Beijing Museum of Natural History

Historical Overview

Established in 1951, the museum initially focused on geological specimens before expanding into paleontology. In 1959, it moved to its current site, featuring a Soviet-style main hall. Major milestones include the 1972 discovery of a complete Mamenchisaurus skeleton (one of Asia’s largest dinosaurs) and the 2008 renovation that added 4D cinemas and digital exhibits. Today, it collaborates with institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences to study climate change and biodiversity.

Structural Layout

The museum spans four floors with themed zones:

• Dinosaur Hall: Showcases dinosaur fossils, including Mamenchisaurus and Sinraptor.
• Hall of Paleozoology: Features ancient mammal fossils like Stegodon (giant elephants) and Sivatherium.
• Hall of Botany: Displays rare plant specimens, including Silk Road flora and carnivorous plants.
• Hall of Human Evolution: Traces hominid development from Homo erectus to modern humans.
• 4D Cinema & Temporary Exhibits: Rotating displays on topics like ocean conservation or space exploration.

Major Attractions

Mamenchisaurus Skeleton: A 22-meter-long sauropod fossil, discovered in Sichuan Province (1972).

Blue Whale Model: A life-sized replica of Earth’s largest animal, suspended in the atrium.

Fossil Repair Lab: Watch technicians restore dinosaur bones and ancient artifacts.

Human Evolution Exhibit: Interactive timelines and Neanderthal skull replicas.

4D Cinema: Short films on volcanoes, dinosaurs, and deep-sea exploration (¥30/person).

Butterfly Specimen Gallery: Over 1,000 preserved butterflies from around the world.

Suggested Itineraries

• Quick Dinosaur Tour (1–1.5 hours):

Start at Main Entrance → Dinosaur Hall → Fossil Repair Lab → 4D Cinema (short film) → Exit.

Highlights: Ideal for families; focuses on iconic fossils and interactive films.

• Standard Exploration (2–3 hours):

Begin at Dinosaur Hall → Hall of Paleozoology → Hall of Botany → Human Evolution Exhibit → Temporary Gallery → Exit.

Highlights: Covers major zoological and botanical collections.

• Comprehensive Science Day (3–4 hours):

Main Entrance → Dinosaur Hall → Fossil Lab → Hall of Paleozoology → 4D Cinema (full film) → Human Evolution Exhibit → Botany Hall → Temporary Exhibits → Exit.

Highlights: Includes educational workshops and multimedia experiences.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via the official website or platforms like Ctrip and Meituan (up to 7 days in advance).

On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance; arrive early to avoid queues.

• Prices:

Standard Ticket: ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students/seniors).

4D Cinema Add-On: ¥30 (all visitors).

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Transportation

Subway: Line 8 to Tianqiao Station (Exit C), walk 5 minutes east.

Bus: Routes 2, 7, 20, 35, 110, or 120 to Tianqiao Market Stop.

Taxi: Direct to Beijing Museum of Natural History; 15 minutes from Tiananmen Square.

Parking: Limited on-site parking (¥10/hour).

Best Time & Tips

Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends and holidays (especially summer vacation) are busiest.

Best Seasons: spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) for comfortable indoor exploration.

• Essentials:

Wear comfortable shoes (museum spans four floors).

Bring a notebook for sketching fossils (pencils allowed).

Stay hydrated; vending machines available.

Prohibited: Flash photography, food/drink in exhibit halls, and large bags.

Guided Tours: Free English tours at 10 AM and 2 PM (inquire at entrance).

Special Events: Check for paleontology workshops or temporary exhibitions (e.g., “Dinosaurs of Gobi Desert”).