Hainan Tropical Wildlife and Botanical Garden
Hainan Tropical Wildlife and Botanical Park, China’s first large-scale tropical zoo, offers an immersive experience in a 1.3-square-kilometer semi-wild environment. Opened in 1996, it houses over 200 species and 4,000 rare animals, including lions, tigers, giant pandas, and Asian elephants, alongside 2,600+ tropical plant species. As a AAAA-rated national tourist attraction and national science education base, it blends wildlife conservation, scientific research, and eco-tourism. Highlights include close encounters with pandas, lion-tiger hybrids, and interactive exhibits showcasing Hainan’s unique biodiversity.
Historical Overview
Founded in 1996, the park pioneered tropical wildlife tourism in China. In 2012, a major expansion plan was approved to relocate to Xinpo Town, aiming to create a 5A-rated eco-tourism complex with seven themed zones (e.g., nocturnal animal park, volcanic cave museum) and luxury eco-hotels. Key milestones include the 2018 introduction of giant pandas Gonggong and Shunshun (Hainan’s first pandas) and the 2022 establishment of a white-cheeked gibbon breeding base, marking advancements in endangered species conservation.
Structural Layout
The park is divided into:
- Drive-Through Zone: Safari-style viewing of lions, tigers, and bears.
- Walking Zone: Monkey Mountain, Bird Park, Giraffe Cultural Expo Garden, and Crocodile Pond.
- Center Service Zone: Featuring the Coconut Dream Corridor-style Flamingo Restaurant and educational exhibits.
- Lakefront Resort: Future development includes eco-lodges and water-based activities.
The planned new district (under construction) will add a night safari, tropical botanical hall, and adventure playgrounds.
Major Attractions
- Giant Panda World: Home to Gonggong and Shunshun, with indoor/outdoor habitats and a panda-themed gift shop.
- Liger & Tigon Enclosure: Rare hybrid big cats bred in captivity.
- Tropical Rainforest Zone: Features rubber trees, traveler’s palms, and root-over-rock phenomena.
- Dinosaur Valley: Life-sized models of Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops amid lush foliage.
- Primate Island: Gibbons, macaques, and lemurs in a free-range setting.
- Volcano Solitude Park: A future geological exhibit showcasing Hainan’s volcanic history.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Half-Day Classic (3–4 hours):
Panda World → Lion-Tiger Hill → Primate Island → Rainforest Walk → Firebird Restaurant.
Highlights: Iconic species and lunch with a view. -
Full-Day Exploration (6–7 hours):
Morning: Drive-Through Safari → Hippo Pool → Crocodile Swamp.
Afternoon: Dinosaur Valley → Botanical Garden → Panda Keeper Talk (14:00).
Highlights: All major animals and educational sessions. -
Eco-Adventure (Full Day +):
Include future new district attractions: Night Safari (book in advance) → Volcano Cave Tour → Stargazing at Lakefront Camp.
Highlights: Unique nocturnal wildlife and geological learning.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via the official website (www.hntwzoo.com) or platforms like Ctrip.
- On-Site: Tickets sold daily until 16:30 (subject to availability).
- Prices:
Peak Season (Oct–Apr): ¥150 (adults), ¥75 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (May–Sep): ¥120 (adults), ¥60 (students/seniors).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Transportation
- By Car: 27km from downtown Haikou via Haiyu Midline (G224), 30 minutes drive.
- By Bus: Take the “Tourism Shuttle” from Haikou East Station to the park entrance.
- By Taxi: Approximately ¥80 from downtown; return trips require advance booking.
- Airport: 21km from Haikou Meilan International Airport (planned new district shuttle available post-2025).
Best Time & Tips
- Ideal Time: Morning (9:00–11:00) for active animals; avoid midday heat.
- Weekday Visits: Fewer crowds than weekends.
- Essentials:
- Sunscreen, hat, and reusable water bottle (on-site refill stations available).
- Sturdy shoes for rainforest trails.
- Binoculars for birdwatching.
- Prohibited: Feeding animals, flash photography in indoor exhibits.
- Eco-Tip: Participate in the park’s “Adopt a Tree” program to support reforestation.
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
