Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo is located at No.168 Heyan Road, Xuanwu District, northern Nanjing. It is a national AAAA-level scenic spot and China’s only self-funded public welfare zoo, also serving as Jiangsu Wildlife Rescue Center.
Built on three hills — Big Hongshan, Small Hongshan and Fangniu Hill, the park covers 68 hectares with a forest coverage rate of 85%. This mountain-style forest zoo creates near-natural habitats for animals. More than 260 species and over 3,000 animals live here, with star residents including giant pandas, koalas, red pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, gorillas and meerkats.
It has won nationwide praise for its persistent focus on animal welfare. Back in 2011, it became the first zoo in China to fully end animal performances. The zoo features themed exhibition areas such as Gondwana Exhibit, Australia Zone, African Zone and Native Chinese Species Conservation Zone. It carries out wildlife rescue, endangered species breeding and environmental education. Visitors can wander along woodland trails and observe animals in stress-free environments. It is regarded as a heartwarming urban wildlife sanctuary and a famous study-tour destination in eastern China.