Shanghai Wild Animal Park (June 15, 2024): My WTF List & How YOU Can Dodge These Bullets!
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Today I went to Shanghai Wildlife Zoo, and it was really a lot of fun! I highly recommend their circus performance. It lasts for over an hour and is absolutely worth it, more exciting than simply viewing the animals!
• Regarding transportation and lodging:
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How to get to Shanghai: You can take a train from your city to either Shanghai Hongqiao Station or Shanghai Railway Station. Both stations are major transport hubs in Shanghai.
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How to get to the zoo after arriving in Shanghai: Use your GPS to navigate to "Shanghai Wildlife Zoo Gate No.2".
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Accommodation: This zoo is quite remote from the airport and train station. It is better to stay at a hotel nearby.
• Word of caution! These points are very important!!!
Alright, I will point out some key things now that need to be avoided!
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Should I stay in the downtown or the area near the zoo?
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My mistake was choosing a hotel near the high-speed rail station (thinking it would be convenient), but it was over forty kilometers away from the zoo!
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Initially, I considered taking the subway, but looking at the route, it would take me several transfers and it would get dark by the time I arrived. Although the subway system in Shanghai is excellent, transferring for longer distances can be time-consuming.
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In the end, I had to hire a taxi. At first, I hired an ordinary car (like Kuaidi Dache) where the driver, despite the heat, refused to turn on the air conditioning the whole journey - it was stifling!
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On the way back, I took a more luxurious car service, which was much better. Even if it costs a bit more, it's worth it.
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My recommended solution: If you can afford it, or are like me and prefer convenience, hiring a car (preferring a more comfortable one) will save you a lot of hassle. Otherwise, choose a lodge near the zoo, or catch the morning subway and transfer patiently.
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Regarding the tickets for the acrobatic show
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I personally highly recommend it; it's really exciting and fully absorbing, throughout the show.
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But! Lots of online tips tell us that VIP tickets and regular ones offer similar experiences, which is not true, as proven by my personal experience.
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I bought a regular ticket to Zone 2, which offered a terrible view, I only saw certain actors’ backs most of the time and barely any frontal shots! During performances that required the use of large props such as trampolines, my view was usually blocked by the actors in front.
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The VIP zone allows actor-interactions, better views and generally a superior experience.
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Pay extra attention: Do not believe strategies suggesting that buying regular tickets instead of VIP ones will allow access to the latter - it simply won't work! As soon as you enter, there are staff checking tickets and showing patrons to their seats; the VIP zone is directly under their watchful eyes. If you think you'll pull off a trick or something, please, don't even consider it! - The most unpleasant experience I had today!
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Buy your tickets early online
- It is always advisable to purchase zoo and circus tickets online as they will be cheaper.
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Additional expenses within the park
- There are many fun activities which come at an additional cost like feeding small animals - once for 30 RMB（RMB is the Chinese currency unit, also known as Yuan）, along with other rides like merry-go-rounds, bumper cars, pirate ships etc. These services are probably also costly.
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Hints on feeding the animal:
- They will provide vegetables when you feed smaller animals. If you bring a kid, slow feeding is necessary. Animals might lose interest if you rush – that could also spoil good photo moments if you plan to take photos.
- For the best results, consider filming instead of snapping pictures. Start recording from when the kids enter the feeding area – extracting pictures from video captures is far easier than trying to snap them. Animals are less cooperative without food.
- Large dangerous animals can be fed only through fences. Only gentle smaller species like Capybaras and kangaroos can be interacted with closely while feeding.
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Packed food and drinks
- The price of food in the zoo is quite high, one bottle of mineral water costs 10RMB. It is advisable to bring sufficient self-made food and drink to save money.
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**Visit pandas early **
- Viewing pandas (China’s national treasure, black & white, incredibly adorable) requires arriving in the early mornings! Since midday or afternoon, these little creatures get tired and often rest with their backs toward visitors. Also, large crowds always gather there to view this national treasure.
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To get a park map, follow the 'Shanghai Wild Animal Park' official WeChat account and tap the '野便捷' (Wild Convenience/Quick Access) button at the bottom.
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How did I miss this monkey? I wanted to pet it too!
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We bought VIP tickets that day and were right in front of the performers – the view was fantastic! My husband even got pulled up on stage to join the show. The only downside was that the tickets were painfully expensive.
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Ugh, don't even remind me. We got regular tickets and I'm kicking myself. All we saw were their backsides the entire time. If I'd known, I would've sprung for the best VIP seats.
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Is it expensive to take a taxi there?
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Yes, it's pricey. It's over 40 kilometers, and a taxi cost 190 yuan.
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I went today, and overall, it wasn't bad. Except the elephants stank terribly, the weather was muggy, and there were droppings everywhere. The orangutan seemed a bit neurotic; it kept eating, spitting out its food, and then eating it again. Also, apart from feeding the swans (which was free), everything else cost money. It was 30 yuan for just two leaves to feed the giraffes – a very quick interaction. You could pet some other animals, though.
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Can an 18-year-old buy a student ticket?
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Yes, just remember to bring your student ID.
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Went on a Thursday, so there were way fewer people since it was a weekday. We could easily get front-row views everywhere without any hassle.
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Weren't you scared, being so close?
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How much is the entrance ticket?
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It's 136 yuan, and that includes the bus tour inside the park.
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Excuse me, is there air conditioning during the circus show?
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I don't think so, but the venue is huge, so it didn't feel hot.
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The water inside is a rip-off, but you can order takeout milk tea or other drinks. For example, a lemonade from Mixue Bingcheng (a popular chain) is only 5 yuan.
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Wow, that's a smart move!