Dalian Forest Zoo

Honestly, I’m torn. The zoo has a spectacular hilly landscape and the pandas were cute, but I expected more from the famous Dalian Forest Zoo. A lot of the larger animals were just sleeping in the heat, and some of the enclosures looked a bit small and bare. The park is enormous, which sounds great until you realize you’re walking uphill for ages just to find a bathroom or a drink stand. The shuttle bus costs extra and stops are not obvious. We ended up skipping the safari area because signs were confusing and we were too exhausted. It’s not terrible, but for the hype and ticket price, I felt a little let down. Maybe go in cooler weather and take the bus from the top down.

Gorgeous setting for a zoo — you really are in a forest and the coastline peeks through the treetops. Saw red pandas lounging, a giraffe that came close enough to see every eyelash, and the elephant platform was unforgettable. The sky bridge / gondola line was long, but once we were up there, the view over the bay made it totally worth it. Yes, the popsicle price was silly, but the whole experience felt so different from a flat city zoo. The animals looked healthy and active, and the paths were shaded even in July. Already planning to come back when the leaves change.

Did the whole loop from the safari side to the forest side and my Fitbit was very happy. The highlight for me was the Siberian tiger area — one tiger came right up to the glass and gave the classic side-eye, absolutely majestic. The aviary was a hidden gem too, with free birds flying around and landing on railings close enough to photograph. I don’t normally like feeding animals, but the lorikeet feeding cup was chaotic in a fun way. The only downside was that we were all tired by the end — the place is hilly, so wear proper shoes. But the trees make even the walk between exhibits feel like a forest hike. Definitely coming back in autumn for the fall colors.

For the price, this zoo is a steal. Spent a solid six hours and still didn’t see everything. The polar bear enclosure was quite active, and the big cats were actually pacing and playing, which doesn’t happen at a lot of places. The shuttle bus inside the park costs a bit extra but is worth it for the steep hills — you can see why they call it a forest zoo. Had a quick lunch at the cafe near the amphitheater; nothing fancy, just acceptable. Maybe not as polished as some Western zoos, but the animal health and enrichment seemed genuinely cared about. Four stars instead of five because the restrooms were hit or miss and the printed signage is worse than a quick look on your phone.

Visited on a clear Tuesday and it was honestly one of the best zoo days we’ve had. The pandas were active and munching on bamboo — we stood watching them for ages. The giraffe feeding platform gives you a real close-up, and the hillside setting means you get sea views between the enclosures. We rode the train up and walked down; my legs were tired but the paths were clean and the viewing glass wasn’t smudged everywhere like at some other zoos. Bought the combo ticket for the cable car, and the flight over the bay was icing on the cake. Highly recommend going in the morning before the crowds build.

A must-see in Dalian. I bought tickets online and got in without any hassle. The animal welfare standards look genuinely good—enclosures are spacious and the animals appear healthy and calm. The giant pandas are obviously the stars, but I also loved the bear feeding platform where you can toss small fruits under supervision. The views from the top are stunning, and the shuttle buses save your legs. Only tiny downside is the many stairs, but it's manageable. Can't wait to return in spring.

I wasn't expecting much, but Dalian Forest Zoo completely surprised me. The walk-through area feels immersive—a giraffe came right up to our trolley and nibbled from my daughter's hand. The red kangaroos and little deer were also lively and close. There's something magical about seeing the sea and city from the cable car halfway through. We spent nearly six hours here. The staff even helped us navigate back when we got turned around. Highly recommend for families.

What a wonderful zoo! The layout is huge, but the scenic cable car makes it easy to get around. We arrived right at opening and watched the giant panda happily munching bamboo—pure magic. The polar bear swimming right up to the glass was incredible too. Even the bird area with flamingos was a pleasant surprise. Clean restrooms, friendly staff, and lots of shady spots. Best zoo experience I've had in Asia—definitely worth every yuan.

