The Chinese mainland, stretching 5,026 kilometers from the seas of the East to the broad plains, expansive deserts and mountainous regions in the West, is blessed to have extremely diverse climates: from tropical in the South to subarctic in the North. These differences add color to the country, aside from her rich history and dynamic future.
This geographic uniqueness paved the way for the growth of various habitats for land, air and sea creatures. The country hosts many kinds of rare species that are unique in this part of the world. The Chinese government, aware of these wonderful bounties, has set up numerous zoos throughout the country to preserve the lives of these animals. From Hong Kong to Shanghai or Beijing, one can definitely find one, wherever he or she is.
The Beijing Zoo is located in the western part of the city, near the Astronomical Observatory. Similar to most of the parks found in Beijing, the zoo has a distinctive look of some Chinese gardens. The surroundings combine beautiful flower arrangements with pieces of natural scenery, including thick tree groves, wide grasslands, lotus pools, a stream and pavilions and halls scattered in small hills. The subway, connected to many of the hotels in Beijing, provides the quickest transportation to the place.
Formerly known as The Ten Thousand Animal Garden, the zoo was built in 1908. It recently celebrated its centennial last year. It was an imperial manor under the rule of the Ming dynasty. During the Qing dynasty, plants were cultivated and animals were raised. It was renovated and renamed the West Suburb Park after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. Finally, the zoo was christened to its present name in 1955.
The zoo covers an area of more than 50,000 square meters, including the panda, lion and tiger halls, totaling to about 30 halls. In 1999, the Beijing Ocean Hall was developed and was considered the biggest in the country. It contains a wide range of fish species where visitors can be entertained by sea lions and dolphins.
China’s wild and rare animals are exhibited in the Beijing Zoo. Popular exhibits include the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey, White-lipped deer, Manchurian tigers and yaks from Tibet. Also, Australian kangaroos and African zebras are also showcased. Among these, the Giant Pandas remain to be the main attraction.
The zoo is also a center for zoological research that studies and reproduces rare animals from different continents around the world.
The amazing creatures in the Beijing Zoo will surely bring out the kid in each of its guests. Since Beijing hotels can be located within minutes from the site, tourists need not panic. You will definitely be awed by the performances of the adorable bears and gigantic elephants. Playing with these living wonders will surely make your day worthwhile.
E. Larson is a long-time expatriate in Beijing, China. He works closely with the Redwall Beijing Hotel and many other beijing hotels. Go to his website on the Redwall Beijing Hotel here.
