Ask an American kid what he knows about China, and you will probably hear about the Great Wall, potstickers and, of course, pandas. The lovable, cuddly image of China’s national mascot makes a visit to the Beijing Zoo quite tempting. So it may seem odd that I would suggest — nay, beg — that you resist that temptation. Despite the abundance of cute pandas, visiting the zoo is a most depressing experience. For most of the animals, a home at the zoo is more like a cell in prison. The cages are surrounded by glass windows, iron bars, or both. There is absolutely none of the “natural habitat” stylings now used by American zoos to make the animals feel at home. In the filthy-smelling Lion and Tiger Hall, if the cats are not lying prostrate and umoving on the floor, they are pacing the front of their cages and calling for food. Seeing animals in that condition is no fun at all, and it is especially depressing to know there is nothing we can do about it. So please — let these panda photos quench your zoo hunger and spend your time in Beijing at another one of its many attractions.
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If you’re determined to see the pandas for yourself, take subway line 2 to Xizhimen station (the northwest corner of the loop). The zoo is a 15-minute walk west of the station along Xizhimenwai Dajie. Entrance to the zoo costs 15 RMB during the summer (10 RMB the rest of the year), plus an extra 5 RMB surcharge if you want to see the pandas.
This is the latest in a series of weekly slideshows spotlighting places I’ve been on my travels, in China and beyond. You can also view this album, along with more photos, at To China and Beyond’s Picasa page.
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