Perhaps it’s the nautilus shell shape that first intrigues you about the Shanghai Natural History Museum. This is not just any museum. It’s one of China’s largest natural science museums. Let’s step inside.
The Shanghai Natural History Museum moved to this purpose-built site in Jing’an Sculpture Park in 2015. Before that, it was housed in the Shanghai Cotton Exchange Building. The museum was established in 1956. It has quickly become a Shanghai landmark.
Inside the Shanghai Natural History Museum, prepare to be amazed. The museum boasts a collection of over 280,000 specimens. These include 62,000 animal specimens. There are also 135,000 plant specimens. You will also find 700 Stone Age specimens. Finally, the museum displays 1,700 mineral specimens.
Keep an eye out for species rare outside of China. The Shanghai Natural History Museum is home to a Yellow River mammoth. You can also find a giant salamander. A giant panda is also on display. Don’t miss the Yangtze alligator.
One of the most impressive exhibits is a Mamenchisaurus hochuanensis. This dinosaur skeleton is 140 million years old. The skeleton stretches over four stories. It came from Sichuan Province. The Shanghai Natural History Museum also displays two mummies. Several human embryos are also on display.
The Shanghai Natural History Museum isn’t just about observing. It is about learning. The theme is “Nature, Humans, Harmony.” The museum follows three main threads. These are “The Symphony of Evolution”, “The Picture Scroll of Life” and “The Historical Epic of Civilization”.
There are ten permanent displays. They include Mysterious Beginnings and The River of Life. You can also explore Ways of Evolution. Earth Treasures, Colorful Life, and Ecological Diversity also await. Survival Skills, Tied to Earth, and Shanghai Environs are also here. Finally, you can explore Future Pathways.
The building itself is eco-friendly. Its design incorporates green features. These include energy-saving construction. It also features solar energy use. A rainwater collection system is in place. The museum saves up to 240,000 kWh per year.
Over 11,000 specimens and models are displayed. They come from all seven continents. Nearly one thousand specimens are rare species. A walk-in scene recreates the African Savannah. It covers almost 1,500 square meters. “A Meeting Across Space and Time” brings together flora and fauna from past and present.
The Shanghai Natural History Museum uses technology too. There are over 400 visual devices. An online museum system serves the public. About 1,500 scientific drawings showcase the integration of art and science.
Before you leave, consider the museum’s mission. It aims to promote understanding. It wants to educate about the living world. It strives to show the evolving environment. The Shanghai Natural History Museum connects us to nature. It links us to the past. It inspires us for the future.