Really enjoyed the cable car ride up—fantastic views over the bay. The panda exhibit is world-class, and the red pandas were surprisingly active when we visited. My only complaint is the crowds: by late morning it was hard to see the elephants with so many tour groups pushing through. Give yourself a full day and pack your own snacks because the food spots are limited and overpriced. Solid overall visit.

Decent day out but a bit underwhelming. The pandas were adorable yet mostly sleeping, and some of the smaller enclosures felt tired and cramped. There is a LOT of uphill walking, and the shuttle bus between the two sections was poorly marked. The giraffe feeding made it worthwhile, but the entrance ticket felt steep for what you actually get. If you're in Dalian with kids it's okay, but I wouldn't go out of your way.

Had the best time here with my kids. The zoo is huge and very clean, with lots of fun areas like the petting zoo and the bird aviary where birds fly freely around you. My daughter loved the panda gift shop. The staff were helpful and spoke enough English to guide us. The only small downside is that some restrooms were far apart, but that’s minor. We spent almost 6 hours and didn’t even see everything. Absolutely worth the entrance fee. Will definitely come again!

This zoo exceeded my expectations. I’ve been to many zoos around the world, and Dalian Forest Zoo stands out for its natural habitat design—the animals have spacious, forested enclosures instead of concrete cages. The highlight for me was the giraffe feeding experience; the keeper was super friendly and let us take our time. Clean bathrooms, plenty of shaded seating, and the cable car ride over the park is a must-do. An incredible day out for any animal lover. 5 stars without hesitation!

Absolutely loved my day at Dalian Forest Zoo! The setting in the hills is stunning—you get fresh air and great views of the city while walking between exhibits. The pandas are the stars, but I also really enjoyed the polar bear and the red pandas. The zoo is well-maintained and the animals looked healthy and happy. We went on a weekday morning, so it was quiet. Pro tip: wear comfortable shoes because there’s a lot of walking uphill. Highly recommend for a relaxing nature-filled day.

A solid 4 stars from me. The zoo has a beautiful natural setting with lots of greenery and hills, which makes it feel more like a hike than a typical zoo. The giant pandas were adorable and active when I visited—definitely the highlight. However, the signage is poor and I got lost several times trying to find the reptile house. Also, the food options inside are overpriced and mediocre. Bring your own snacks. Worth a visit if you’re in Dalian, but manage your expectations on the facilities.

Honestly, Dalian Forest Zoo is a decent place for a family outing, but I left feeling a bit underwhelmed. The animal enclosures, especially the big cats, looked kind of small and outdated. We went on a weekend and it was way too crowded—could barely see the pandas through all the people. The zoo itself is huge and the forest setting is nice, but the layout feels confusing with lots of uphill walking. A few exhibits were closed too. Not terrible, but for the ticket price I expected more. Probably won’t rush back.

One of the best zoos I've ever been to! The naturalistic habitats, the mountain setting, and the interactive kangaroo area made for an unforgettable day. The staff were friendly and happy to answer questions. My kids still talk about the white tigers. A must-visit when in Dalian—just wear comfortable shoes!

Honestly a bit disappointed. The zoo is spread across two hills and you have to take a cable car or a long bus ride between them. Many animals were sleeping or hidden, and the signage in English is poor. The price was okay, but I think there are better zoos in China. Wouldn’t go out of my way to visit again.

Went here on a sunny Tuesday. The animals seemed well cared for and the enclosures were decent. The elephant show was surprisingly fun. Only downside: some food stalls were overpriced and the options were limited. Still, a solid zoo experience and worth the entrance fee if you have half a day to spare.

Absolutely loved it! The zoo is nestled in the hills with stunning views of the city. The highlight was definitely the panda exhibit—clean, spacious, and the pandas were active. The walk through the rainforest zone felt immersive. Great for families, lots of shaded areas and benches. Highly recommend getting there early to avoid crowds.

