Shanghai Natural History Museum 🇨🇳

Welcome to the Shanghai Natural History Museum, one of China's largest natural science museums. Located in the vibrant Jing'an Sculpture Park since moving to its modern 44,517-square-meter home in 2015, this impressive destination offers you an incredible journey through the wonders of our planet. Established originally in 1956 within a classical British structure, the museum has expanded into a world-class center featuring a vast collection of 240,000 samples.

When you visit, you will encounter remarkable treasures, including over 62,000 animal specimens, 135,000 plant specimens, 1,700 mineral specimens, and 700 artifacts dating back to the Stone Age. The main attraction you simply cannot miss is the breathtaking 140-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton of Mamenchisaurus hochuanensis from Sichuan Province, standing over four stories high as the museum's largest exhibit. Beyond the massive fossils, you will explore rare species native to China that are nearly impossible to see anywhere else in the world, including a Yellow River mammoth, giant salamander, giant panda, and Yangtze alligator.

The exhibits also house fascinating displays featuring two mummies and several human embryos, giving you a truly comprehensive look at natural history, ancient life, and unique biological diversity.

What to see at Shanghai Natural History Museum

• A four-story-tall Mamenchisaurus hochuanensis dinosaur skeleton
• Rare specimens including a giant panda, giant salamander, and Yangtze alligator
• The impressive fossil display of a Yellow River mammoth
• Vast collection of 240,000 samples including Stone Age specimens and minerals
• Fascinating historical exhibits featuring two mummies and human embryos

Visiting tips

Be sure to allocate extra time to enjoy the scenic Jing'an Sculpture Park where the museum is located.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Shanghai Natural History Museum is easy to reach on Shanghai’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Shanghai Grand Theatre and Xiaotaoyuan Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Shanghai travel guide.