Shanghai Natural History Museum (上海自然博物馆) is a world-class museum dedicated to showcasing the natural wonders of the earth. Located in Shanghai, China, the museum covers an area of 44,000 square meters and boasts a collection of over 290,000 specimens. The museum is designed to provide visitors with an immersive experience that highlights the diversity of life on earth and the importance of protecting it.
The museum features 11 exhibition halls that cover a wide range of topics, including paleontology, biodiversity, geology, ecology, and more. One of the highlights of the museum is the 34-meter-long dinosaur fossil, which is one of the largest and most complete dinosaur skeletons in the world. The museum also has interactive exhibits, virtual reality experiences, and a 4D theater that brings the natural world to life.
In addition to its impressive collection and exhibits, the Shanghai Natural History Museum is also known for its innovative architecture. The building is designed to resemble a giant shell, with a spiraling ramp that takes visitors on a journey through the museum’s various exhibits.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Shanghai Natural History Museum
- Vlog about Shanghai Natural HIstory Museum
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Science Museum in Shanghai
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.snhm.org.cn/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | Over 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Adult: 30 RMB Children under 1.3 meters or 6 years old: Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.00 Closed on Monday |
| Telephone Number | 0086-021-68622000-5027 |
Location and Transportation
The Shanghai Natural History Museum is located in the Jing’an Sculpture Park, in the Jing’an District of Shanghai, China. The park is at the intersection of Yan’an Road and Nanjing Road, which are two of the city’s major thoroughfares. The museum is easily accessible by public transportation, including the metro, buses, and taxis.
Bus: Take bus 41, 104, 109, 301, 324, 927, or 955, get off at Shimen Second Road Shanghaiguan Road (石门二路山海关路), and walk about 100 meters to the east to reach the museum.
Subway: Take subway 13, get off at Natural Museum Station (自然博物馆站), and walk about 50 meters to the south to reach the museum.
Highlights of Shanghai Natural History Museum
Dinosaur Fossil
One of the main highlights of the Shanghai Natural History Museum is the dinosaur fossil exhibit, which features a 34-meter-long dinosaur skeleton that is one of the largest and most complete in the world. The exhibit showcases the fossils of 13 dinosaurs, including the Mamenchisaurus, which is known for its long neck. Visitors can view the fossils up close and learn about the history and biology of these fascinating creatures. The exhibit also includes interactive displays that allow visitors to compare the size of different dinosaurs and learn about their evolution.
Biodiversity Exhibits
The Shanghai Natural History Museum also features impressive biodiversity exhibits that showcase the diversity of life on earth. The exhibits are organized by ecosystem, and visitors can explore different environments, such as the rainforest, ocean, and desert. They include a wide range of specimens, from small insects to large mammals, and feature interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about the adaptations and behaviors of different species. Visitors can also learn about the importance of conservation and the threats facing many of these ecosystems.
Geology Exhibits
The Shanghai Natural History Museum also features impressive geology exhibits that showcase the earth’s geological history. They cover a wide range of geological phenomena, from the formation of mountains to the study of rocks and minerals. Visitors can learn about volcanoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, as well as the different types of rocks and minerals that make up the earth’s crust.
Innovative Architecture
The building of Shanghai Natural History Museum is designed to resemble a giant shell, with a spiraling ramp that takes visitors on a journey through the museum’s various exhibits. The exterior of the building is covered in curved glass panels, which give the building a futuristic and organic look. Inside, the museum features a vast central atrium that is flooded with natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
Vlog about Shanghai Natural HIstory Museum
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Arrive Early: It’s advisable to arrive at the museum early. This allows you to enjoy the exhibits before large crowds arrive, providing a better viewing experience. Additionally, arriving early gives you the opportunity to explore and possibly reserve spots for popular and limited activities, such as fossil excavation demonstrations.
Dining Options: The museum has both a restaurant and a café. The fast-food restaurant is located on the second floor and offers a limited selection of meals priced around 48-58 yuan per set. Additionally, there’s a café called 1868 Café on the B2M level, which serves coffee and desserts in a pleasant environment, ideal for taking a break during your visit.
Luggage Storage: After passing through security, you can leave your luggage at the designated area to the left of the entrance. There are staff members available to assist with luggage storage.
Stay Cool: The museum can get quite warm, especially with the number of visitors. It’s recommended to dress in layers and consider storing your outerwear. While the luggage storage area at the entrance might be crowded, you can find more space further inside. Look for lockers located in corners, particularly near the restrooms, where you’re likely to find more availability.
Bring Snacks: You’re allowed to bring food and drinks into the museum to keep you energized during your visit.
