Although the first snowfall of the year has yet to arrive, Tianjin Zoo has already rolled out a snowy “welcome.” On December 24, 2024, the zoo opened its first-ever Ice and Snow Wonderland, allowing visitors to enjoy snow-themed activities and interact closely with animals during their visit. The playgrounds of giant pandas “Xi Le” and “Ge Ge” were also covered with a thick layer of artificial snow, giving the playful pandas plenty of room to enjoy the winter fun.

Entering the zoo through the North Gate and walking a few hundred meters, visitors are greeted by a spacious Ice and Snow Wonderland. Snow activities such as snowball tossing and fun skiing add a splash of color to the zoo. “This Ice and Snow Wonderland was originally a 4,500-square-meter backup nursery. Based on the winter weather, we’ve made flexible adjustments to make better use of the space, hoping to enrich visitors’ experience by allowing them to enjoy both animals and snow activities,” said Liu Qingyu, the deputy director of Tianjin Zoo.
Unlike traditional snow play areas, this ice and snow park creatively incorporates animal elements, transforming it into an interactive experience zone. Visitors can get up close with small animals like rabbits, alpacas, and lambs, take photos, and even buy feed on-site to feed them.

The zoo’s giant pandas, “Xi Le” and “Ge Ge,” were also among the first to enjoy the snow. The zoo specially purchased snow-making equipment to enhance the pandas’ outdoor experience. In the morning, the zoo staff spread a thick layer of artificial snow outside the panda house. At around 9 a.m., the pandas appeared in the snow. The 21-year-old “Ge Ge” seemed especially excited, playing in the snow, rolling around, and climbing trees. The younger “Xi Le,” who loves climbing and “destroying homes,” was even more enthusiastic, diving into the snow and attracting a crowd of visitors eager to snap photos.
“Pandas prefer cold weather and are sensitive to heat. In their natural habitat, they have snow and bamboo forests. As winter arrives, we try to replicate their natural environment as much as possible by using artificial snow, so they can enjoy a happy and playful life here in Tianjin,” explained the panda keeper.
It is also reported that during the Chinese New Year, the zoo plans to host a traditional market with folk performances and special snacks. Visitors can look forward to an animal-themed float parade, which will take place in two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, bringing an exciting and playful animal world to the visitors.