Shenzhen Safari Park野生动物园
Shenzhen Safari Park, in Xili, Nanshan District, is the city's only large wildlife park and the first zoo in China certified under the ISO 9001 quality system. Spread over roughly 600,000 sq m, it keeps more than 300 species and over 10,000 rare animals — giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, Asian elephants, African lions, giraffes and more. The park splits into a vehicle tour zone and a walk-through zone, making it a top draw for families and animal lovers.
Shenzhen · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Shenzhen Safari Park worth visiting?
Shenzhen's only large safari park, rich in species, with a vehicle zone for close-up animal encounters. Admission around CNY 180; a firm favorite for family trips.
Quick facts
| Ticket | CNY 180 for adults; children under 1.2 m free; bringing your own car into the park costs extra |
|---|---|
| Hours | 09:30-18:00 |
| Recommended duration | 4-6 hours |
| Best time to visit | Good year-round and liveliest in summer; arrive in the morning to catch feeding time |
| How to get there | Metro Line 7 to Xilihu (the terminus), Exit A, then about 15 minutes on foot; buses 101 or 104 to the safari park stop |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Area | About 600,000 sq m |
| Species | More than 300 |
| Animal count | More than 10,000 |
| Location | Xili, Nanshan District |
| Admission | CNY 180 |
What to expect
Shenzhen Safari Park, in Xili, Nanshan District, opened in 1993 with state forestry approval and covers about 600,000 sq m, divided into a vehicle tour zone and a walk-through zone. It keeps more than 300 species and 10,000-plus rare animals from around the world — giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, Asian elephants, African lions, giraffes, zebras, flamingos and more. Riding through the carnivore section for close-up encounters with the predators is the park's most popular experience. The walk-through zone is arranged by animal type, with the panda house, Ocean World, the African animal area and the Asian elephant house among the highlights.
Animal shows are a signature here. Several arenas host the all-species gala (the "Beast Festival"), parrot shows, sea-lion shows and more — a packed program. A dedicated family interaction area lets children get close to small animals and feed baby deer and rabbits. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with more than 80% green cover, blending the rough style of an African savanna with the refinement of a Jiangnan garden. In recent years the park has added night tours (ticketed separately).
Plan your visit: arrive in the morning, when the animals are most active and most feedings happen. Do the vehicle zone first (about 1.5 hours), then explore the walk-through zone. Bring sun protection and mosquito repellent. Restaurants and snack stands inside are on the pricey side. Pace yourself and leave time for the animal shows (check the day's schedule on arrival).
How to get there
Shenzhen Metro Line 7 to Xilihu (terminus), Exit A, then about 15 minutes on foot. Buses 101, 104, M203 and 66 stop at the safari park. From Shenzhen North station, take Line 5 to Xili and transfer to Line 7, about 30 minutes.
Best photo spots
- Animals in the vehicle zone (lions, giraffes)
- The giant panda house
- The Ocean World show
- The Beast Festival gala show
- Flamingo lake
Tips
- Arrive in the morning, when the animals are liveliest
- The vehicle zone is the most popular draw — do it first
- The show timetable matters; plan your day around it
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are must-haves
- Pair the trip with nearby Xili Lake
Scams to avoid
- No major scams to worry about
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive my own car into the park?
Yes — private cars pay a separate fee (about CNY 200-260 per vehicle). You can also tour the vehicle zone on the park's sightseeing coach.
How long does a visit take?
Plan on 4-6 hours. With this many species, seeing the park properly takes most of a day.
What ages is the park best for?
All ages, though children aged 3-12 get the most out of it; there is a dedicated family interaction area.
What shows are on?
The main draws are the Beast Festival gala, bird shows and sea-lion shows; exact times are announced daily.
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