Travel Diary | Hebei → Baoding [Paleozoological Museum of China]

Journey Through Hundreds of Millions of Years and Explore the Prehistoric World | A Comprehensive Guide to the Paleozoological Museum of China (Baoding Natural History Museum) The Paleozoological Museum of China (Baoding Natural History Museum) is a must-visit attraction in Baoding. It is the largest specialized natural science museum in Asia, boasting a rich collection that is both educational and entertaining. It's perfect for family outings, romantic dates, or solo explorations! Basic Information - Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30). Closed on Mondays, except for national holidays. - Ticket Prices: Full price: CNY 40/person; Half price: CNY 20/person; Group ticket: CNY 32/person (30 people or more). Certain groups, such as seniors, minors, and military personnel, are eligible for free or discounted admission. Please refer to the official regulations for details. - Booking: Purchase tickets in advance through the official website, WeChat official account, or mini program of the Paleozoological Museum of China (Baoding Natural History Museum). Tickets are released daily at 7:00 and 19:00 for visits within the next 3 days (including the same day). Each personal account can purchase a maximum of 5 tickets per day, and each ID card can only be used for one purchase per day. Transportation - Bus: Take bus K1 (get off at Fucun Station) or You 1/You 2 (get off at Paleozoological Museum of China Station). - Car: The museum has an underground parking lot. Street parking is also available. Visiting Route Earth's Pulse Exhibition Hall: Starting with the origin of the universe and the formation of Earth, this hall showcases various rocks and minerals. It also features 3D geological displays of plate tectonics and volcanoes, offering a glimpse into Earth's early stages. Ancient Oceans Exhibition Hall: This hall presents the evolution of life in ancient oceans, such as the emergence of vertebrates and the evolution of jaws. You can see many fossils of ancient marine life here. The highlight of the hall is the museum's prized possession: the *Dongbeititan* fossil. Dinosaur Empire Exhibition Hall: The first floor features dinosaur puzzles and a 3D immersive experience zone showcasing ancient scenes, allowing visitors to experience dinosaur life firsthand. The second floor offers interactive experiences such as an AI pterosaur journey and dinosaur footprint recognition. With numerous dinosaur fossils and restored models, this hall is a favorite among children. Cenozoic Mammals Exhibition Hall: This hall showcases the radiation and evolution of mammals in the Cenozoic Era, as well as the rise of humankind. It features various mammal fossils and exhibits on the evolution of bipedalism in hominins. Extinction Memorial Hall: This hall presents over sixty extinct species through various forms. The second floor features scenes of elephant and rhino poaching and displays of animal crafts, raising awareness about biodiversity conservation. Tips for Visiting - Guided Tours: Free public guided tours are available daily at 10:00 and 14:00, lasting approximately 1 hour. Paid guided tours require booking at least 5 working days in advance. AR audio guides are also available for rent at an additional cost. - Visiting Time: We recommend allocating 3–4 hours to fully appreciate the prehistoric wonders, including exploring the exhibits and interactive activities. - Photo Ops: The museum is well-lit, and the dinosaur fossils and unique display cases make excellent backdrops for photos. However, please refrain from using flash photography to avoid damaging the exhibits. - Amenities: The museum provides portable charger rentals and vending machines for drinks. A VR experience zone on the second floor offers an immersive prehistoric world experience (separate fee applies). - Nearby Amenities: There is a Xinhua Bookstore nearby. Museum souvenirs are available on the first floor, while coffee and books are available on the second floor. Dining options include a Neapolitan restaurant, Jungle Cafe (offering museum-exclusive coffee, light meals, and unique ice cream), and Luckin Coffee. Important Notes - Please bring your original ID card and arrive during your booked time slot. Entry will be denied to those who arrive late or without valid identification. - Do not touch the exhibits or make loud noises. Please maintain a quiet and orderly environment. - Children aged 6 and below do not require reservations, but minors under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian.