Location & Transportation

Chongqing Natural History Museum sits at the foot of Jinyun Mountain in Beibei District, a 40-minute drive from downtown Chongqing. The address is straightforward: No. 398 Jinhua Road, Beibei District. To get there, you can take Metro Line 3 to Jinyu Station (Exit 1) and hop on Bus 583 or 570. If you’re driving, punch “Chongqing Natural History Museum” into your navigation app—it’s hard to miss, thanks to its unique, root-inspired architecture.

Natural Landscape

The museum’s design is a showstopper. Its exterior mimics “roots embracing stones”, a natural phenomenon where yellowhorn tree roots wrap around rocks in Chongqing’s mountainous regions. Walking up to the building, you’ll feel like you’re entering a forest—the curvy walls and green-roofed terraces blend seamlessly with Jinyun Mountain’s lush landscape. Inside, huge windows frame views of the mountains, making nature part of the exhibit.

Cultural & Architectural Highlights

This isn’t just a museum; it’s a work of art. The “root-and-stone” concept symbolizes life’s tenacity, with walls that twist and stretch like tree roots. Locals call it Chongqing’s “tree of life”, and it’s become a viral photo spot. Even the courtyard feels alive, with plants growing between cracks in the stone—a nod to Chongqing’s wild, untamed spirit.

Exhibition Zones

The museum’s six main galleries are like a time machine. Start with “Animal Planet”, where life-size models of pandas and golden monkeys feel seconds away from charging. “Dinosaur World” is a kid favorite, with a 24-meter-long Yangtze River dinosaur skeleton. “Earth’s Secrets” uses interactive maps to explain earthquakes and volcanoes, while “Mountain City, River City” showcases Chongqing’s geology through fog-filled dioramas.

Don’t miss “Life’s Flow”, which traces evolution from microbes to humans, and “Eco Home”, a haunting display of endangered species. Each section uses cool tech: AR sandboxes, touchscreens, and even a simulated riverbed where kids can “catch fish”.

Facilities for Visitors

The museum is super visitor-friendly. Tickets cost ¥20 (free for students/seniors) and can be booked via their website or WeChat. Inside, free audio guides come in English, and staff wear cute, color-coded vests to help you find exhibits. There’s a cafe with floor-to-ceiling mountain views, a gift shop stocked with dinosaur toys, and clean restrooms (family-friendly ones too). Ramps and elevators make it wheelchair accessible.

Tips for a Great Visit

Plan for 3–4 hours to see everything. Start with the Dinosaur World exhibit upstairs, then loop down to Earth’s Secrets. Save “Mountain City, River City” for last—it ends with a giant screen showing Chongqing’s skyline, day and night. Bring comfy shoes; there’s a lot of walking, but the scenery (both inside and out) makes it worth it.

Weekends get crowded, so mornings are best. If you’re traveling with kids, check their website for seasonal events like fossil-hunting workshops. And hey, when you’re done, Jinyun Mountain’s hiking trails are right next door—perfect for burning off energy!

Chongqing Natural History Museum isn’t just about looking at exhibits—it’s about feeling connected to the earth, the city, and the stories they share. Whether you’re a science buff or just love cool architecture, this spot should be on your Chongqing itinerary.