Shanghai: Wild Animal Park Ticket

Traveling to Shanghai and looking for an enriching day with wildlife? The Shanghai Wild Animal Park offers a chance to see over 200 rare and endangered species in a setting that feels more natural than your typical zoo. While it’s not a perfect experience, it does deliver on several fronts—especially if you’re after a hands-on animal encounter, educational shows, and a self-drive safari that gets you up close and personal with the residents.

What we really appreciate are the interactive activities, the drive-through safari, and the opportunity to see iconic animals like giant pandas and giraffes. The price of $44 per person feels reasonable considering the variety of experiences included, such as animal shows and access to the safari zone. However, one thing to keep in mind is that meals, souvenirs, and extra activities are not included, so budget accordingly if you want to extend your fun.

This experience suits families with children, animal enthusiasts, and adventure seekers who enjoy hands-on wildlife encounters. But if you’re looking for a highly polished, luxury zoo experience or have accessibility needs, it might be worth exploring other options or confirming specific accommodations in advance.

Good To Know

• Self-Drive Safari: Drive through free-roaming animal zones—an immersive way to see wildlife.
• Interactive Activities: Feeding animals, camel rides, and performances make the visit memorable.
• Educational Shows: Learn about wildlife conservation while enjoying engaging animal performances.
• Diverse Animal Collection: Over 200 species, including pandas, giraffes, tigers, and more.
• Value for Money: At $44, it’s a reasonable way to spend a day immersed in wildlife.
• Limitations: Meals and souvenirs aren’t included, and certain restrictions apply for some visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Getting There and Entrance

The Shanghai Wild Animal Park is located in East China and is easily accessible for travelers based in the city. The ticket includes skip-the-line entry, saving you precious time during busy periods. When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by the park’s welcoming staff who guide you toward the main zones, including the safari area and animal shows.

The Safari Ride: Up Close with Wildlife

The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the self-drive safari zone. You’ll hop into your vehicle, or sometimes a bus tour may be available if you prefer not to drive, and venture into a secure environment where animals roam freely. Visitors have described it as “a different zoo,” where they could see bears, tigers, elephants, zebras, and even wolves. One reviewer raved, “We were able to feed bears, tigers, elephants, giraffes, zebras, capybaras and even wolves! I loved it!”

The ability to drive through and observe animals in a setting that mimics their natural environment allows for more authentic sightings than traditional enclosures. It’s vital to adhere to safety instructions and not to approach or feed the animals outside designated activities.

Animal Shows and Interactive Activities

Beyond the safari, the park hosts animal performances that focus on education and conservation. These shows are designed to be both entertaining and informative, teaching visitors about the importance of protecting wildlife. The interactive experiences are a big draw—feeding animals, camel rides, and even some opportunities to get close to pandas.

While reviews are mixed on the overall quality of these shows, many mention knowledgeable guides and delicious food as positive aspects. One reviewer highlighted “the guides were very informative and friendly,” making the experience more engaging.

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Animal Encounters: Pandas, Giraffes, and More

The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including giant pandas, which are always a crowd favorite. Giraffes, white tigers, zebras, and capybaras are also part of the collection, making it ideal for photo opportunities and animal lovers wanting diverse sightings. The white tiger performance, in particular, is often noted for its excitement, though these are typically scheduled times you’ll need to check.

Practicalities and Tips

• Price: At $44 per person, the ticket covers admission, the safari drive, and animal shows. Considering the variety of animals and interactive activities, it’s a reasonable price, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
• Duration: The visit usually lasts around a full day, but check current availability for specific starting times.
• What to Bring: Remember your passport, camera, and sunscreen. The park’s outdoor setup means you’ll spend lots of time in the sun.
• Children & Accessibility: Kids under 6 or under 1.3 meters can enter for free when accompanied by an adult. However, the park is not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women, and animal allergies could be an issue.

Authentic Experiences and Real Feedback

One reviewer expressed concern about the well-being of the animals, stating “Not good for the animals!” which highlights that animal welfare and the park’s standards may be a consideration for some visitors. On the other hand, another traveler shared a very positive account, saying “A different zoo, we were able to feed bears, tigers, elephants, giraffes, zebras, capybaras and even wolves! I loved it!” Such diverse experiences suggest that the park excels in offering interactive animal encounters.

What makes the experience worthwhile?

Honestly, the ability to feed and interact with animals makes this a standout. This isn’t just looking at animals behind glass; it’s getting close and learning about them firsthand. The knowledgeable guides, although not named specifically, seem to be a recurring highlight, helping visitors understand conservation efforts and animal behaviors.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This Wild Animal Park is especially suited for families wanting a full day of fun and education, animal enthusiasts eager for close-up views and hands-on activities, and adventure-seekers who prefer a more interactive zoo experience. It’s less ideal if you’re seeking luxury amenities or have mobility restrictions, as the park isn’t designed with accessibility in mind.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

The Shanghai Wild Animal Park offers a practical, engaging way to see a wide range of animals without the hefty price tag of high-end zoos or safaris. The self-drive safari, interactive feeds, and animal shows bring a sense of adventure and education that can elevate a simple zoo day into a memorable experience. However, be mindful of animal welfare concerns and extra costs for souvenirs and additional activities.

If you’re traveling with kids, animal lovers, or those eager to get a bit closer than usual to wildlife, this experience delivers good value. Just plan ahead, bring your camera and sunscreen, and prepare for a full day of animal discovery.

FAQ

Is the Shanghai Wild Animal Park suitable for children?
Yes, children under 6 or under 1.3 meters in height can enter for free when accompanied by an adult. The interactive activities and animal encounters make it a fun day out for families.

Can I drive myself through the safari zone?
Yes, the ticket includes self-drive safari access. You can bring your own vehicle or take part in a bus tour if available.

Are animal shows included in the ticket price?
Yes, the ticket includes animal shows. Their schedules are posted at the park, and they’re designed to be both entertaining and educational.

What animals can I expect to see?
The park hosts over 200 species, including pandas, giraffes, white tigers, zebras, and wolves. Many visitors love the chance to feed some of these animals.

Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?
Yes, weapons, sharp objects, smoking, and explosive substances are not permitted. Also, the park is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with animal allergies.

What should I bring on the day?
Bring your passport, camera, sunscreen, and money for souvenirs or extra activities. Personal belongings should be kept secure.

Is the experience worth the price?
Considering the variety of animals, interactive activities, and the safari ride, many find $44 to be a fair price for a full day’s entertainment and education.

Can I cancel my ticket?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Are there any food options inside the park?
The tour price doesn’t include meals or beverages, so plan to bring snacks or buy food at the park.

Is this experience suitable for animal lovers seeking an ethical zoo visit?
Reviews are mixed—some express concern about animal welfare, so if animal ethics are a priority, research or choose carefully.

In essence, the Shanghai Wild Animal Park provides a lively, interactive, and educational wildlife adventure at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for families, adventure lovers, and anyone eager for a closer look at some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. Just remember to go prepared and keep your expectations balanced, especially around animal welfare and additional costs.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby