All about the Red Pandas in Shanghai.
Getting there.
To be honest, the wild animal park is SO DANG FAR from the city centre. Expect to drive an hour or more to get here. You can theoretically take metro, but I highly suggest against it. You’ll have to transfer at some point and also the last stretch will still require either a bus or Didi, so you might as well go comfortably. My suggestion: pair this trip with other experiences, such as the planetarium or the EXPO park. It’s also doable as layover if you want, but just keep in mind the distance. It’s in the middle of nowhere basically.
Things to know.
Tickets.
You can buy tickets online on platforms such as Trip.com, or you can buy tickets in person (there is a “shack” on the right hand side of the entrance). I paid ~$30 USD (190 CNY). Bring your passport just in case, as always in whenever you're in China!
Walking to the red pandas.
Okay excuse my terrible drawing, but you once you enter, keep going straight until you hit a T-intersection. Take the left past the flamingos and exotic birds, then go around the corner on the right (towards the lake). On the right, you’ll see a sign for the red pandas, and go straight. The walk takes about 10 minutes in total.
When to go.
I’ve been twice actually, and my suggestion is to go 30 minutes or more before the feeding starts, usually at 12PM. I’d suggest going off season, cause it can get very busy. Avoid weekends and holidays, and in the summer, it can get very hot.
Once you’re there.
You’ll most likely be in line for a bit, as they let in a handful of people at a time in batches. Before entry, you’ll need to pay an additional fee for the feeding, about $5 USD (30 CNY). They’ll come around with a machine to take payment, and then they’ll give you a token to exchange for the apples to feed at the gate. Each group gets 5 minutes or so with the pandas, and you can line up and go again if you want more time.
The experience.
This was one of my Shanghai highlights. They are SO cute, and they are very friendly. They just chill and eat apples. If you put the skewer a little high, they’ll STAND UP and grab it and eat it on its hind legs, it’s so weird!
You’re not allowed to touch them for their/your safety, but they may come close to you and touch you, so just be aware. To keep them safe, you’ll also need to sanitize your hands, and there’s a shoe washer to make sure you’re not bringing in any diseases.
One of the concerns that most people may have is how the red pandas are treated. Based on what I’ve seen, they are as wild as they can be, within a zoo. They are not caged, and they are free to roam the park. There are no barriers, and they don’t like distressed at all. The portions are also controlled so they aren’t overfed, and they are even given ice blocks and mist to keep them cool during the summer. I’m not an animal expert, but from my experience, it seems quite ethical, and a great experience, especially for kids to learn about animals and develop a passion for them.
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