The Taipei Zoo, located in Taipei, Taiwan, is one of the largest zoos in the world. Boasting the largest grounds in Taiwan, it is home to over 400 species of animals, including adorable pandas. There’s also a café where you can experience a jungle atmosphere, making it a popular photo spot. From children to adults, everyone can enjoy the Taipei Zoo. Here’s how to get there and what to see!
1. How to Get There
The easiest way to get to the Taipei Zoo is by public transportation. Take the MRT Wenhu Line (brown line on the map) operated by Taipei and get off at the terminal station, “Zoo.”
From the station, the entrance to the zoo is just a short walk away, making it easy to find. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes from central Taipei.
Name: Taipei Zoo
Address: No. 30, Section 2, Xinguang Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
Official Website: http://www.zoo.gov.taipei/
2. Panda House
A must-see when visiting the zoo is, of course, the pandas. The Panda House is located right next to the shuttle bus stop near the entrance. On busy holidays, numbered tickets may be distributed due to its popularity, so check at the information center upon entry.
Currently, the Panda House is home to three giant pandas: “Tuan Tuan” and “Yuan Yuan,” along with their child “Yuan Zai.” Since they often sleep during the day, you’re lucky if you catch them moving around.
Instead of bars, the Panda House has glass partitions, allowing visitors to see the pandas up close. Please note that flash photography is prohibited. The shop and café inside the Panda House, selling panda-themed goods, are also worth visiting.
3. Koala House
Another popular highlight of the zoo is the Koala House. Located next to the Panda House, it is roofed so you can enjoy your visit even on rainy days. Since koalas are nocturnal, they tend to sleep during the day and often remain still on the trees.
If you happen to see a koala moving or eating, consider yourself lucky. Like the Panda House, the Koala House has glass enclosures, so you can admire these adorable animals up close.
4. Penguin House
Source: Surachet Jo / Shutterstock
After getting off the shuttle bus at Bird World Station, you will find the Penguin House. The interior, designed with an icy theme, is dimly lit and resembles Antarctica or South Africa. Inside, a huge glass-enclosed land area offers a full view of adorable penguins. Outside the building, there is a pool where the penguins can swim, allowing you to observe them underwater as well.
The Penguin House also features numerous informative displays detailing the types of penguins and their ecosystems. Learning about them beforehand makes the experience even more enjoyable. There is also a shop inside offering a wide variety of penguin-themed goods. Such a large-scale penguin area is rare, making it one of the unique attractions of the spacious Taipei Zoo.
5. Other Recommended Areas
With over 400 animal species in the Taipei Zoo, it might be difficult to see everything in one day. For that reason, it’s best to narrow down the areas you want to visit and observe them in detail.
Inside the zoo, shuttle buses decorated with animal illustrations (paid for adults) run through the grounds. Since the area is about twice the size of Tokyo Disneyland, using the shuttle bus will help you tour efficiently.
◆ African Animal Area
This is where you can see some of the zoo’s star attractions—lions, giraffes, elephants, and more. The lush, open-air exhibits recreate the feeling of being in the African savannah, allowing you to experience nature in its grandeur.
The dynamic presence of the animals and the sight of them living freely are among the highlights of visiting the zoo.
◆ Taiwan Animal Area
This area showcases animals unique to Taiwan. Here you can see species you may have never encountered before, such as the Formosan sambar deer, Formosan black bear, and Formosan macaque. It’s a spot you won’t want to miss when visiting the Taipei Zoo.
Since it’s located near the Koala House, it’s recommended to visit this area while you’re in the vicinity to see the pandas and koalas.
6. Cafés and Restaurants in the Zoo
The Taipei Zoo has unique cafés that are worth a stop. On the second floor of the Panda House, there’s a café where you can enjoy your meal while watching the pandas.
The interior is designed to evoke a forest atmosphere, featuring panda plushies on the sofas and a giant giraffe sculpture. Since it offers prime panda-viewing seats, it gets very crowded on weekends and holidays. It’s especially popular with children, so if you want to enjoy the café at a leisurely pace, weekdays are recommended.
Elsewhere in the zoo, there are around ten other eateries offering quick bites, including Taiwanese specialties like beef noodle soup and bubble milk tea.
◎ Popular Souvenirs
The most popular souvenirs are, of course, panda goods. These range from plush toys in various sizes to magnets, postcards, masking tapes, and other items you can’t find in other places. Additionally, you can find various animal-themed goods featuring other zoo inhabitants, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect souvenir.