Shenzhen Safari Park is by the shore of Xili Lake in Nanshan District, covering more than 600,000 square metres. It is Shenzhen's oldest zoo and the one most visitors to Shenzhen take their kids to: the park is home to over 300 species and nearly 10,000 wild animals. You can ride a feeding vehicle into the predator zone to feed tigers and lions up close, and there are also large-scale animal shows and a circus. Below is everything on transport, tickets and how to plan your visit.
Getting there (direct by metro, no transfers)
Address: 4086 Xilihu Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (east side of Xili Lake).
Metro: Shenzhen Metro Line 7, Xilihu Station, Exit B — about a 4–5 minute walk to the zoo entrance. This is the easiest way: no transfers, no long walks.
From Hong Kong: Cross at Lo Wu / Futian Checkpoint, then transfer to Line 7 straight to Xilihu Station. If you cross at Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint, you can take a taxi or bus, roughly 20–30 minutes.
Tickets and discounts
- Adult tickets are mid-range for a zoo, and Hong Kong and Macau residents can get discounts by booking through travel platforms, with prices from as low as HK$128 (≈¥110) at times;
- Buying through platforms such as Klook and Trip.com is usually cheaper than buying on site, and you can enter directly with an e-ticket;
- Children under 1.2 metres tall generally go free (subject to official announcements);
- Tickets do not cover every experience — the feeding vehicle and some shows cost extra.
⚠️ Prices, opening hours and show times are adjusted from time to time, so it is best to double-check on official channels or travel platforms before you set off.
Top 3 things to do in the park
- Predator Valley feeding vehicle: the park's most famous attraction — board a caged vehicle into the predator zone and feed tigers, lions and black bears through the mesh. It is the most exciting part for kids. Places are limited, so it is best to queue first thing after entering or buy tickets in advance.
- Animal Spectacular show: a large-scale animal show with fixed time slots. Check the timetable before entering and plan your route around it.
- Close-up feeding in the herbivore zone: you can hand-feed giraffes, alpacas and kangaroos, usually with feed bought separately.
Practical tips
- Wear trainers: the park covers 600,000 square metres and you will be walking all day. A stroller makes things more comfortable (there are slopes and stairs in the park).
- Bring a hat and sun protection: most areas are open-air and very sunny in summer; bring rain gear if it rains.
- Arrive early: aim to get there at opening time, do the feeding vehicle and shows first, then wander the herbivore zone in the afternoon.
- Bring your own water and snacks: there is food in the park but it is on the pricey side and the choice is limited.
- Go on a weekday: weekends and holidays are very crowded, and the queue for the feeding vehicle can take twice as long.
Quick transport guide from three checkpoints
- Futian Checkpoint (Futian Checkpoint Station, Line 4): one stop to Fumin Station, transfer to Line 7, straight to Xilihu Station Exit B — only one transfer the whole way, about 45 minutes, the smoothest route.
- Lo Wu Checkpoint (Lo Wu Station, Line 1): take Line 1 towards Airport East, transfer to Line 7 at Chegongmiao Station, get off at Xilihu Station Exit B, about 50 minutes.
- Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint (Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint Station, Line 13): transfer into Nanshan then onto Line 7, about 40–50 minutes; with kids and a stroller, it is easier to call a car, roughly 20–30 minutes, and you are dropped at the main gate.
Comparing the three: Futian Checkpoint is the smoothest (one transfer); Lo Wu Checkpoint is the simplest route but a longer ride; Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint is most comfortable by car.
Add-on nearby: the Xili area
- Shenzhen University Town (Xili, Nanshan District; University Town Station, Metro Line 5): lots of greenery, a lake and a library — a good place for a stroll and to cool off after the zoo.
- Tanglang Mountain Country Park (Tanglang Station, Metro Line 7): a free hiking route with views of Shenzhen Bay from the summit, suitable for older kids.
- MixC World (Shennan Boulevard, Nanshan District; Hi-Tech Park Station, Metro Line 1): a large mall, the handiest place to eat, shop or shelter from the rain after the zoo.
Sample one-day itinerary
Family day out: set off from the checkpoint in the morning → Line 7 to Xilihu Station → check the show timetable first thing after entering → feeding vehicle → feed giraffes in the herbivore zone → lunch → explore other exhibits in the afternoon → head back to Hong Kong at dusk.
