Shenzhen Safari Park Complete Guide: Explore China’s First Uncaged Zoo

Located by Xili Lake in Nanshan District, Shenzhen Safari Park is China’s first uncaged zoo and a national 4A-level scenic spot. It has won the title of “Best in China” for its core concept of “restoring animals’ natural habitats”. Covering an area of 620,000 square meters, it houses nearly 10,000 wild animals of over 300 species, including terrestrial, marine and rare national treasure animals. Breaking the shackles of traditional caging, it allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural wild fun along shaded walkways, making it a popular destination for family tours and natural study trips in Shenzhen.

The core exhibition areas are full of highlights with their own characteristics. The 400-meter glass corridor in Beast Valley is a must-visit. Visitors can safely observe beasts such as Siberian tigers and African lions up close, and the unique “Big Cat Passage” allows you to capture the shocking moment of tigers wandering in the air. In Panda Manor, you can not only watch giant pandas eating and being cute lazily, but also get a custom panda commemorative coin for free by participating in the Park’s check-in activities on Xiaohongshu and Douyin. At the Horn of Africa, you can feed giraffes for a fee (20-50 yuan), and get close to Australian cuties in Kangaroo Manor; in Baby Paradise, you may even be surrounded by docile capybaras, full of healing. In Elephant Valley, you can become a temporary keeper to participate in interactions, gain an in-depth understanding of Asian elephants’ habits, and unlock an immersive experience.

Ocean World and various performances add a lot to the Park tour. There are not only classic shows such as dolphins jumping to hit balls and sea lions doing arithmetic, but also thousands of jellyfish swaying with light and shadow in Jellyfish Kingdom, which is a perfect place for taking photos. It should be noted that there is unauthorized sale of live jellyfish in the pavilion, so please consume cautiously. Swan Lake is surrounded by green trees, where black swans and mute swans glide leisurely, making it an ideal place for rest and scenery viewing. All-day animal parades bring constant surprises. On sunny days, a Team composed of flamingos, capybaras, great white pelicans and other animals marches from the circus hall to the panda house, and every random shot is a atmospheric photo. In addition, “Animal Gala”, “Circus Town” and the original children’s play “Qi Ji” are staged in turns, integrating acrobatics, equestrianism and animal shows, though some plays require separate tickets (starting from 68 yuan per person).

Here are practical tips for a worry-free tour. The park is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, easily accessible via Metro Line 7, Xili Lake Station, Exit B. Self-driving visitors can park in the parking lots around the park. The adult ticket is 200 yuan. Recent high school and college entrance exam candidates can enjoy free or 67.8-yuan discounted tickets (advance reservation and valid documents are required). There are often special children’s tickets in summer (as low as 19.9 yuan), so it is recommended to follow official platforms to grab benefits. Animals are more active in the morning, so arrive early. Take a photo of the show schedule upon entry and secure seats 15-20 minutes in advance. Free sightseeing trains and paid electric cars are available in the park to save energy. Consumption in the park is relatively high (e.g., 30 yuan for a shaped watermelon juice), so it is recommended to bring your own water and snacks. Feeding activities must be participated in designated areas for a fee, and feeding self-prepared food is prohibited. Family with kids can sign up for the “Capybara Adventure” study tour, allowing children to learn about animal knowledge through interaction.