Nanjing Family Fun｜Which Hotel is So Luxurious to Have Its Own Petting Zoo, Even with Crocodiles?

Bringing the kids to Gaochun, Nanjing, we struck gold with this hidden gem—Kaiyuan Hotel! We stayed in a standard Yanyu Lake room outside the scenic area, with a balcony overlooking Gucheng Lake. Open the window to serene blue waters and lush tree shadows🌳. The hotel has a direct internal path to the petting zoo, accessible by shuttle or a short walk. A hotel with its own petting zoo? Absolutely lavish—a real-life "Zootopia" for family fun! There’s also a playground (extra fee), but just the hotel stay + petting zoo kept us entertained. 🌊 **Yanyu Lake View Room: A Living Painting** The room was a delightful surprise! The floor-to-ceiling windows in the standard room framed the Yanyu Lake perfectly, with reflections of blue water, green trees, and sky—like living inside an ink painting🎨. Thoughtful amenities included spacious twin beds, family-friendly supplies, and a huge round bathtub🛁 big enough for a swim. 🦝 **Petting Zoo: Heartwarming Animal Encounters** The hotel’s petting zoo is a kids’ paradise! Meerkats stood in rows like "sentries," prairie dogs peeked out adorably, and there were crocodiles🐊, pigs, alpacas, ostriches, and sheep🐏. Buy a feed pack to start interactive fun—feed and pet the animals up close. Unlike crowded zoos, here you can practically have the place to yourself! A wholesome and fun "animal social" experience🐾. 🍽️ **Chun Restaurant: A Happy Lunch** Too lazy to go out? Dine at the hotel’s Chun Restaurant! We ordered multiple dishes, each a hit—like a "luxury platter" with meatballs, fish balls, egg dumplings, and prawns, all fresh with mouthwatering broth. Light meatball soup and flavorful tofu stew made for a refined yet satisfying meal with the kids. Window seats added scenic views, elevating the dining vibe🍱. 🏞️ **Nearby Activities: Immersive Nature Strolls** Walk from the hotel to Gucheng Bay Scenic Area, where waterside paths and elegant architecture make for relaxed family walks. Explore Gaochun Old Street for local charm🎏. Or stay lazy at the hotel—the outdoor pool opens in summer for splashy fun! This stay at Gaochun Kaiyuan was the ultimate "chill vibes" family getaway near Nanjing! With healing lake views, playful pets, and delicious dining, it’s a perfect blend of relaxation and nature immersion. We’ll be back for more joy🌿.