If you have time to spare, add the Xili Lake area on the way, or return to the city centre for shopping and dinner.
FAQ
Can I bring a stroller in?
Yes. The main paths in the park are flat, but some areas have stairs, so a lightweight folding stroller is recommended.
Do I need a separate ticket for the feeding vehicle?
Yes. It is not included in the entrance ticket; you usually buy a ticket or queue after entering. In peak season, go early.
How many hours should I allow?
Allow 4–6 hours; if you want to catch all the shows, set aside a full day.
Is there an evening session?
The park's official website has a "Night Exploration of the Magical Zoo" event page. It is an experience booked separately with its own ticket, and dates and charges are subject to official announcements.
Does the ticket cover everything?
No. The ticket only covers entry; the feeding vehicle, some shows, the sightseeing bus and animal feed generally cost extra, so budget for them.
Rain / extreme heat backup plans
- Rain: the park has indoor halls (the jellyfish hall, Ocean World, the amphibian and reptile house) to shelter in, but the feeding vehicle and outdoor animal shows are mostly suspended or rescheduled.
- Extreme heat: do outdoor areas between 09:00–11:00 and after 16:00, and stay in the indoor halls or dining areas at midday to cool down.
- Want to change the date: online tickets usually have a designated entry date, so check the platform's rescheduling and refund rules before it rains.
- Bringing elderly visitors: the park has a sightseeing bus (extra charge) and wheelchair rental; if walking far is a problem, a sightseeing bus ticket makes things much easier.
Park zones and suggested route
The zoo is roughly divided into several zones: the ride-through safari area (where the Predator Valley feeding vehicle runs), the walking area (herbivores, kangaroos, alpacas, giraffes), the show area (large shows such as the Animal Spectacular) and the amusement / dining area.
Suggested route: enter → ride-through safari area (feeding vehicle) → show area (according to show times) → lunch → walking area → amusement area → exit. This order works because the feeding vehicle and shows take the most time and are the most popular, so getting them done early leaves the afternoon free and easy.
The park has a sightseeing bus (extra charge); if you are with elderly visitors or children who cannot walk far, a sightseeing bus ticket saves a lot of legwork.
Food and facilities in the park
There are several fast-food outlets and snack kiosks in the park, mainly near the entrance and the show area. Prices are higher than outside, and many families bring bread, fruit and water with them. Toilets are fairly evenly spread out, and the baby-care room is near the service centre at the entrance. The park also has lockers and wheelchair / stroller rental, which require ID registration; numbers are limited, so first come, first served.
Tickets and opening hours (2026 reference)
| Ticket type | Price (RMB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (full price) | ¥240 | Online advance purchase about ¥189–199 |
| Child | ¥140 | 1.2–1.5 metres tall |
| Senior | ¥140 | Age 65–69 (with ID) |
| Teenager / full-time student | ¥190 | With student ID (postgraduate and adult education excluded) |
| Free entry | Free | Children under 1.2 metres, seniors aged 70 and over |
Opening hours: 09:30–18:00 (last entry 17:00). There are also discounts such as afternoon tickets.
One paying adult may bring one free child under 1.2 metres. The above comes from the zoo's official website (szzoo.net) and ticketing platforms; prices and offers are adjusted often, so verify on the official website or platform before you go.
Checkpoint transport quick guide (supplement)
Futian Checkpoint: one stop on Line 4 to Fumin Station, transfer to Line 7, straight to Xilihu Station Exit B — only one transfer, about 45 minutes. Lo Wu Checkpoint: Line 1 to Chegongmiao Station, transfer to Line 7, about 50 minutes. Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint: Line 13 into Nanshan then transfer to Line 7, or call a car for about 20–30 minutes and be dropped at the main gate.
Evening session and in-park services
The park's official website has a separate "Night Exploration of the Magical Zoo" event page; it is an experience booked separately with its own ticket, and dates and charges are subject to official announcements. The park has a sightseeing bus (extra charge), lockers and wheelchair / stroller rental, which require ID registration and are limited in number. Food is concentrated near the entrance and the show area and is pricier than outside, so many families bring bread, fruit and water; toilets and baby-care rooms are fairly evenly spread out.
On transport, note that the last train on Metro Line 7 is earlier than on city-centre lines. If you plan to stay until closing time, allow time for a taxi or leave early; getting a car in the Xili Lake area at night also takes a while.
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