Dalian Forest Zoo

Address No. 60 South Yingchun Road, Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area, Xigang District, Dalian, Liaoning
Hours 09:00–16:30 (Ticket gates stop admitting visitors at 16:00)
Phone +86 411 82480170
Announcement: Ecological Mountain Zoo
Entrance ¥120
Hours 09:00–16:30 (Ticke...
Best Season April to October....
Time needed 4–6 hours
Last visit: Jul 15, 2026
Author: Gang Zheng
Reviewer: Guoqing Sun

Dalian Forest Zoo Overview

A massive, eco-friendly wildlife sanctuary beautifully embedded into the natural valleys of the Baiyun Mountains. It is divided into a high-altitude Free-Ranging Area and a Captive Area, hosting a famous Giant Panda pavilion, an African safari zone, and an alpine cable car system.

Dalian Forest Zoo Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 09:00–16:30 (Ticket gates stop admitting visitors at 16:00)
  • Best season: April to October. Arrive early in the morning when temperatures are mild and the animals are most active.
  • Ticket note: Standard adult admission is 120 CNY. Package tickets including the trans-mountai...

Essential Dalian Forest Zoo Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 411 82480170
  • Sightseeing cable cars
  • Internal electric shuttle buses
  • Restrooms and baby care rooms
  • Stroller and wheelchair rentals
  • Snack pavilions and dining halls

How to Get to Dalian Forest Zoo

Take local city Bus No. 4, 404, 525, or 715 directly to the South Gate (Free-ranging zone entrance), or take a short taxi ride from the downtown core.

Dalian Forest Zoo Travel Safety & Advice

Dial 120. First-aid emergency rooms are active and clearly marked at both the North and South main entry plazas.

Practical Info

  • No. 60 South Yingchun Road, Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area, Xigang District, Dalian, Liaoning
  • 09:00–16:30 (Ticket gates stop admitting visitors at 16:00)
  • +86 411 82480170
Gang Zheng
Gang Zheng
Certified Senior Tour Guide
Gang Zheng, a Shenyang-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in Northeast China itineraries covering the Shenyang imperial and Manchu heritage walk, Dandong border-town journey, and Taiyuan Street night market.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.4 (30 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Standard adult admission is 120 CNY. Package tickets including the trans-mountai...

Online booking may be required

Tips

International visitors must present their passports for registration at the ticket office. The giant panda enclosure is a major highlight, o...

Reality Check

  • The zoo features steep mountain inclines and requires significant physical stamina
  • Using the internal shuttle cart system is almost mandatory to see both zones in one day
  • Lines for the trans-mountain cable car can exceed one hour during summer peaks

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Recent Reviews

4.4 ★★★★☆ (30)
Wanderer_Nom Jul 14, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

j.travels Jul 14, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

AxelRocks Jul 14, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

PandaFan_88 Jul 14, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

TravelingTar Jul 14, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

HonestReview Jul 08, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

Jen_And_Mark Jul 08, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

Backpacker_T Jul 08, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

FamilyFun_Je Jul 08, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

WildlifeExpl Jul 08, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

ForestFanati Jul 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

TravelBug_88 Jul 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

A.L.Walker Jul 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

ZooLover_J Jul 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

MikeAdventur Jul 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

Disappointed Jun 23, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

MaggieTravel Jun 23, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

SafariSam Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

BudgetTravel Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

WildLover_Ki Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

Vegas_Mike_B Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

Luna_Adventu Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

TravelWithTy Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

Panda_Bob88 Jun 23, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

JennaWanders Jun 23, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

Nomad_Nora Jun 12, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

DawnChaser_2 Jun 12, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

TravelBug_Mi Jun 12, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

Jenny_Advent Jun 12, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

PandaWatcher Jun 12, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

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Dalian Forest Zoo Travel FAQ

How far is Dalian Forest Zoo from the city center?
It's about 15 km southwest of downtown Dalian. A taxi from Zhongshan Square takes 30-40 minutes and costs around 50-60 RMB. Public transport via metro + bus is about 1 hour.
Can I see giant pandas every day?
Yes, the giant panda hall is open year-round. The Pandas are most active in the morning (8:30-10:30) and late afternoon (15:30-17:00). Midday they usually sleep, but you can still see them through the glass.
Is the zoo wheelchair accessible?
Partially. The safari train and the main paths in the walking area are paved, but there are steep slopes and some stairs. Wheelchair users may need assistance. The zoo has a limited number of wheelchairs for loan (free, but leave a deposit). I'd recommend calling ahead to check availability.
Are there English signs or guided tours?
Most animal exhibits have bilingual signs (Chinese + English). There is no official English audio guide, but you can rent a Chinese audio guide at the entrance. For a guided tour, book through a local travel agency or use an app like Trip.com's private tour service (around 400-600 RMB for half a day).
Is it worth visiting in winter?
Winter is cold but uncrowded. Many outdoor animals are still visible, but the safari train may be cancelled on icy days (check ahead). The panda hall is warm, and you'll have the place almost to yourself. I'd say it's worth it only if you're already in Dalian and don't mind bundling up.
Can I visit both areas without cable car?
Technically yes, but it's a steep 3 km uphill walk between South and North gates. I don't recommend it – the cable car is worth the 30 RMB for the view and to save energy.
How long does the entire visit take?
Plan for 4-5 hours if you do both areas. If you only have 2-3 hours, stick to the Enclosed Area (pandas and monkeys) and skip the Wild Area.
Are there any discounts for foreigners?
No special discounts for foreigners. The same student/senior rates apply if you have valid ID. For students, you need an international student card or a Chinese student card.
Is the zoo wheelchair accessible?
Partially. The Enclosed Area has ramps, but the Wild Area has slopes and stairs. The cable car can accommodate wheelchairs. I'd recommend a companion for assistance.
What's the best way to stay cool in summer?
Bring a portable fan and water. The panda house and reptile house are air-conditioned. Avoid 11 AM–2 PM when the sun is strongest. Many visitors ignore this and regret it – I've seen heatstroke cases.
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