The Jinan Zoo and Botanical Garden in the western part of the city is a combined park that has been expanded over the decades into one of the larger green spaces in the city center. The botanical section has a reasonable collection of northern Chinese flora and a greenhouse for tropical plants; the zoo houses the usual range of Chinese zoo animals including giant pandas, which remain the main draw for domestic visitors.
The park is most useful as a half-day green retreat within the city, particularly in spring when the gardens are at their best. Families with children will find more entertainment here than at the more historically oriented spring parks; admission is ¥30 for adults.