The Chongqing Zoo, situated in Yangjiaping, Jiulongpo District, to the west of Chongqing's main city, lies 8 kilometers away from the city center at an altitude ranging from 240 to 305.8 meters. Established in 1953 and officially opened to the public on January 24, 1955, the zoo showcases over 4000 animals across 230 species throughout the year. Drawing nearly 3 million visitors annually, including 200,000 foreign tourists, the Chongqing Zoo stands as one of China's largest urban zoos.
Originally founded in 1953, the zoo initially exhibited 11 animal species comprising 60 animals. Following a visit and guidance from Mao Zedong in 1958, the zoo underwent significant expansions and enhancements. Renamed "Chongqing Zoo" in October 1960, it evolved into a medium-sized zoo by 1966.
An iconic feature, the Goldfish House, completed in 1962, spans 1.94 hectares with a construction area of 977 square meters and a water surface of 3,000 square meters. Serving as an early key municipal construction project, the Goldfish House set a precedent in integrating functions, sightseeing, and landscaping within the animal stadium.
Adjacent to the Goldfish House, the Panda House, another prominent construction project, was redesigned and finalized in 1989 based on the original Panda Cave established in 1960. Encompassing 1.1 hectares with a construction area of 2,300 square meters, the Panda House allows visitors to witness the adorable pandas in outdoor enclosures, exhibition halls, or pavilions, regardless of weather conditions.
Following the third plenary session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 1979, the Chongqing Zoo adapted to reform requirements and its unique characteristics by expanding animal exhibitions beyond the city and hosting cultural and recreational activities. This strategic shift led to a significant increase in operating income as annual visitor numbers peaked at 2.371 million, marking a milestone in its over 50-year history.
In 1985, the Chongqing Zoo underwent notable improvements to enhance staff welfare, transform garden landscapes, and upgrade facilities. These efforts yielded positive economic, environmental, and social outcomes, prompting the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee to designate the zoo as a county-level unit the same year.
Since 1997, in tandem with Chongqing Municipality's development, the Chongqing Zoo has made substantial strides, positioning itself on the trajectory to become one of the nation's premier zoological institutions.
