Dalian Wald-Zoo Haida-Seilbahn

The Haida Ropeway (Haida Suodao) is the scenic cable car that connects the two main zones of the Dalian Forest Zoo, carrying visitors above the forested slopes of the Baiyun Mountain area between the free-range zone and the enclosed zone. The zoo, set in the hills along Dalian's southern coast, is one of the largest urban zoos in northeast China, and the ropeway is both the most practical way to move between its two halves and one of the most scenic rides in the city.

The cable car route climbs over a series of ridges and gullies, with views that open onto the sea, the wooded hillsides, and the animal enclosures below. On a clear day, the panorama stretches from the southern coastline of the Dalian peninsula out across the Yellow Sea, and the bird's-eye perspective on the zoo grounds reveals the careful landscaping that has gone into the free-range enclosures. The ride itself takes only a few minutes in each direction, but the views make it one of the highlights of a zoo visit.

For visitors to the Forest Zoo, the ropeway is more than transport — it is part of the experience. Most one-day zoo itineraries use the cable car to link the two zones, allowing them to see both without retracing their steps on foot. The ride also provides a natural rest point in a day that involves a lot of walking, and the upper station has viewpoints and food service that make it a good place for a midday break.

Practical information: the Haida Ropeway operates during zoo hours, with occasional closures for maintenance or weather. Separate tickets are usually required, on top of zoo admission. Lines build up during the late morning and early afternoon, particularly on weekends and holidays, so riding early or later in the day tends to be smoother. The cable car is a separate experience from the Sea-Crossing Ropeway elsewhere in Dalian, and visitors should confirm which ride is included with their ticket before queuing.