Located at 168 Heyan Road in the Xuanwu District of Nanjing, China, Hongshan Forest Zoo is a 168.03-acre national 4A-level tourism attraction set within a lush forest offering an 85% green coverage rate. Spanning three major districts—Xiao Hongshan, Da Hongshan, and Fangniu Mountain—this pioneering park houses over 3,000 animals across more than 260 species within 27 venues. Why visit?
Hongshan Forest Zoo stands out as China's first zoo to completely eliminate animal performances in 2011 and stop visitor animal feeding in 2014, prioritizing animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and science education. Recognized as the country's only self-funded public zoological institution, it offers an ethical wildlife experience. What to see?
Explore diverse exhibition zones, including the Australia Zone featuring koalas, the Gondwana and Africa areas, and renovated habitats like bear valleys, tiger gardens, and leopard houses. Additional highlights include a giant panda house, a giraffe house, a great ape house, an aviary, and a monkey hill. You can also shop for popular creative souvenir merchandise, including plush toys, magnets, and eco-friendly bags, supporting this groundbreaking, conservation-minded sanctuary.
What to see at Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo
- Australia Zone featuring koalas and interactive themed park activities
- Gondwana and Africa exhibition zones alongside giant pandas and great apes
- Renovated terrain-based habitats including bear valleys, tiger gardens, and leopard houses
- China's first performance-free, feeding-free zoo focused on animal welfare
- Popular eco-friendly souvenirs like plush toys, scarves, and refrigerator magnets
Visiting tips
Enter via the south entrance facing Xiaohongshan Passenger Station to quickly access the Africa, Gondwana, and renovated wildlife areas.
How long: Half day · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo is easy to reach on Nanjing’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Nanjing Museum and Presidential Palace of Nanjing. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Nanjing travel guide.
See the full Nanjing travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.