The Main Gate is the primary entrance, while Zoo South Station on the MRT Brown Line offers easy access for metro travelers.
Plan your visit to Taipei Zoo | Key zones, animals, & more
Taipei Zoo is one of Asia’s largest urban zoos, with themed zones, a gondola connection to Maokong, and interactive exhibits for all ages. With its vast layout and popular animal areas, planning your visit helps you cover the must-see zones without missing key highlights.
Navigating your way
Enter through the main gate or the Zoo South Station
Download the Taipei Zoo map
Use the official zoo map (available online and at the entrance) to locate animal zones, rest areas, and food outlets across the large park.
Know your ticket type
Standard entry tickets are valid for the day. Combo tickets with the Maokong Gondola may affect your route planning and timing.
Plan major zones early
Visit high-demand areas like the Giant Panda House, Formosan Animal Area, and African Animal Area early to avoid crowds and animal downtime.
How to make the most of your time
| Visit type | Duration | Route | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
Snapshot visit | 2–3 hours | Main Gate → Panda House → Children’s Zoo → Formosan Animal Area | A highlights-focused visit covering giant pandas, interactive family zones, and Taiwan’s native wildlife exhibits. |
Explorer visit | 4–6 hours | Partial loop through African, Asian, and Australian Animal Areas + themed exhibits | Covers most major zones, key animal habitats, and interactive exhibits, at a relaxed pace. |
Full-day discovery | 6–8 hours | Full park circuit including all animal areas, gondola connection, and rest stops | Complete Taipei Zoo experience with all zones, educational exhibits, photo opportunities, and leisure time. |
Handy tips
- Start with popular animal areas: Head to the Giant Panda House, Formosan Animal Area, and African Animal Area early in the day, when animals are most active and crowds are lighter.
- Check feeding times & talks: Educational talks and feeding sessions follow set schedules—arrive 10–15 minutes early to secure good viewing spots.
- Use the official zoo map: Download or collect the Taipei Zoo map to navigate the large grounds, locate rest areas, food outlets, and shuttle stops, and plan your route efficiently.
- Use the zoo shuttle train strategically: Taipei Zoo is large and hilly in parts. Use the internal shuttle train to cover long distances quickly and walk downhill to save time and energy.
- Combine with Maokong Gondola smartly: If you’re pairing your visit with the Maokong Gondola, plan the gondola ride either early morning or late afternoon to avoid long queues and midday heat.
- Check animal activity patterns: Animals are typically more active in the morning and cooler hours. Midday can mean more resting and fewer sightings.
- Plan exit timing: If returning via MRT or gondola, leave before peak evening hours to avoid crowd surges at Zoo Station and Maokong Gondola stations.
Explore Taipei Zoo
Inside Taipei Zoo, you’ll find one of Asia’s largest urban zoological parks, with themed animal zones, indoor houses, and a gondola connection to Maokong. Each area showcases wildlife from different continents and ecosystems.
Giant Panda House
Meet Taiwan’s most famous residents in a climate-controlled habitat.
What to look out for
- Giant pandas: Watch pandas eating, playing, and resting in indoor and outdoor enclosures.
- Interpretive exhibits: Learn about panda conservation and breeding programs.
- Observation decks: Indoor viewing areas with large glass panels for close-up sightings.
Formosan Animal Area
See native wildlife unique to Taiwan.
What to look out for
- Formosan black bear: Taiwan’s iconic native bear species.
- Formosan sika deer & other endemic species: Animals adapted to Taiwan’s forests and mountains.
- Forest-style habitats: Landscaped enclosures mimicking Taiwan’s natural ecosystems.
African Animal Area
Experience a safari-style zone with iconic African wildlife.
What to look out for
- Giraffes and zebras: Open savanna-style enclosures with panoramic viewing areas.
- Lions and other carnivores: Large predator habitats with elevated viewpoints.
- Savanna landscapes: Wide-open habitats designed to replicate African grasslands.
Children’s Zoo
A family-friendly area designed for young visitors.
What to look out for
- Small mammals and farm animals: Interactive and educational exhibits for kids.
- Learning zones: Hands-on displays about animals and nature.
- Open play spaces: Areas designed for exploration and family breaks.
