Xinjiang Tianshan Wildlife Zoo

Historical Overview

1985: Established as the "Urumqi Botanical and Zoological Garden" with a focus on local flora and fauna.

2005: Relocated and expanded into its current site, becoming the "Xinjiang Tianshan Wildlife Zoo."

2010: Introduced the first captive-bred Przewalski’s horse herd in China.

2018: Partnered with international conservation groups to protect endangered species like the Persian leopard.

2022: Listed as a "Key Wildlife Conservation Base" by the Chinese government.

Structural Layout

The zoo is divided into five thematic zones:

• Desert Safari Zone

Siberian Tiger Enclosure: Open-range habitat with elevated viewing platforms.

Bactrian Camel Trail: Walk-through exhibit with interactive feeding stations.

Golden Eagle Aviary: Flight demonstrations and falconry displays.

• Mountain Forest Zone

Snow Leopard Valley: Glass-enclosed tunnels for up-close encounters.

Red Deer Meadow: Guided tours to observe wild ungulates.

Bear Mountain: Hiking trails with viewing hides for brown bears.

• Grassland Pavilion

Przewalski’s Horse Reserve: 10-hectare savannah with a breeding center.

Wild Yak Pasture: Seasonal migration demonstrations.

Prairie Dog Village: Underground burrow tours for children.

• Bird Paradise

Flamingo Lagoon: 1,500-square-meter wetland with nesting islands.

Owl Forest: Nocturnal house with infrared viewing windows.

Migratory Bird Observatory: Spring/autumn watchtowers for birdwatching.

• Reptile & Amphibian House

Gobi Viper Pit: Temperature-controlled habitats for venomous snakes.

Tortoise Temple: Giant Aldabra tortoises and interactive education zone.

Frog Pond: Indigenous Xinjiang amphibians in a biome exhibit.

• Supporting Structures

Safari Shuttle: Open-air buses for 2-hour guided tours (¥50/person).

Zoo Train: Miniature railway connecting major zones (¥20/ride).

Restaurants: "Nomad’s Kitchen" (mutton skewers, naan) and "Panda Café" (vegetarian options).

Gift Shops: Uyghur-style souvenirs and plush toy animals.

Major Attractions

Snow Leopard Feeding Show: 11 AM and 3 PM daily (weather permitting).

Camel Caravan Ride: 30-minute treks through the desert zone (¥30/person).

Birds of Prey Show: Falconry displays at the Eagle Plaza (10:30 AM and 2:30 PM).

Przewalski’s Horse Breeding Center: Behind-the-scenes tours (¥80, book in advance).

Night Safari: Seasonal evening tours with UV flashlights (June–August, ¥120/person).

Suggested Itineraries

• Half-Day Safari Tour (3–4 hours)

Morning: Safari Shuttle → Snow Leopard Valley → Birds of Prey Show → Lunch at "Nomad’s Kitchen."

Afternoon: Camel Caravan Ride → Prairie Dog Village → Desert Safari Zone exit.

Highlights: Big cats, camel interactions, and bird shows.

• Full-Day Wildlife Adventure (6–8 hours)

Morning: Przewalski’s Horse Tour → Bear Mountain Hike → Red Deer Meadow → Lunch at "Panda Café."

Afternoon: Reptile House → Flamingo Lagoon → Night Safari (if seasonal).

Evening: Dinner at "Tianshan Grill" (roast lamb) and stargazing near the exit.

Highlights: Endangered species, hiking, and nocturnal animals.

• Two-Day Conservation Experience

Day 1:

Morning: Volunteer program (animal enrichment activities) → Snow Leopard Feeding Show.

Afternoon: Bird Paradise Workshop → Camel Caravan Ride → Dinner at "Nomad’s Kitchen."

Evening: Campfire under the stars (book in advance).

Day 2:

Morning: Przewalski’s Horse Breeding Center → Bear Mountain Hike.

Afternoon: Reptile House Behind-the-Scenes Tour → Farewell Safari Shuttle.

Highlights: Hands-on conservation, hiking, and exclusive tours.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via Ctrip or Meituan (up to 14 days in advance; combo tickets with Urumqi Red Hill Park available).

On-Site: Tickets at the main entrance (queues peak 11 AM–2 PM).

• Prices:

Peak Season (May–October): Adults ¥70, Students/Seniors ¥35.

Off-Season (November–April): 50% discount.

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Add-Ons: Safari Shuttle ¥50, Night Safari ¥120.

Transportation

By Subway: Line 1 to Sanwoba Station, then 30-minute taxi (¥40).

By Bus: Route 313 to "Tianshan Zoo Stop."

By Taxi: Direct to the main entrance (¥80 from Urumqi city center).

Departure: Exit via the South Gate to Turpan (1.5-hour drive) or North Gate to Urumqi International Airport (40-minute drive).

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM (tour groups); visit 9–11 AM or 3–5 PM.

Crowds: Weekends and Chinese holidays (e.g., National Day) are packed; weekdays are calmer.

Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for hiking.

• Essentials:

Wear sunscreen and a hat (desert sun can be intense).

Bring a reusable water bottle (refill stations available).

Photography allowed (no flash near nocturnal animals).

Prohibited Items: Outside food (except in picnic zones), drones, and selfie sticks.

Insider Tip: Combine a visit with the nearby Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar (20-minute drive) for Uyghur culture or Heavenly Lake (1.5-hour drive) for alpine scenery.