3 Best Wildlife in Shanghai

The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is one of the largest in Asia, uniquely featuring a 155-meter underwater tunnel—one of the world’s longest—that takes you through various marine environments. The aquarium is divided into nine thematic zones, including China, South America, and Australia, highlighting rare species like the Yangtze alligator and giant salamander. The sensory experience of sharks and rays swimming directly overhead in the tunnel is mesmerizing. Expert recommendation: The 'Deep Sea' and 'Antarctic' zones are highlights, especially the jellyfish displays which use creative lighting to stunning effect. Pro Tip: It is located right next to the Oriental Pearl Tower, so it gets very crowded during school holidays and weekends. Buy tickets online to skip the main queue and try to visit during the evening when the crowds thin out.

Located near Hongqiao Airport, the Shanghai Zoo is a classic city zoo with a history dating back to 1954, built on the site of a former golf course. It is home to over 6,000 animals, but the star attractions are undoubtedly the Giant Pandas. The Panda House is designed to mimic their natural habitat with plenty of bamboo and climbing structures. The zoo is beautifully landscaped with wide lawns and dense trees, offering a pleasant, park-like environment for a family stroll. Expert recommendation: Head straight to the Panda exhibit in the morning when they are most active and eating bamboo. Practical Pro Tip: The zoo is easily accessible via Metro Line 10 (Shanghai Zoo Station). It’s much closer to the city and more affordable than the Wild Animal Park, making it ideal for a quick 2-3 hour visit to see the pandas.

Spanning over 150 hectares, this is one of China’s largest national-level wild animal parks, offering an immersive safari-like experience. The park is divided into a walking area and a drive-through 'bus' area where predators roam freely. You can see rare species like giant pandas, golden monkeys, and South China tigers. The sensory experience of seeing lions and bears up close from a protected vehicle is thrilling for all ages. Expert recommendation: The Giant Panda Pavilion is a must-see, featuring a high-quality habitat for these national treasures. Pro Tip: To avoid long queues for the safari bus, arrive right when the park opens at 9:00 AM. Consider taking the 'beast feeding' bus for a more interactive (and safely caged) encounter with tigers and lions. It is quite far from the city center, so allow a full day for the trip.