The Panda House at Beijing Zoo is one of the most popular animal attractions in China. Every year, it draws millions of visitors eager to catch a glimpse of China’s beloved national treasure—the giant panda.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit. From must-see panda stars to the best viewing tips, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also show you the most efficient walking route, share helpful travel tips, and suggest fun things to do nearby.
Whether you’re buying tickets, hunting for hidden gems, or looking to spot famous panda “Meng Lan” (萌兰) in action—yes, even during one of his infamous escape attempts—we’ll make sure you’re prepared. Don’t miss our recommendations on where to find the best panda-themed souvenirs, too.
Let’s dive into this playful world of black-and-white charm and make the most of your time at Beijing’s beloved Panda House!
1. Beijing Panda House Overview & Essential Info
The Panda House is located in the east section of Beijing Zoo, right near the South Gate entrance. It’s one of the first stops for visitors—and definitely one of the most popular.
The area is divided into two main sections: the Asian Games Panda House and the Olympic Panda House. Together, they’re home to over ten giant pandas.
Some of the most famous residents include the adorable Meng Lan, known as the “Third Prince of Xizhimen,” along with Meng Bao, Meng Yu, and the lovable Fu Xing (nicknamed “Fat Dahai”).
🎫 Ticket Info
Beijing Zoo uses a combo ticket system:
- Peak season (April 1 – Oct 31)
Zoo ticket: ¥15
Zoo + Panda House combo: ¥19 - Off-season (Nov 1 – March 31)
Zoo ticket: ¥10
Zoo + Panda House combo: ¥14
Seniors aged 60+ can enter for free. Students and children get half-price discounts.
🕒 Opening Hours
The zoo and Panda House follow seasonal hours:
- Peak season (April–October):
Zoo opens at 7:30 AM, last entry at 6:00 PM, closes at 7:00 PM
Panda House is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Off-season (November–March):
Zoo opens at 7:30 AM, last entry at 5:00 PM, closes at 6:00 PM
Panda House is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
🧾 How to Get Tickets
You can buy tickets on-site or make a reservation online. Booking in advance is highly recommended during weekends and holidays, as it gets crowded fast.
2. 🚇 How to Get There
Beijing Zoo is located at 137 Xizhimen Outer Street, in Xicheng District. It’s easy to reach by public transport.
The subway is the fastest way. Take Line 4 to Beijing Zoo Station. Use Exit A or C1/C2. The South Gate (main entrance) is the closest to the Panda House. The North Gate is closer to the Aquarium and Elephant House.
If you prefer the bus, you have plenty of choices. Popular routes include:
Special 4, 7, 15, 16, 19, 27, 45, 65, 87, plus electric trolley lines like 102, 103, 105, 107, and 111.
3. The Ultimate Guide to Seeing the Star Pandas
The biggest celebrity at the Panda House is without a doubt Meng Lan (萌兰）, also known as the “Third Prince of Xizhimen.” This playful and curious panda became famous online for a video where he attempted to escape his enclosure—earning him the title of “internet-famous panda.”
Meng Lan, giant panda, studbook number 954, male. He was born at 22:13 on July 4, 2015, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. At birth, he weighed 179.8 grams. His nickname is “Meme’er”, and he is one of the star members of the panda family.
On September 21, 2017, Meng Lan flew back to Beijing. On October 16, he officially met visitors at Beijing Zoo, where he now lives.
Meng Lan is the third cub of Meng Meng (mother) and Mei Lan (father). Fans love him for his hilarious mix of cuteness and wild energy. Many affectionately call him “Meme’er” or simply “Beidong’s Third Prince.”
🐼 Best Times to See Meng Lan
Timing is everything when it comes to catching Meng Lan in action:
- 8:00–8:30 AM: This is the golden hour. Meng Lan usually comes out to play, full of morning energy.
- Around 9:00 AM: Keep an eye out for snack time! You can watch him eat and interact with the keepers.
- 10:30–11:00 AM and 2:00–2:30 PM: These are extra feeding times. Meng Lan often gets active again during these periods.
⚠️ Important tip: Meng Lan’s outdoor appearance depends entirely on his mood. In hot weather, especially above 26°C, he may choose to stay indoors. When this happens, the zoo opens indoor-outdoor passages to let pandas move freely. However, if the pandas go inside, no ticket refunds are given.
🚶♂️ How to Find Panda Meng Lan
From the South Gate, turn right. Pass through two archways and go down a small flight of stairs. You’ll soon see a queue for the Panda House.
Inside, there’s a dedicated line between the Asian Games and Olympic Panda Houses just to see Meng Lan. On weekends, the staff lets in one group every five minutes. Try to arrive early. Often, after the first batch, Meng Lan may head back indoors—and latecomers might miss him.
🐾 Other Star Pandas You Shouldn’t Miss
- Asian Games Panda House: Home to Bai Tian, Meng Da, Meng Meng, Meng Er, and Gu Gu. This area has large glass windows, so you can watch the pandas up close—even if they’re indoors.