Taipei Zoo timings & best time to visit
| Attraction | Day | Timings | Last entry | Closed on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Taipei Zoo (full park) | Mon–Sun | 9am–5pm | 4pm | Open year-round; some indoor exhibits may close on rotation for maintenance |
Best time to visit
Weekday vs weekend
Weekdays (Monday to Thursday) are ideal for a quieter experience with fewer crowds and better animal visibility. Fridays tend to be moderately busy, while weekends and public holidays see the highest visitor numbers, especially at the Giant Panda House and Children’s Zoo.
and Children’s Zoo. Peak vs low season
Peak season includes summer months, school holidays, and major Taiwanese festivals, when crowds are larger and outdoor areas can feel busy. Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) offer cooler temperatures, active animals, and more comfortable crowd levels, making them the best times to visit.
Where is Taipei Zoo located?
Taipei Zoo is located in Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan. It is one of Asia’s largest urban zoos and sits at the foothills of the Maokong hills, with direct access to the Maokong Gondola and Taipei Metro system.
Address: No. 30, Section 2, Xinguang Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City 116, Taiwan. Find on Map.
Closest landmark: Taipei Zoo MRT Station (Brown Line), located at the zoo’s main entrance.
Getting there
By metro
Duration: 20–30 minutes from central Taipei
Take the Taipei Metro Brown Line (Wenhu Line) to Taipei Zoo Station. Exit directly outside the Main Gate entrance and follow signage into the zoo.
Duration: 30–50 minutes depending on traffic
Several city buses stop near Taipei Zoo:
- Bus 237, 295, 611, 679, 793, BR9: Stops at Taipei Zoo Station or Xinguang Road stops (2–5 minutes’ walk).
- Shuttle buses and feeder routes: Connect nearby districts and Maokong Gondola stations.
Duration: 15–30 minutes from central Taipei
Taxis and ride-hailing services drop visitors directly at the Main Gate entrance. Allow extra time during weekends and holidays due to traffic near the zoo.
Parking is available at Taipei Zoo parking lots near the Main Gate and Zoo South Station. Paid parking applies; follow signage for entry and designated zones.
Facilities
- Restrooms: Clean and well-maintained toilets located across outdoor zones and indoor exhibit houses.
- Food & dining: Snack kiosks are available throughout the zoo. Picnic areas are also available in designated zones.
- Lockers: Storage lockers are available near major entrances for personal items.
- Gift shops: Souvenir shops are located near the Main Gate and key visitor areas.
- Park maps: Printed maps and digital guides are available to help visitors navigate the large zoo grounds.
Accessibility
Wheelchair & stroller-friendly paths
Wide paved pathways and ramps make most areas accessible. Elevators and step-free routes are available in key sections of the zoo.
Accessible restrooms & baby facilities
Barrier-free toilets and baby-changing facilities are available across the park. Nursing rooms are also provided for families with infants.
Mobility assistance & rentals
Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent at visitor service counters (limited availability). Staff can assist with directions and route planning.
Support for elderly & special needs visitors
Clear signage, maps, and seating areas help visitors with mobility needs. Assistance can be requested at information counters.
Visiting with family
- Baby care & family services: Nursing rooms, family restrooms, and diaper-changing facilities are available across the zoo. Wide, stroller-friendly pathways make it easy to explore with young children.
- Stroller & wheelchair rentals: Strollers and wheelchairs can be rented at visitor service counters near the entrances (limited availability).
- Kid-friendly dining: Food kiosks across the zoo offer casual meals and snacks, with seating areas suitable for families.
- Play & rest areas: Shaded seating areas, benches, and open green spaces provide spots for kids to rest or take breaks during the visit.
- Family-friendly exhibits: Interactive zones like the Children’s Zoo and educational displays offer engaging experiences for kids and parents alike.
Rules & regulations
- Security & bag checks: All visitors and bags may be subject to inspection at the entrance. Items that pose safety risks can be refused entry.
- Prohibited items: No pets (except guide dogs), hazardous items, fireworks, weapons, or items that may disturb animals. Drones and loud sound devices are generally not permitted.
- Guest conduct: Feeding, teasing, or disturbing animals is strictly prohibited. Climbing fences, entering restricted areas, or damaging facilities is not allowed.
- Photography & filming: Personal photography is allowed. Flash photography and professional filming equipment may be restricted in certain indoor exhibits.
- Smoking & alcohol: Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Alcohol consumption and littering are prohibited within the zoo grounds.
- Strollers & mobility devices: Strollers and mobility aids are permitted on most paths. Visitors must follow designated routes and signage for safety.
- Service animals: Certified guide dogs are allowed in public areas, but may be restricted near certain animal exhibits for safety and animal welfare.
- Food & drink: Outside food may be restricted in some areas; picnicking is allowed only in designated zones. Follow posted signage and staff instructions.
