Last modified April 5, 2026

长春动植物园 is a tourist attraction located in Changchun, China.

Location

You can find 长春动植物园 at Kina, Jilin, Changchun, Nanguan District, 岳阳街.

Visiting 长春动植物园

Located in Changchun, China, 长春动植物园 is a tourist attraction that visitors to the area may find worth exploring.

Planning Your Visit

The tourist attraction is located at Kina, Jilin, Changchun, Nanguan District, 岳阳街. GPS coordinates: 43.868344, 125.329039. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

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Changchun’s dynamic zoo and botanical garden sprawls across 74 hectares in the city’s southern district. It’s honestly one of the biggest combined wildlife and plant parks you’ll find anywhere in northeastern China.

This AAAA-rated spot is home to over 200 animal species and more than 10,000 plant specimens, including some true rarities from the Changbai Mountains. The park’s roots go way back to 1938, opening during the Japanese occupation and even earning the nickname “Asia’s First” for its ambitious scale.

You’ll wander through zones separated by a natural lake system—no boring grids here. The eastern section is all about exotic animals and rare birds, while the western side leans into botanical collections and chill-out spaces.

There’s even a Journey to the West themed area, which is a quirky cultural twist I didn’t expect to find at a zoo.

Getting here’s a breeze. The main entrance sits at 2121 Ziyou Road in Nanguan District, just three kilometers from People’s Square.

If you’re coming in spring, brace yourself—it gets packed, especially when the flowers are out and the animals are lively. Arriving early is your best bet to skip those snaking lines.

Key Takeaways

• The park fuses one of China’s oldest zoos with lush botanical gardens over 74 hectares.
• You’ll spot over 200 animal species and thousands of plants, including rare Changbai Mountain varieties.
• Located in southern Changchun, it draws huge weekend crowds when the weather’s good.

About 长春动植物园

Nestled in Changchun’s Nanguan District, this 74-hectare park blends wildlife conservation with botanical gardens. Locals affectionately call it their “natural kingdom,” and honestly, it does feel like a wild patch right in the city.

The whole place is shaped by a central lake, splitting it into zones that each have their own vibe. You can sense both its tangled past and its more modern role as a conservation hub.

History and Significance

Back in 1938, this place opened as “Hsinking Zoo and Botanical Garden” (新京动植物园) during the Japanese occupation. At the time, it was supposedly Asia’s largest zoo, both in area and species diversity.

That didn’t last. When Japan surrendered in 1945, the animals were poisoned, and the grounds just sort of faded away.

It wasn’t until 1984 that Changchun’s government decided to bring it back to life. By 1987, it reopened under its current name.

The calligraphy at the entrance? That’s Qi Gong’s brushwork—a little detail I geeked out over.

A big renovation finished in 2010, modernizing the facilities but keeping the park’s historical bones. In 2009, it was even recognized as a municipal heritage site.

What Makes It Special

You can get surprisingly close to the animals here. There’s a wooden boardwalk winding through the grassland animal area, and the Predator Valley exhibit is more intense than you’d expect.

Over 200 northern animal species live here, plus thousands of plant specimens spread across 56 hectares of green. The 8.8-hectare lake isn’t just for looks—it divides the park into east and west, with rare birds and exotic animals in the east, and artificial landscapes plus botanical collections in the west.

Since 2021, the park’s also been home to Changchun’s official Wild Animal Rescue Station. It’s a real conservation effort, not just a zoo.

If you’re in town in winter, don’t skip the nighttime lantern displays. The whole park transforms after dark—totally different vibe from the daytime crowds.

What to See and Do

The park’s split into zones, each with its own mood. There are over 200 animal species and thousands of plant varieties, all spread across 74 hectares, plus that 8.8-hectare artificial lake—Youth Lake.

Main Attractions and Highlights

The eastern section is where you’ll find the exotic animal exhibits—think big cats, primates, and species you rarely see this far north. Locals call it a “natural small kingdom,” and honestly, it’s not an exaggeration.

Wander west and you’ll hit themed gardens and the famous 美人松 (Beauty Pine) grove. Those 100 pines, transplanted from Changbai Mountain in 1965, somehow all survived—now they’re towering and gorgeous.

There’s also a Journey to the West themed performance area. It’s weirdly fun and definitely not something you’d expect at a typical zoo.

Up north, you’ll find traditional gardens and quieter walking paths. If you’re here in summer, check out the leisure camping spots.

The park still runs research facilities, a nod to its 1938 origins as “Hsinking Zoo and Botanical Garden.” It’s got more local history than most city parks, for sure.

Best Time to Visit

Summer evenings are when nocturnal animals come out, especially after 5 PM from June through August. If you want to actually see the animals moving around, this is your window.

Spring (April-May) is peak bloom for the gardens, but it can get crowded. The park opens early, so if you’re an early riser, you’ll beat the worst of the crowds.

Winter? Bundle up. Some outdoor exhibits close if it drops below -15°C, but the lantern displays make up for it. Fall is probably my favorite: crisp air, fewer people, and the lake framed by autumn leaves.

Visitor Information

Getting here’s straightforward, and a few local tips will help you make the most of your day.

Location and How to Get There

You’ll find Changchun Zoological and Botanical Park at 2121 Ziyou Road (自由大路) in Nanguan District. Easiest way? Hop on subway Line 1 to Dongbei Shida Station (东北师大站), exit at Gate B, and walk about 10 minutes.

Prefer buses? Plenty of options, depending on which gate you want. The south gate’s served by routes 25, 160, 227, 228, and 238. West gate? Take 25 or 241. North gate’s got 17, 241, 277, and 226. For the east gate, look for routes 17, 160, 227, 228, 238, 265, or 271.

If you’re driving, just search “长春动植物公园” in your navigation app. There’s a parking lot right across the street, charging 3 yuan per hour.

Tips for Visitors

The park swings open at 8:30 AM and closes for daytime visits at 4:30 PM. Night sessions start right after, from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

Honestly, if you want a bit of peace, roll in around 9:00 AM. That’s when it’s still quiet, and the animals haven’t decided to nap for the day.

Don’t forget your ID—seriously, you’ll need it for tickets and getting through the gate. If you’re a student, a senior between 60 and 65, or have kids aged 6-18, bring whatever proof you’ve got for discounts, or you’ll end up paying the regular price.

I always head straight to the east side after entering. That’s where you’ll find the smaller animals—think parrots and kangaroos.

Kids go wild for this area, and honestly, it’s a pretty lively start. From there, just keep moving west.

You’ll eventually hit the larger animals. There are giraffes you can feed right from the bridge—yes, really.

This route just naturally spits you out at the west exit. No awkward doubling back.

Bring snacks and a bottle of water. The place is huge—74 hectares, if you’re counting—and while there are vendors, they’re not always where you want them when you’re tired and thirsty.

Your feet (and your mood) will thank you.