Nanjing Paleontology Museum
Explore billions of years of Earth's history at one of the world's largest paleontology museums, featuring incredible fossils and dinosaur eggs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Nanjing Paleontology Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore billions of years of Earth's history at one of the world's largest paleontology museums, featuring incredible fossils and dinosaur eggs.
"One of the largest professional museums of paleontology in the world with rich collections and exquisite exhibits."
🎯 Pre-book Your Free Ticket
Entry is free but requires pre-booking online. Don't forget your passport for entry!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the extensive exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur Eggs Galore
Exhibition Area
Marvel at the diverse collection of dinosaur eggs, showcasing nature's incredible creations and their discovery locations.
Chengjiang Fauna & Jehol Biota
Key Exhibits
See national treasure-level fossils like the 'Chinese Dragon Bird' from the famous Chengjiang Fauna and Jehol Biota.
Ancient Invertebrates & Plants
Exhibition Halls
Explore a vast array of ancient invertebrate and plant fossils, offering a glimpse into prehistoric ecosystems.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Free Entry
Focus on Prehistoric Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pre-book Your Free Ticket
Entry is free but requires pre-booking online. Don't forget your passport for entry!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the extensive exhibits.
📸 Capture Prehistoric Moments
Great photo opportunities with impressive fossil displays.
🧐 Look for Age Marks
Check the age marks and discovery locations for each fossil specimen.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pre-book Your Free Ticket
Entry is free but requires pre-booking online. Don't forget your passport for entry!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the extensive exhibits.
📸 Capture Prehistoric Moments
Great photo opportunities with impressive fossil displays.
🧐 Look for Age Marks
Check the age marks and discovery locations for each fossil specimen.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Nanjing Paleontology Museum for its extensive and informative exhibits, particularly the impressive collection of dinosaur eggs and national treasure fossils. Its free entry and central location near Jiming Temple are significant advantages. However, some guests have noted issues with the cleanliness of facilities.
"Great place to visit, very informative with a lot of exhibits.
In city centre tight next to JiMing Temple ( & the subway station).
Free entry, pre-booking required."
Loire C
"After seeing the ancient creatures that date back billions of years, the most exciting thing is the many dinosaur eggs. I admire the creation of nature. If you like it, you can click on it to see the age mark and the place of discovery😊
The museum tells the story of the evolution of the earth and life, focusing on paleontological fossils, ancient invertebrates, ancient plants and micropaleontology. It is also one of the largest professional museums of paleontology in the world.
The toilet is too dirty and the door lock is broken. This is not managed well👎"
Noly Chou
"Personally, I feel that there is nothing to see. It may not be because of this major. The museum charges an entrance fee of about 20 yuan.
The Nanjing Paleontological Museum is located on the south side of the Jiming Temple Scenic Area in Xuanwu District, Nanjing. The total construction area is 8,500 square meters, of which the exhibition area is nearly 4,200 square meters. It is one of the largest paleontological professional museums in the world and ranked second in China in the 2009 Chinese Academy of Sciences Museum Evaluation.
The museum is based on paleontological fossils, mainly ancient invertebrates, ancient plants and micro-paleontology. The museum has rich collections and exquisite exhibits. Among them, the fossil specimens of the "Chengjiang Fauna" and the "Jehol Biota" including the "Chinese Dragon Bird" are the most precious, which can be called national treasure-level fossils.
The Nanjing Paleontological Museum is affiliated to the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and is jointly built by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the People's Government of Jiangsu Province. It is a modern museum integrating exhibition, collection, research and education, and an important base for the popularization and education of natural sciences."
虞肖
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located in the city center, right next to Jiming Temple and the subway station. Take subway line 3 to Jiming Temple Station for easy access.
Information on parking availability is limited, but given its central location and proximity to public transport, using the subway is highly recommended.
From Nanjing South Railway Station, take subway line 3 directly to Jiming Temple Station, which is a short walk from the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Nanjing Paleontology Museum is free! However, pre-booking your visit online is mandatory.
You can typically pre-book tickets through the museum's official website or a designated ticketing platform. Check their official channels for the most up-to-date booking procedures.
Visitors are advised to bring their passport for entry, especially if pre-booking is linked to identification.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the museum's official website or social media for the most current information before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum boasts a vast collection of paleontological fossils, including ancient invertebrates, ancient plants, and particularly impressive dinosaur eggs and specimens like the 'Chinese Dragon Bird'.
Yes, children often find the dinosaur exhibits and fossils fascinating. It's an educational and engaging experience for young learners interested in prehistoric life.
To fully appreciate the extensive exhibits, plan for at least 2-3 hours. Some visitors might spend longer if they are deeply interested in paleontology.
Information on guided tours is not widely available. However, the exhibits are well-labeled, and many visitors find self-guided exploration rewarding.
These exhibits feature national treasure-level fossils, including the renowned 'Chinese Dragon Bird,' offering unique insights into ancient life forms.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on on-site dining facilities is limited. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or plan to dine at nearby restaurants in the Jiming Temple area.
Generally, museums have policies against bringing outside food and drinks into exhibition areas. It's best to consume these before entering or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is usually permitted for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the delicate exhibits. Always check for signage or ask staff if unsure.
The large dinosaur skeletons, intricate fossil displays, and the unique dinosaur eggs offer excellent photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The museum's focus on fossils and ancient creatures makes learning about Earth's history an exciting adventure rather than a dry lesson. To make the most of your family visit, consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes, as there's a lot to see. While the museum is free, remember to pre-book your tickets online to guarantee entry.
🤓 Paleontology Enthusiasts
Take your time to study the detailed information panels and appreciate the scientific significance of exhibits like the 'Chinese Dragon Bird.' The museum's affiliation with the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, underscores its research capabilities and the quality of its exhibits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Earth's History
Visitors can expect to be awestruck by the sheer scale and detail of the exhibits. The museum is particularly renowned for its collection of 'Chengjiang Fauna' and 'Jehol Biota,' which include national treasure-level fossils. The 'Chinese Dragon Bird' is a standout piece, offering a tangible connection to prehistoric avian life.
Beyond the major fossil finds, the museum provides a comprehensive narrative of Earth's geological and biological history. Interactive exhibits and detailed information panels help visitors understand the processes of evolution and the ancient environments that shaped life as we know it. It's an educational experience that appeals to both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers.
Navigating the Museum: Tips from Visitors
Once inside, wear comfortable shoes as the museum is quite extensive, and you'll want to explore every corner. The sheer volume of exhibits means you could easily spend several hours here. Pay close attention to the details on the displays, especially the age marks and discovery locations of the fossils, which add another layer of fascination to your exploration.
While the museum is a fantastic educational resource, some visitors have noted issues with maintenance, such as dirty toilets. It's a minor point, but something to be aware of. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the museum offers a valuable and engaging experience for anyone interested in the ancient world.
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