Beijing Zoo Reopens Public Areas Today

Finally, some good news among all this doom and gloom: Beijing Zoo has officially reopened as of today, after a closure of two months.

But before you jump in a Didi, there are several new regulations to follow. For one, the zoo will operate at 30 percent capacity, which means that visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets and time slots at least a day in advance via the zoo's WeChat account. 

However, as long as tickets are not sold out for the day, it is possible to buy tickets on-site by presenting your passport.

The zoo’s indoor areas, exhibition halls, and snack shops will continue to remain closed for now, and you may want to hold off visiting if it's the pandas that you’re hoping to get up close and personal with, as the Panda House is only viewable from the outside. The viewing cars, Children’s Zoo, and kids’ entertainment areas also remain closed for now.

If you have access to a Chinese ID, you can buy your tickets in advance by using the zoo's WeChat account (ID: beijingzoo-ticket). It's important to note that the ID holder will need to be present to collect the tickets and the group must enter the zoo together.

Anyone over 18 will need to purchase a General Admissions Ticket (RMB 10 or RMB 14 if you’d like to visit the Panda House). Seniors over the age of 60 can enjoy free admission to the zoo but will need to present a valid ID.

Children between the ages of seven-18 years old can purchase a discounted ticket (RMB 5), and anyone under seven years old can enter for free.

The zoo is open from 7.30am to 5pm. Currently only the south, southwest, and north gates are open. The northwest gate remains temporarily closed. While inside, all visitors must wear masks and expect body temperature checks at the entrance and at various points inside the zoo.

Before you start making plans with the whole family, be aware that the zoo has capped group sizes at a maximum of six people, and reminds visitors to keep a safe distance of at least 1.5 meters from other visitors.

READ: Use this Mini-App to Check Which Parks Are Open and Book Tickets

This article originally appeared on our sister site beijingkids.

Images: Jay Wennington (via Unsplash), beijingkids