This place is huge and has a great variety of animals. The pandas were adorable and the tropical bird house is really well done. However, the layout can be confusing and we ended up walking way more than expected. The cable car is a nice addition but the line was really long. Overall a good day out but not perfect.

Honestly, I was a bit let down. I went on a Saturday and it was ridiculously crowded — long lines for the cable car and most animals were hiding or sleeping due to the heat. The food court was a chaotic mess and prices were sky-high for soggy fries. The zoo itself has potential, but the management really needs to control the crowd and improve the visitor experience. Disappointing for the price.

Pretty good overall — we enjoyed the variety of animals and the lush forest setting. The polar bear exhibit was impressive, but some of the older enclosures felt a bit cramped. Also, the on-site food options were overpriced and mediocre. Still, a pleasant day out, just not exceptional. I'd give it 4 stars for the effort.

As a solo traveler, I was blown away by the sheer size and natural beauty of this zoo. The walk-through aviary and the big cat exhibits are top-notch, with lots of enrichment for the animals. The skywalk cable car gives you a bird's-eye view of the whole park and the ocean beyond. Affordable ticket price for what you get. Highly recommend!

Took my two kids here on a weekend and we all loved it. The giraffe feeding station was the highlight — the staff let the kids get up close and even explained how to feed them safely. Plenty of shaded rest areas and clean bathrooms. Only wish the gift shop had more unique souvenirs. Still, a solid 5-star family outing!

Had an absolutely amazing day at Dalian Forest Zoo! The pandas were active and adorable, and the sprawling natural enclosures made it feel like a real safari. The cable car ride over the park gave breathtaking views of the coastline too. Clean, well-organized, and definitely worth every penny. One of the best zoos I've visited in China!

Honestly, I was a bit disappointed. The zoo is massive but many animals were either hiding or sleeping when I visited around noon. The signage is confusing and I ended up walking in circles. The bathrooms were not very clean, and the food stalls ran out of drinks by early afternoon. Not the best experience for the price. Maybe come early in the morning.

Good zoo overall with a lot of variety. The highlight for me was the koala area — they were actually awake! However, some sections like the reptile house looked a bit dated and could use renovation. The ticket price felt a little high for what you get, but still a solid experience. I'd rate it 4 out of 5.

Went on a sunny weekday and it was surprisingly quiet. The polar bear exhibit was impressive — they have a huge swimming pool. Also loved the butterfly house. The staff were friendly and the paths were well-marked. I'd recommend renting the electric cart if you have trouble walking, as the hills can be tiring. A wonderful day out!

One of the best zoos I've visited in China. The enclosures are spacious and natural, especially for the big cats. I really appreciated the conservation efforts they've highlighted. The cable car ride gives a stunning view of the whole park. Only minor gripe: the food options near the entrance were a bit overpriced and bland. Otherwise, a 5-star experience!

Absolutely loved this place! The zoo is huge and set in a beautiful forest area, so you feel like you're hiking while seeing animals. The pandas were adorable and the bird show was fantastic. Great for families — my kids couldn't stop talking about the giraffes. Definitely worth a full day trip!

I was excited to visit Dalian Forest Zoo but left feeling underwhelmed. The zoo is quite old and many areas look run-down. Some animals were hiding and barely visible. The food options were overpriced and not great. Also, the signage was poor - I missed the reptile house entirely. For the ticket price, I expected more. Just average.

Had a nice day at the zoo overall. The layout is a bit confusing and I ended up walking in circles a few times. The animals seemed well-cared for, though some enclosures felt a little small. The elephant show was entertaining but a bit short. Still, a pleasant experience and I'd recommend it if you have a free afternoon.

The Dalian Forest Zoo has a really cool cable car that takes you over the animal enclosures - gives you a bird's eye view of the lions and tigers. That alone makes it worth a visit. The zoo is huge, so wear comfortable shoes. I loved the diversity of species, especially the rare white tigers. A must-see attraction in Dalian.

