A man in a wheelchair looks at goldfish at the Hangzhou Zoo on Oct 16. [Photo/WeChat account: westlake_china]

An accessibility experience event took place at the Hangzhou Zoo on Oct 16, local media outlets reported.

People with disabilities and the elderly were able to enjoy the natural beauty, experience the convenience of an accessible scenic spot, and feel the "warmth" of Hangzhou while observing animals.

Founded in 1958, the zoo hosts an average of 2 million visitors annually, with nearly 20 percent being elderly, children, or disabled.

However, the mountainous terrain inside the zoo, characterized by numerous steps, steep slopes, and narrow spaces, posed obstacles for such visitors wanting to see certain animals.

In response, the zoo initiated an accessibility improvement project in March, aiming to create the nation's first mountainous accessible zoo.

The project includes accessible elevators, restrooms, rest areas, and a science popularization tunnel, establishing an accessible visitor route that allows visitors to observe over 75 percent of the animals. Furthermore, thanks to the Xiaomo sign language explanatory videos, visitors with hearing impairments can access sign language explanations of the animals.

As observed by reporters, six gravel roads inside the zoo have been leveled, and a third restroom has been added to the visitor service center. The handrails, basins, and alarm devices in the restroom all comply with accessibility design standards in terms of height and size. Additionally, the Goldfish Hall, while preserving the foundation of its classic Chinese garden style, has added an accessible elevator. The 70-meter marine science tunnel has introduced a tactile guide path, as well as touchable braille and voice explanations.

A wheelchair rider tries an accessible elevator. [Photo/WeChat account: westlake_china]