Living
in a tropical country, there are a number of existence that we only see on
books or the television. From these, a
bucket list is formed or the so-called what-to-see-before-you-die enumerations. The snow is a given, but we need to include the polar bears and of
course the giant panda.
Before
the skies turn dark and the zoo closes, we made it to the scenic Chinese garden
featuring varied animals for public viewing in the name of the Beijing Zoo. We only have one goal and that is – to see
the giant panda up close.
As
we entered the Giant Panda Hall, there were less visitors. No shoving and cramped space this time unlike
my first visit. But the giant pandas
were elusive. One was eating bamboo
non-stop while the other one stays at one corner as if contemplating.
The
Giant Panda is native to China and said to be recognized as one of China’s
national treasures and a national symbol.
At the hall, the backdrop mimics lush bushes and bamboo groves, same as
their wild habitat at Southwest China.
Outside the hall, there are pandas playing on their makeshift
playground. Indeed, the Chinese treat
them like children.
As
we move forward after watching the pandas, the Beijing zoo appeared to be a
natural garden. The small hills with
pavilions and halls are surrounded by a small stream and lotus pools that’s nearly
frozen on account of the below zero temperature. The dense grove of trees and grasslands were
refreshing. If only we were not late in
arriving, we could have stayed more and simply loiter.
I
love the winter breeze and the smell of the pine trees that surround.
Dubbed
as the Wansheng Garden in the Qing Dynasty (literally translated as the Garden
of 10,000 animals), it would have been great to see all those animals but the
same is quite impossible for us. We
opted for the most important ones or at least the ones that we see on our way
to the exit. With the exception of the
giant panda, we have no maps and planned itineraries inside the zoo after all.
Beijing
Zoo has rare Chinese animals, that apart from the Giant Panda, it houses the
Sichuan golden monkey, Manchurian tigers, the South China tiger, yaks from
Tibet, arctic fox and a lot more of selection around the world.
I
specifically came to mainland China to experience snow. But to no avail. No snow fall at the Beijing
Zoo. Even without achieving my purpose,
the short winter stroll was all worth it.
Relaxing
and rejuvenating.
Options
to Get There:
· Take
the subway Line 4, take off at Dongwuyuan Station and exit from Exit B;
· Take
either of the following Bus Numbers: 103, 105, 111, 7, 27, 904, 808, 107, and
102
Operating hours and
admission fee vary depending on season.
From April 1 to October 31, it is open from 7:30AM until 6PM at RMB15
and from November 1 to March 31, it is open from 7:30AM until 5PM at RMB10.
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