Shanghai’s Natural History Museum is set to transport visitors 160 million years into the past this weekend with the grand opening of China’s Dinosaur World, a landmark exhibition showcasing 118 meticulously preserved fossils and lifelike models. Organized by the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP), the event marks the first public display of several specimens previously confined to research institutions.
The exhibition traces life’s evolution through rare finds, including a 22-meter-long Mamenchisaurus skeleton and newly discovered feathered dinosaur species. Interactive displays and augmented reality stations allow visitors to visualize prehistoric ecosystems, while paleontologists’ field notes reveal groundbreaking discoveries about dinosaur behavior and adaptation.
Dr. Li Wei, IVPP lead researcher, emphasized the exhibition’s scientific significance: "These fossils rewrite chapters of Earth’s history – they show how dinosaurs dominated ancient China’s landscapes and evolved alongside changing climates." Museum director Zhang Hong highlighted its educational value: "We’re bridging science and public curiosity, showing how paleontology helps us understand modern biodiversity."
Running through December, the exhibition coincides with Shanghai’s push to become a global science education hub. Tourism analysts predict it will attract over 500,000 visitors, including international travelers and school groups. Free guided tours in English and Mandarin will be available weekly.
