arrive early or use local transit (such as Metro Line 2 to Jiluo Road Station).
• The main pathways are relatively flat and pedestrian-friendly, though navigating the extensive grounds involves a fair amount of walking, making the hop-on tour bus a convenient option for families.