Live Your Best Lives
At the Tianjin Natural History Museum, explore diverse exhibits on paleontology, geology, and the natural world. The museum's highlight is its life-sized dinosaur fossils, along with interactive displays about wildlife and the Earth’s history. Don't miss the special exhibitions that change regularly!
The new Tianjin Natural History Museum, located in the former Tianjin Museum in the Tianjin Cultural Center, is China's first natural history museum offering a comprehensive, themed display of natural exploration, scientific experience, and education. It comprises four sections: a permanent exhibition area, a temporary exhibition area, an entertainment area, and a popular science education area. The museum houses 400,000 biological specimens, including 1,282 first- and second-class treasures and 1,452 holotype specimens.
The exhibition hall's design features a central exhibition hall within its "circle," while its "square" section comprises nine primary exhibition halls. With "Home" as its overarching theme, the exhibition unfolds from the outdoor "Home Footprints" section to the ground-floor "Home Exploration" section, the second-floor "Home Life," and the third-floor "Home Ecology" section, telling a story of "Home" from ancient times to the present, from the world to Tianjin. The 32-meter-diameter circular central exhibition hall primarily displays fossil specimens of large animals, including dinosaurs and Yellow River elephants.
temperate monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 2 hours
free
9:00-16:30 Closed on Mondays (except national holidays)
The Tianjin Natural History Museum was established to promote understanding of Earth's natural history and biodiversity. It houses an extensive collection of fossils, minerals, and specimens that reflect both China's natural heritage and global history.
The museum is located in the Nankai District of Tianjin. It is easily accessible via the Tianjin Metro (Line 3, with a stop at the "Tianjin Natural History Museum" station). Taxis and buses also serve the area, with convenient routes from the city center.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. Weekdays, especially in the morning, are the least crowded times to visit. Weekends and public holidays can get busy.
The general entrance fee is about 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the museum’s ticket counter, and online booking is also available for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons or on weekends. Tickets can be booked online a few days prior to the visit.
Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the museum, especially if you wish to view all the exhibits and interact with the educational displays.
Key highlights include the Dinosaur Fossil Hall, the Ancient Animals section, and the interactive exhibits on modern-day wildlife. The large scale of the museum’s mineral and geological displays are also worth checking out.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides in both Mandarin and English can be rented at the museum entrance.
Best spots for photos include the large dinosaur skeletons in the main hall, and the fossil wall with rare specimens. The exhibits on the evolution of animals and plants also offer unique photography opportunities.
Start with the dinosaur fossils in the central hall, then explore the mineral and geological sections. If time permits, visit the wildlife exhibits towards the back of the museum, where you can also enjoy interactive exhibits.
The museum does not offer night visits or light shows, but special exhibitions and temporary displays are often featured, so check the schedule in advance.
The museum tends to be crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly early mornings after opening.
The museum has clean toilet facilities, a small café, and a rest area where visitors can relax. There is a gift shop selling educational toys, books, and souvenirs related to natural history.
The museum is fully accessible, with elevators and ramps for those with disabilities. It is also child-friendly, with interactive and educational exhibits designed to engage young visitors.
Cards and mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at most points in the museum, including ticket sales and the café. Cash payments are still accepted as well.
Inside the museum, there is a café offering snacks and drinks. Nearby, you can find a variety of local restaurants and cafes that serve both Chinese and international cuisine.
Yes, there are vegetarian options available in the nearby restaurants. For halal options, you may need to explore restaurants outside the museum area, but there are several within a short drive.
There are a number of hotels near the museum, including mid-range options like the Holiday Inn Tianjin Riverside and some budget-friendly guesthouses. For luxury accommodations, consider staying at the Tianjin Marriot or similar hotels in the city center.
Nearby attractions include the Tianjin Ancient Cultural Street, the Tianjin Eye, and the Italian Style Town. These landmarks are easily reachable and can be visited in a day trip along with the museum.
The museum’s gift shop sells educational toys, books, fossil replicas, and other science-themed souvenirs that make great gifts for kids and adults alike.
Public transportation options such as the Tianjin Metro (Line 3) and buses are readily available. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Didi are also a convenient option for continuing your trip.
