1. Overview
The Chengdu Natural History Museum (成都自然博物馆), a joint project by the Chengdu government and Chengdu University of Technology, spans 50,520㎡ with 17,005㎡ of exhibition space. Opened in November 2022, it houses 70,000+ specimens across six themed halls, merging cutting-edge technology with Sichuan’s geological heritage. Its architecture, inspired by Sichuan’s mountains and rivers, features granite walls resembling a "starry sky" at night.
2. Historical Significance
- Origins: Evolved from Chengdu University of Technology’s 1960s geological collection, later expanded into a public museum in 2022.
- Notable Collections: Houses important paleontological treasures such as the "Sun Bird" gold foil (Chengdu’s emblem) and 1.5-billion-year-old fossils.
- Cultural Role: Serves as Southwest China’s first comprehensive natural history museum, emphasizing biodiversity and earth sciences education.
3. Key Attractions
- Dinosaur Halls:
- "Longxing Sichuan-Chongqing": Showcases the 24-meter Mamenchisaurus (90% real fossils), Asia’s largest dinosaur skeleton.
- "Dinosaur Secrets": Features global fossils, interactive VR experiences, and a 4D theater simulating prehistoric eras.
- Geological Treasures:
- Longchang Iron Meteorite: China’s earliest recorded meteorite (158.5 kg).
- Dazhu Chungkin-gichthys Fossil: A 1.5-billion-year-old fish fossil, "China’s most intact".
- "Biodiversity Hall": Displays Sichuan’s ecosystems with lifelike animal dioramas, including pandas and snow leopards.
4. Visitor Experience
- Interactive Tech:
- AR Screens: Animate extinct species when pointed at fossils.
- "Virtual Feeding": Kids can interact with digital dinosaurs.
- Guided Tours: Free audio guides (English/Japanese) and 2.5-hour expert-led tours.
- Workshops: Fossil restoration classes and night tours during festivals.
5. Practical Information
- Location: No. 88 Shilidian Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu.
- Transport: Metro Line 8 to Shilidian Station, or buses #36/#146.
- Hours: 9:00–17:00 (closed Mondays); tickets ¥70 (free for seniors 60+).
- Nearby: Panda Base (20-min drive), Dongjiao Memory.
Awards:
- China’s "Gold Prize" for Architecture (2021).
- Top 10 Sichuan Cultural Sites (2023).
For updates: Official Site or Chengdu Tourism.
