As someone who really loves nature and finds science fascinating, this museum was such a peaceful and inspiring stop during my time in Beijing. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but once I walked in, I was completely drawn in. Giant dinosaur skeletons welcomed me right at the entrance, and from there it just kept getting better.
The museum takes you on a journey through the history of life—from prehistoric ocean creatures all the way to mammals and early humans. There was something about seeing those massive fossils and carefully arranged dioramas that just made you pause and think about how far life has come. It wasn’t just about looking at bones—it was about imagining what the Earth used to be like.
One of my favorite parts was the ancient mammals section. Seeing things like saber-toothed cats and mammoths up close was surreal. I also loved the plant life exhibit—it sounds simple, but they did a really good job showing how even plants evolved and adapted over time.
It’s a bit quieter than some of the big tourist spots, which I actually liked—it gave me space to take my time, walk through slowly, and just be present. A few exhibits didn’t have full English translations, but it honestly didn’t matter too much. The visuals and overall vibe of the place carried it.
Tips if you go: – It’s free, but you need to book a time slot online in advance. – Definitely take your time—it’s not a huge museum, but there’s a lot to take in. – It’s a great break if you want something more calm and reflective during your trip. – Right by the Temple of Heaven, so it’s easy to add to your day.
This museum reminded me why I love learning about the natural world—it connects you to something bigger. I left feeling more grounded and more curious, which to me is the best kind of...
Read moreThe museum is a decent, but its exhibits feel limited. If odd looking animatronic dinosaurs are your thing, than pay this place a visit. There are a good number of dinosaur skeletons on display, but it’s too obvious they’re replicas. Don’t be fooled by the cafeteria sign; there’s no food down there, just an empty, sketchy open area where parents and kids sit on the floor and doze off. In fact, there isn’t any proper food in the museum- only a few snacks- so make sure you plan ahead. What I do like though is the inclusion of an aquarium in the basement. It might take a bit of navigating to find, but it is quite large and definitely...
Read moreThis museum is a bit of a disappointment. The museum is not very large, so only 45 or so minutes are needed. The robot dinosaur exhibit was pretty cool, as well as the Brazilian fish fossil one. But, the other exhibits were just cheap plastic sculptures. The gift shop was also very overpriced, and the staff were always unavailable. The aquarium was terrible, as the water was spilling onto the floor, and the fish were in crammed tanks meant for goldfish. And whatever you do, DO NOT GO DOWNSTAIRS. Unless you like seeing forensic stuff, like preserved fetuses and corpses, don't go there. I almost threw up, and I couldn't...
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