Museum of Earth Sciences

Introducing Earth Science Museum

The Earth Science Museum, affiliated with the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering at Nanjing University, officially opened in 2002 during Nanjing University's May 20th Centennial Celebration. The museum's mission is to serve society, its disciplines, and the university. Its guiding philosophy is to reflect the three major debates in the history of geological science: the hydrogene versus igneous theory, the sesquigenetic versus kinetic theory, and the evolution versus catastrophe theory.

These two principles informed the layout and selection of exhibits, striving for interest, novelty, scientificity, and a fusion of natural sciences and the humanities. Finally, nearly 1,000 exhibits were selected for display in four rooms.

The entrance hall features a large, 2.3-by-1.7-meter fossil specimen of Sinosaurus (scientific name), dating back 220 million years. This dinosaur fossil, nearly four meters long, features a complete and distinct head, dorsal fin, vertebrae, and claws. Resembling a coiled dragon, with its head in the center and its tail tumbling upward, its five claws flailing upwards, it closely resembles the Chinese concept of a dragon, leaving viewers in awe.

Climate and best time to travel

The subtropical monsoon climate and the Earth Science Museum have rich collections, making it a great place for tourists to bring their children to study and play, and it is suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Visiting the first, second, third and fourth exhibition rooms in turn, you can see the material composition of the solid earth, various movements on the earth and the records they left behind, the overall appearance of organisms in various geological periods, the evolution of vertebrates and jade specimens.

It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30-11:30, 14:40-17:00 (other times can be booked in advance).

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Most Popular FAQs for Museum of Earth Sciences

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Museum of Earth Sciences in Nanjing is a key institution for understanding Earth’s geological history. It highlights the region’s significant paleontological and mineralogical heritage. The museum contributes to scientific research, education, and the public understanding of earth sciences.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The museum is located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and taxis. The nearest metro station is about a 15-minute walk from the museum, and taxis are a convenient option for direct access.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. Weekdays, especially mornings, tend to be less crowded, making it the ideal time to visit.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entry to the Museum of Earth Sciences is typically free, but some special exhibitions or events may have a small fee. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or in advance through the museum’s official website or local ticketing platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is generally not required, unless you plan to visit during a peak season or wish to attend a special exhibition. For such events, booking 1-2 days ahead is recommended.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It will take around 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the museum, depending on your interest in the exhibits and whether you attend any workshops or interactive sessions.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights include the fossil collection, the geological timeline exhibits, and the interactive earth science models. The virtual reality exhibit about volcanic eruptions is also a standout feature.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. English-language audio guides may be available, but it is recommended to check in advance, especially if you prefer an English-speaking guide.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are near the large fossil displays, the geological exhibit, and the panoramic earth models. Be sure to capture the impressive 3D projections that showcase earth movements and geological formations.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the Earth history exhibit on the ground floor, move to the mineral collection, and then explore the fossil gallery. End your visit with the interactive exhibits and virtual reality sections for a more hands-on experience.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

The museum does not offer night visits or light shows. Special tours may be available for large groups or educational events, but these should be booked in advance.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The museum can get crowded during weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays, particularly Tuesdays through Thursdays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The museum has clean restrooms and water fountains. There are a small café and rest areas where you can take a break. Souvenir shops are also available for those looking for mementos related to earth sciences.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The museum is accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors. It has ramps, elevators, and wide corridors for easy navigation, and is stroller-friendly as well.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Both cash and mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) are accepted at the museum for tickets and purchases. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted at the souvenir shops.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside the museum, there is a small café serving drinks and light snacks. Nearby, you can find several local restaurants offering traditional Nanjing cuisine, including duck blood soup and salted duck.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

While vegetarian and vegan options are available in the nearby area, halal food is somewhat limited. However, you can find some halal eateries a short distance from the museum.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Nearby hotels include the Intercontinental Nanjing, Sofitel Nanjing Galaxy, and budget options like Jinjiang Inn. These are all within a 10-minute drive from the museum.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, the Nanjing Presidential Palace, and the Nanjing Museum. You can easily combine these with a visit to the Museum of Earth Sciences for a full day of sightseeing.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

The museum has a souvenir shop where you can find earth science-related items like books, models, and mineral samples. Educational toys and fossil replicas are also popular items.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting the museum, you can use public buses, taxis, or ride-hailing services like Didi to continue your trip. The metro is also accessible, with several key stations nearby that can take you to other parts of Nanjing.