Shanghai Attractions

Venue: Shanghai Zoological Park    When: Daily

Formerly known as Western Suburb Park, the Shanghai Zoological Park contains roughly 3000 creatures of more than 500 different species. Add that to the 65,000 specimens of 385 different species of plant and you're looking at an extremely impressive collection of wildlife.

Over 200 species have bred their offspring at the zoo and several have founded breeding populations. Some animals' environments appear more comfortable or true to their natural habitats than others. It seems - judging from their website - that the Chinese Alligator (pictured) gets a much better deal than the gorillas and tigers. But there's no denying the range of exotic animals - from the Malayan Sun Bear to the Oriental White Stork.

More unusual for a zoo is the Lotus Pond. This is located behind the orangutan exhibit and you can wander along the secluded banks during the 100 days over summer when the lotus flower blooms, inhaling the plant's invigorating fragrance. Another scenic area to relax in is the Friendship Garden, where visitors from other nations have so far planted over 200 trees. Many of these are famous or precious, such as the Japanese White Pine and Japanese Bald Cypress.