Paleozoological Museum of China

Paleozoological Museum of China is located on Xizhimenwai Street, right next to the Beijing Planetarium. It was founded by the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP). Using paleozoological fossils as the carrier, the museum introduces the knowledge of paleontology, palaeoecology, paleoanthropology and evolution theory to visitors. It is the largest paleozoological museum in Asia. The exhibits are carefully chosen from the IVPP's rich collections, fully revealing the natural remains of prehistoric animals and ancient humans, and the grand process of life's evolution. The most representative items are Latimeria – the living fossil, Mamenchisaurus – the largest dinosaur in Asia, and Lufengosaurus huenei – the first dinosaur of China.

Paleozoological Museum of China consists of two main halls: Vertebrate Paleontology Hall and Shuhua Paleoanthropology Hall. About one thousand items are selected from the large collection of IVPP for public display. Fossils of various prehistoric lives, and samples and models of Paleolithic culture are always on display.
 The emergence of the spine was revolutionary in the process of vertebrate evolution. With the support of the backbone, the animals became stronger and more flexible; adaptability was also enhanced. This change laid a solid foundation for fish, bird and mammalian development during billions of years of evolution. The items exhibited in the Vertebrate Paleontology Hall of Paleozoological Museum are the most precious vertebrate fossils collected by the scientists for over 50 years.
 The Ancient Fish area includes fossils of different geological times and evolutionary phases, such as Agnatha and primitive placodermi. The living fossil Latimeria is also exhibited in this hall, and it is the best-preserved Latimeria fossil in China. The fossils displayed in the Amphibian area are of 10-200 million years' history. Because the Amphibian were living in a humid environment, and their body was full of the cartilages, which makes it very easy to rot. The whole fossil of Amphibians is very rare. These fossils are absolutely an international treasure.
 There are various reptile and bird fossils of different geological ages, including Nanxiong Turtle - the biggest freshwater turtle fossil found in China, Pterosaur - the master of sky of Mesozoic, and Confuciusornis - an ancient bird as famous as the archaeopteryx.
 Throughout the exhibition of the plentiful mammal fossils, visitors can gain a better understanding of the evolutionary process, which the mammals experienced from inception, when the first fish crawled out of the water, to the species of dominant position on the earth.
 Ancient Humans and Paleolithic Gallery
The history of human evolution began at a remote epoch. It maintains several stages, from the insectivore, through anthropoid, to homo sapiens. There are fossils of Paleoanthropology, paleolith specimens, and models to help visitors understand human origins and evolutionary beginnings. The museum also presents skull models of Peking Man, which is a great attraction.
  By Subway
Take Subway Line 4, get off at Dongwuyuan (Beijing Zoo) Station, take Exit D and walk west for five minutes. Then enter from the north gate of Paleozoological Museum of China.
 By bus
1. Take bus 27, 87, 105, 107, 111, 332, 347, 360, 362, 534, 563, 632, Yuntong 104, Yuntong 105, Yuntong 106, or Fast Transit Line 49, or Special Line 4 or 19, get off at Dongwuyuan Station, and enter from the north gate of the museum.
2. Take bus 102, 103, or Special Line 5, get off at Erligou Station and walk 300 yards (274 meters) north, and enter from the west gate.
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Admission Fee	CNY 20 for adult
	CNY 10 for children higher than 3.9 feet (1.2 meters).
	Free of charge for children under 3.9 feet.
3D Film	CNY 10
Opening Hours	9:00 - 16:30 (Ticketing stops at 16:00) *Closed on Monday

 Neighboring Attraction
 Beijing Zoo