By Yao Xueqing, People’s Daily
Nanjing’s Hongshan Forest Zoo is breaking traditional boundaries by merging conservation with culture, creativity, and commerce. Once a typical zoo, it’s now a hotspot for tourism, events, and immersive learning—drawing nearly 8 million visitors last year.
Far from conventional, this zoo hosts fashion shows and product launches alongside animal exhibits. Recently, tourists watched a chic runway show right amid the giraffes, marveling at the unexpected fusion.
According to director Shen Zhijun, the aim is to reimagine what a zoo can be. Initiatives like the “Day & Night Camp” offer guests a chance to observe nocturnal animal behavior under expert guidance—without disturbing their natural routines. From watching wolves communicate to witnessing red pandas snoozing in treetops, visitors become respectful observers in the animals’ world.
Animal-friendly design is central. No staged feeding or performances occur here. Visitors sip coffee while flamingos roam outside and buy over 1,000 creative zoo-themed souvenirs, like otter toys and panda keychains.
This transformation has sparked economic ripples. Hotel rates near the zoo rival downtown prices. Local dishes such as salted duck and duck blood noodles are rising on food rankings, thanks to increased footfall.
Crucially, the zoo’s brand has expanded beyond its gates. Partnering with over 50 businesses, it co-creates themed experiences across Nanjing’s commercial areas. Hongshan’s collaboration with shopping malls includes interactive exhibits and tech-integrated merchandise, deepening urban engagement.
About half the zoo’s visitors come from outside Jiangsu province, highlighting its national pull. As Nanjing fosters consumer-driven city branding, Hongshan Forest Zoo stands at the center of a vibrant cultural and ecological movement—proving that a modern zoo can be fun, ethical, and economically impactful.
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