Where to shop
Panda Shop
- Area Giant Panda Hall
- What to find: Panda-themed plush toys, stationery, bags, apparel, and exclusive Taipei Zoo panda souvenirs inspired by the famous giant pandas.
Zoo Store (Main Gift Shop)
- Area: Entrance Area (near the Main Gate)
- What to find: Zoo-branded souvenirs, animal plush toys, stationery, apparel, and eco-friendly merchandise.
Penguin Shop
- Area: Penguin House (Penguin Exhibit Area)
- What to find: Penguin-themed merchandise, plush toys, postcards, and exclusive cold-region animal souvenirs.
Jingmei Night Market
- District: Wenshan District
- What to find: Street food stalls, snacks, casual clothing, accessories, and affordable local souvenirs.
Muzha Market
- District: Wenshan District
- What to find: Traditional Taiwanese market goods, local snacks, fresh produce, and small everyday souvenirs.
Where to eat
Jingmei Night Market Food Street
- District: Jingmei Night Market (Wenshan District)
- What to eat: Taiwanese street food classics like fried chicken, oyster omelettes, stinky tofu, and desserts.
McDonald’s
- District: Wenshan District (inside Taipei Zoo)
- What to eat: Burgers, fries, kids’ meals, coffee, and quick snacks for a fast and budget-friendly meal.
Panda Restaurant
- District: Wenshan District (inside Taipei Zoo)
- What to eat: Asian dishes, set meals, light snacks, and drinks with panda-themed dining vibes.
Le Lee Brother’s No. 44 Bistro
- District: Wenshan District (near Taipei Zoo entrance)
- What to eat: Taiwanese and Western fusion dishes, lunch sets, and casual dining plates.
Juicy Bun Burger (Zhengda Branch)
- District: Wenshan District (near National Chengchi University)
- What to eat: American-style burgers, fries, and casual comfort food for a hearty post-zoo meal.
Where to stay
Grand Hyatt Taipei (15-minute drive)
Luxury hotel in Taipei’s Xinyi District offering spacious rooms, skyline views, and premium dining. Ideal for families and travellers combining Taipei Zoo with Taipei 101 and shopping malls.
Humble House Taipei (12-minute drive)
Stylish upscale hotel with modern rooms, rooftop pool, and city views. A great choice for couples and travellers looking for a design-forward stay near major Taipei attractions.
Madison Taipei (15-minute drive)
Boutique luxury hotel with elegant interiors, personalised service, and a quiet neighbourhood setting. Perfect for travellers who prefer a refined, calm stay.
Éclat Hotel Taipei (18-minute drive)
Art-inspired luxury hotel featuring unique interiors, high-end amenities, and personalised concierge service. Popular with luxury travellers and art lovers.
amba Taipei Songshan (10-minute drive)
Mid-range lifestyle hotel connected to Songshan Cultural Park, offering stylish rooms and easy access to transport and city attractions. Great for young travellers and families.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Taipei Zoo
Taipei Zoo is typically open daily from 9am to 5pm, with last entry around 4pm. Hours may vary slightly by season or during public holidays.
Most visitors spend 4 to 6 hours exploring Taipei Zoo. If you want to see all themed zones, attend animal shows, and use the Maokong Gondola, plan for a full day.
Taipei Zoo is located in the Wenshan District of Taipei, near the Maokong Gondola station and accessible via the Taipei Metro (MRT) Brown Line to Taipei Zoo Station.
Yes, Taipei Zoo is very family-friendly, with wide walking paths, stroller-friendly routes, themed animal zones, playgrounds, and educational exhibits for children.
Taipei Zoo is home to over 300 animal species, including giant pandas, Formosan black bears, koalas, elephants, giraffes, penguins, and many native Taiwanese wildlife species.
Yes, Taipei Zoo has multiple cafés, snack kiosks, and restaurants located throughout the park, offering Taiwanese and international food options. Visitors can also bring light snacks and water.
Visitors are generally allowed to bring personal food and non-alcoholic drinks, but feeding animals is strictly prohibited. Large picnic setups may be restricted in certain areas.
Yes, Taipei Zoo is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, with ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and rental services available at the entrance.
The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when animals are most active and crowds are lighter. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.
Key zones include the Formosan Animal Area, Asian Tropical Rainforest Area, African Animal Area, Desert Animal Area, Australian Animal Area, Penguin House, and Giant Panda House.
Yes, the Maokong Gondola station is located right next to Taipei Zoo, making it easy to combine both attractions in one day.
Take the Taipei Metro Brown Line (Wenhu Line) to Taipei Zoo Station. The zoo entrance is a short walk from the station. Buses and taxis are also widely available.