- Olympic Panda House: Besides Meng Lan, you’ll find Meng Bao, Meng Yu, and Fu Xing (nicknamed “Fat Dahai”). These pandas live in outdoor enclosures with more space to roam.
I personally suggest first watching the pandas at the Asian Games Panda House, then move on to the Olympic Panda House.
💡 Pro Tips for a Great Viewing Experience
- Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
- Enter right when the zoo opens—pandas are most active in the morning.
- Be patient. Pandas often surprise visitors with sudden bursts of energy.
- Stay quiet and never use flash—pandas are sensitive and can be easily startled.
4. Unique Beijing Panda House Experiences
There’s more to the Panda House than just watching pandas. From themed snacks to creative souvenirs and fun photo spots, here’s how to make your visit even more memorable.
🐼 Panda-Themed Snacks
Head to the second-floor café in the Olympic Panda House for some panda-shaped treats! Try the Panda Coffee for ¥35 or cool down with a Panda Ice Cream Bar for ¥18. The café also serves dishes like braised pork rice, pasta, cakes, and puddings, usually priced around ¥40–¥50 per meal.
Looking for a sweet souvenir snack? Check out O’Ma Shanqiu (原麦山丘) for cute panda-themed cream puffs (¥10 each) and macarons (¥48 for a box of 5). Both are favorites among social media foodies.
🛍️ Collectible Panda Souvenirs
- Asian Games Panda House Gift Shop
Pick up quirky fridge magnets like the Sleeping Panda, Chatting Panda, and the Beijing Zoo Panda Back View. - Olympic Panda House Gift Shop (Meng Lan Pavilion)
This shop has fan-favorite items like the arched panda badge, panda fan badge, and a figurine of Meng Lan climbing a tree. You’ll also find fun magnets featuring the Beijing Zoo gate and a “Full Moon and Blossoms” design.
📍 Fun Extras to Explore
- Stamp Hunt:
Spend at the Asian Games Panda House and collect up to 10 unique panda-themed stamps. Great for scrapbooking or kids! - Cultural Ice Cream:
Try the zoo’s creative ice creams shaped like pandas, giraffes, and elephants. They’re as cute as they are tasty. - Photo Spots with Ancient Charm:
Near the Panda House, don’t miss Changguan Tower and Binfeng Hall. These traditional Chinese buildings make perfect photo backdrops.
📸 Pro Photography Tips
- Bring a zoom lens to capture close-up panda moments and avoid glass reflections.
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon—the soft light is best.
- Watch for natural behavior like eating, playing, or tree climbing.
- Try shooting from above for cute bamboo-munching close-ups.
5. Nearby Attractions to Explore
Got extra time? Great! You can easily turn your panda visit into a full-day adventure. Several top spots are just a short walk or ride away from Beijing Zoo.
🐠 Beijing Aquarium
Located in the northern part of the zoo, this is a great add-on for animal lovers. Note: Separate ticket required.
🔭 Beijing Planetarium
Only a short walk away. Perfect for families or anyone curious about space and stars.
🦕 China Fossil and Paleozoological Museum
Great for a family-friendly experience. Kids love the life-sized dinosaurs and ancient fossils.
📚 National Library of China
Want a quiet break? Head here for a deep dive into Chinese history, books, and culture.
🏛️ Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum
Housed in the Five Pagoda Temple, history buffs will love this place. It showcases ancient Chinese stone art in a peaceful, garden-style setting.
🌳 Zizhuyuan Park (Purple Bamboo Park)
This large green space offers scenic walks, lakes, and traditional bridges. It’s a perfect spot to relax after your panda tour.
🕍 Wanshou Temple
A lesser-known gem. This historic Buddhist temple offers a peaceful, spiritual retreat right in the city.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is there a restroom inside the Panda House?
🚫 No. There are no restrooms inside the Panda House. If you exit to use one, you’ll need to buy another ticket to re-enter. Plan ahead!
❓ Can I feed the pandas?
🛑 Absolutely not. Feeding any animal is strictly prohibited. Violators may face serious penalties. Always follow zoo rules.
❓ What if the pandas aren’t active?
👍 Be patient. Pandas often rest during the day. Ask staff when they expect the next active period. Or, explore another exhibit and come back later.
❓ How can I make sure I see pandas during hot summer days?
🌞 Visit early in the morning when it’s cooler. The pandas are more likely to be outside. Also, check if the zoo has temperature control or indoor viewing open that day.
A visit to the Beijing Panda House is more than just seeing pandas—it’s a playful, heartwarming journey into China’s beloved wildlife culture. Whether you’re snapping photos of the famous Meng Lan, collecting panda-themed souvenirs, or simply enjoying the peaceful charm of these gentle giants, this experience is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
Plan ahead, arrive early, and keep your camera ready—you never know when a panda will surprise you with an adorable moment. And don’t forget to explore the nearby gems that make this part of Beijing a perfect full-day outing.
So grab your map, charge your phone, and get ready to meet the fluffiest stars of Beijing. Your panda adventure awaits!
