Go for a walk around Kunming Zoo to see a wide array of animals, including rare species from neighboring countries. The zoo’s spacious parkland is split into a flora section and a fauna section. Bring the family to see the intriguing different species, such as Asian elephants or Bengal tigers. In springtime, the flora section bursts into color with a flush of cherry and plum blossoms.
Enter the zoo via one of its three gates and begin your exploration of the large inner-city parkland. A series of walking trails bisect the park, so you can set off on a leisurely loop of the zoo. There are more than 900 individual animals on display. One of the highlights is the Asian Elephants Hall, which showcases this graceful species. Check out golden monkeys, leaf monkeys and gibbons. Northeast tigers and Bengal tigers show their cat-like poise. Lions, giraffes and bears are also featured here. Kids will love the playful red pandas, which scurry and tumble around their enclosure.
Make your way to the reptile section to see slithering black-tailed pythons and Chinese alligators. Take a look at the local Yunnan bison standing in his pen. The Kunming Zoo has a wide variety of birdlife, too. You might see showy peacocks, the brown-necked hornbill or red-crowned cranes. Songbirds and waterfowl from across the continent are also shown.
If you visit in spring or summer, you’ll be treated to a beautiful show of blossoms. Stroll around the rose gardens or smell the apricot-scented osmanthus flowers. The lawns are ideal for relaxing with a picnic or a good book. Find a viewpoint across the hillside and toward the north of the city from the slopes of Yuantong Hill.
Kunming Zoo is located to the north of downtown Kunming. It can be reached via bus to Yuantongshan station, as well as taxi. There is an admission fee. Nearby, you can visit the Yuantong Buddhist Temple.