The Zhejiang Museum of Natural History (浙江自然博物院), established in 1929, spans an impressive 26,000 square meters in building area, with a permanent exhibition space of 9,000 square meters housing nearly 150,000 specimens. Positioned around the theme of “Nature and Humanity,” it serves as a modern natural history museum integrating science education, collection research, cultural exchange, and intellectual leisure activities.
Among its prized exhibits are a 20-square-meter fossil of a sea lily, colossal mammoth fossils, exquisite Anshun dragon fossils, skeletons of a gray whale measuring over ten meters long, and specimens of whale sharks, along with specimens of South China tigers found in Zhejiang’s wilderness.
Visitors can explore the origins of life, unravel the mysteries of the ocean, discover the world of plants, and have delightful encounters with ancient fossils, fostering a deeper appreciation for this beautiful blue planet.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Exhibitions in Zhejiang Museum of Natural History
- Vlog about Zhejiang Museum of Natural History
- Attractions near Zhejiang Museum of Natural History
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.00 Closed on Mondays |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0571-88050941 0086-0571-88212712 |
Location and Transportation
The Zhejiang Museum of Natural History is conveniently located at No. 6 West Lake Cultural Plaza in the heart of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 2, 19, 22, 55, 56, 67, 78, or 1014, get off at Zhongbei Bridge Stop (中北桥站), and walk about 180 meters to the west to reach the museum.
Metro: The closest metro station to Zhejiang Museum of Natural History is West Lake Cultural Plaza (西湖文化广场站) on line 1 and line 3. After getting out of the station from Exit C, walk about 190 meters to the south to reach the museum.
Exhibitions in Zhejiang Museum of Natural History
The Story of Earth’s Life
This exhibition traces the 4.6-billion-year journey of life on Earth through five thematic units: “Habitat of Life,” “Birth of Life,” “Life on Land,” “Dinosaur Era,” and “Mammal Era.” Visitors are taken on a journey through time, witnessing the birth of life, the reign of dinosaurs, and the rise of mammals. Interactive installations such as theater videos on Earth’s formation and dinosaur extinction, as well as exhibits showcasing fossils like the Maoshan emeiosaurid, Lixianjiangshan dragon, mammoths, and three-toed horses, bring this ancient history to life.
Rich and Diverse Biological World
This exhibition showcases representative species from various biological kingdoms, presenting diverse ecosystems and exploring the relationships between organisms, environments, and humans. Divided into five units – “Diverse Ecosystems,” “Rich Biological Groups,” “Genetics and Variation,” “Adaptation to the Environment,” and “Biology and Humanity” – this exhibition offers insights into the rich tapestry of life on Earth.
Green Zhejiang
Focused on promoting environmental conservation, this exhibition highlights the natural beauty of Zhejiang Province and its efforts towards sustainable development. Divided into three units – “Natural Zhejiang,” “Ecological Zhejiang,” and “Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development” – this exhibition allows visitors to explore the province’s diverse landscapes, including mountains, islands, and wetlands, and learn about its abundant flora and fauna resources.
Kenneth Behring World Wildlife Exhibition
Utilizing advanced production techniques and lifelike animal specimens, this exhibition vividly recreates various ecosystems inhabited by wild animals. Through scene reconstruction and multimedia technologies, visitors are transported into the habitats of these animals, experiencing their natural environments up close. This exhibition provides a visually stunning experience, offering insights into the diversity of wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts.