For the price of admission, this zoo offers incredible value. I spent a whole day here and still didn't see everything! The highlight was feeding the giraffes - such a fun experience. The staff were friendly and the zoo was clean. Definitely one of the best zoos I've visited in China. Five stars!

Absolutely loved my visit to Dalian Forest Zoo! The sprawling green spaces and the way the animals are housed in naturalistic enclosures really sets this place apart. I was especially impressed by the pandas - they were active and playful. The signage is informative and the pathways are well-maintained. A perfect day out for families or solo travelers. Highly recommend!

Dalian Forest Zoo blew my mind. I'm not usually a zoo guy, but this one is different. The animals have spacious, natural-looking habitats – especially the wolves and the brown bears. The walk-through aviary was magical with birds flying right past your head. I spent almost five hours there and didn't see everything. The souvenir shop is overpriced, but that's my only tiny complaint. A must-see in Dalian!

Best zoo I've ever been to! Not just because of the animals, but the whole experience. The zoo is massive, so wear comfy shoes, but the cable car ride over the valley gives you stunning views of Dalian's coastline. The koala house is air-conditioned (thank goodness on a hot day) and the koalas were awake and munching eucalyptus. My kids still talk about the penguin parade. Five stars without hesitation.

Absolutely loved this place! The setting is incredible – the zoo is built into the hillside with tons of greenery and fresh air. The giraffe feeding station was a blast, and the big cats were surprisingly active in the afternoon. The highlight was the bird show – those parrots are seriously talented. Clean restrooms, friendly staff, and affordable snacks. Already planning my next trip!

A solid day out overall. The zoo is huge and offers nice views of the surrounding hills. The pandas were adorable and active, which made my visit worthwhile. However, the staff at the entrance were a bit rude when I asked about the shuttle bus schedule, and the lines for the cable car were way too long. It's good for families but needs better crowd management. I'd give it a 4 – worth seeing once.

I had high hopes for Dalian Forest Zoo, but honestly it felt a bit tired. The animals seemed healthy enough, but the enclosures looked small and outdated. The signage was mostly in Chinese, which made it hard to follow as a foreigner. The highlight was the polar bear, but even that area felt cramped. For the price, I expected better maintenance. Not terrible, but I wouldn't rush back.

Hands down the best zoo experience in northern China. The setting on a mountainside makes it feel like you're discovering animals in their natural habitat. The snow leopard exhibit is world-class, and I even got to see a zookeeper feeding session with the brown bears – they were so playful. The observation deck near the top is perfect for sunset photos. A must-visit whether you're a zoo enthusiast or just want a beautiful day in nature.

Brought my kids here and we all had a fantastic time. The little train that takes you between sections saved our legs! The koalas were awake and munching eucalyptus – so cute. Loved that there are plenty of shaded rest areas. The staff were friendly and helpful. Only wish we had arrived earlier because we ran out of time for the reptile house. Definitely coming back next trip to Dalian!

Absolutely stunning! This is one of the most beautifully integrated zoos I've ever visited – the way they've woven the enclosures into the natural hillside is incredible. The giant pandas were active and adorable, and the bird aviary let you walk right through a cloud of colorful birds. The cable car gives you breathtaking views of the whole city. Pack comfortable shoes and bring water, you'll need it! 10/10 experience.

A solid day out overall. The highlight was the polar bear exhibit – they seemed active and well-cared for. The walk through the safari zone was fun, though a lot of paths are uphill. My main gripe is the signage was confusing in a few spots, and we almost missed the butterfly house. Still, decent value for the size of the park. Would recommend if you have half a day to spare.

Honestly, I was a bit let down. The zoo has a great concept with the forest setting, but many enclosures felt outdated and some animals looked stressed. The cable car ride was nice, but for the price, I expected more interactive exhibits. The food options were overpriced and mediocre. Not terrible, but wouldn't go out of my way for a second visit.