A visit to the Shanghai Wild Animal Park offers a thrilling and educational adventure for animal lovers and families alike. Located in the suburbs of the city, this expansive park is home to a wide variety of wildlife from around the world. Whether you’re interested in witnessing exciting animal shows, interacting with smaller creatures, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, this one-day guide will help you make the most of your time at the park, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of its spectacular attractions.
Detailed One-Day Tour Itinerary
8:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Departure Start your day early to secure parking at the park’s popular Lot 2 (it fills up quickly). If you arrive later, you can park at Lot 3, which is also relatively close to the entrance. Avoid parking on the street near residential areas, as it’s a long walk to the entrance, and you’ll regret it when you’re tired at the end of the day. Don’t forget to take a photo with the entrance gate before heading in!
10:40 AM – 10:50 AM: Flamingos
Your first stop is the flamingo area. Take some time to snap photos of these stunning pink birds.
10:50 AM – 11:00 AM: Lemur Island
Next, head to Lemur Island, where you can watch the playful lemurs up close.
11:00 AM – 11:10 AM: Macaws and Other Birds
A variety of colorful macaws and exotic birds are here. It’s a great spot for bird enthusiasts to capture vibrant pictures.
11:10 AM – 11:30 AM: Small Animal Paradise ⭐
Visit the Small Animal Paradise, a hands-on area where you can interact with cute animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and more. It’s a hit with children!
11:30 AM – 11:40 AM: Golden Snub-nosed Monkey Island
Next, stop by the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey Island, where you’ll find a variety of monkeys in a lush, natural setting. They’re highly social and often put on entertaining displays.
11:40 AM – 12:00 PM: Tiger Feeding / Brown Bear Show
Don’t miss the thrilling tiger feeding and the exciting brown bear show. The feeding performance is especially spectacular and should not be missed.
12:20 PM – 12:30 PM: African Elephants / Asian Elephants / Zebras
At this time, you’ll see African and Asian elephants, along with zebras, roaming freely. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring sight to witness.
1:15 PM – 1:45 PM: Sun Plaza – “Decoding Nature” Show ⭐
Head over to Sun Plaza for the “Decoding Nature” show, which is a great way to learn more about wildlife, though the show features the same performers and animals as the one at the Beast Mountain Theatre later on. If you’d rather see more content, you might want to skip this and head to Beast Mountain instead.
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM: Beast Mountain Theatre ⭐⭐⭐
The Beast Mountain show is one of the highlights of the day. Check the live schedule at the entrance, as the show times (2:15 PM, 3:15 PM, 4:15 PM) may vary. It’s best to arrive early to get a good seat, and if you miss the first show, the later performances are also great.
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Hippopotamuses / Giant Pandas / Giraffes
Get ready for a special encounter with some of the park’s most iconic animals—hippos, giant pandas, and giraffes. There are also opportunities for children to feed the animals, making for an interactive experience.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: Kangaroos / Antelopes / Alpacas
The next stop is the area where you can feed kangaroos, antelopes, and alpacas. Please note that after 4:00 PM, feeding sessions stop for all small animals.
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM: Aquatic Exploration (Boat Ride)
Take a relaxing boat ride through the park’s water features. It’s a calm, scenic activity that offers a different view of the wildlife.
3:50 PM – 4:10 PM: Predator Safari Tour ⭐⭐⭐
Hop on the predator safari bus for a thrilling ride to observe wild cats and other fierce animals. Sit on the right side of the bus for the best view. The ride is free, and the animals often come very close to the vehicle. However, if you are prone to motion sickness, it’s best to skip this as the ride can be bumpy.
4:15 PM – 4:45 PM: Sea Lion Show – “Ocean Wonders” ⭐
The sea lion performance at this time is entertaining and educational. If you’ve already visited the Haichang Ocean Park, you might want to skip this show, as the content is similar.
4:50 PM – 5:00 PM: Swan Lake / Parrots
End your day with a peaceful visit to Swan Lake and a chance to observe beautiful swans and colorful parrots. It’s a great way to wind down your visit before heading out.
6:30 PM: Jungle Fun Parade
If you’re still around, catch the Jungle Fun Parade. This parade features the same performers and animals as the Beast Mountain Theatre show, so if you’re short on time, feel free to skip it.
7:00 PM: Return
After an exciting and action-packed day, it’s time to head home.
Additional Tips and Recommendations
Horseback Riding: Located near Sun Plaza, you can enjoy a quick horseback ride for 60 RMB per person. After watching the Beast Mountain Theatre show, you can take a 30-RMB ride for two laps around a small circle.
Feeding Restrictions: The park prohibits bringing your own food for feeding the animals. However, there are interactive feeding zones within the park where you can purchase food for a fun experience, especially for kids.
Must-Bring Items: For a comfortable visit, don’t forget to bring your ID card, sun umbrella, water, snacks, fruit, water bottles, a sun hat, sunscreen, a stroller for young children, extra clothes, and a power bank.
Dining Options: If you’re looking to eat, McDonald’s is a good option, but feel free to bring some dry snacks for when you’re waiting in lines. Overall, the experience at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park is very enjoyable, though be prepared for a lot of walking. If the park gets crowded, walking in the opposite direction will help you avoid congestion. Children will love it, but after a long day of walking, renting a bike isn’t recommended due to the rough paths—walking is still the best option.