Liaoning Paleontological Museum
Explore billions of years of life with stunning dinosaur fossils and ancient Liaoning specimens. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Liaoning Paleontological Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore billions of years of life with stunning dinosaur fossils and ancient Liaoning specimens. Free entry!
"A must-visit for its colossal dinosaur skeletons and fascinating fossils, offering free admission!"
Free Locker Access
Use the modern, face-scan lockers for free storage. Remember to scan again to retrieve your items! :lock:
WeChat Registration
Scan the QR code with WeChat to register. Foreigners can use their passport at the gate. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Towering Dinosaur Skeletons
Main Exhibition Hall
Marvel at colossal dinosaur skeletons, some as tall as a two-story building, showcasing ancient giants.
Liaoning's Ancient Life
Fossil Walls
Journey through billions of years of life with fossils from plants, animals, and cyanobacteria unique to Liaoning.
Meteorite Display
Special Exhibits
See a piece of the Jilin meteorite shower from 1976, a rare glimpse into cosmic history.
VR Dinosaur Experiences
Interactive Zone
Immerse yourself in prehistoric worlds with exciting 3D, 6D, and 9D VR experiences.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & ID Required
Navigating the Museum Layout
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Locker Access
Use the modern, face-scan lockers for free storage. Remember to scan again to retrieve your items! :lock:
WeChat Registration
Scan the QR code with WeChat to register. Foreigners can use their passport at the gate. :iphone:
Kid-Friendly Activities
Young children will love the dinosaur activities and interactive zones on the first floor. :child:
Explore Nearby
Exit D of Shifandaxue Station leads to Shenyang Normal University and the Living Mall for food. :shopping_cart:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Locker Access
Use the modern, face-scan lockers for free storage. Remember to scan again to retrieve your items! :lock:
WeChat Registration
Scan the QR code with WeChat to register. Foreigners can use their passport at the gate. :iphone:
Kid-Friendly Activities
Young children will love the dinosaur activities and interactive zones on the first floor. :child:
Explore Nearby
Exit D of Shifandaxue Station leads to Shenyang Normal University and the Living Mall for food. :shopping_cart:
Bird-Dinosaur Link
Discover exhibits showcasing the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds. :bird:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Liaoning Paleontological Museum for its impressive collection of dinosaur fossils and ancient life exhibits, highlighting the free admission and modern amenities like facial recognition lockers. The museum is considered highly engaging for all ages, especially children, with interactive elements and VR experiences adding to its appeal. Some visitors note that while the museum is free, registration with an ID is required, and international visitors should be prepared to use their passport.
"3 Museums in Shenyang 1. 遼寧古生物博物館 Paleoanthropological Fossils Museum in Liaoning Go to the Locker, press the green button, scan your face, and leave your stuff for free all day. Before returning your stuff, press the red button, and scan your face again. It's super modern, no need to remember the locker number. Scan the QR code at the entrance via WeChat to register, then give it to the gatekeeper to scan something on your phone, and you can enter. (Note: When registering, you have to enter your Chinese ID card number. We are Thais and don't have a number to fill in, so we gave our passport to the gatekeeper, and he invited us in.) The design is nice, you can go up (there is a wheelchair path) to see the museum from the top floor, and then circle down. There is a dinosaur skeleton as tall as a 2-story building. Nearby, there is a dinosaur egg tray and a microphone for doing some kind of learning activity; plant and/or animal, bacteria, cyanophytas fossils from Liaoning through 3 billion years; Nanfen iron ore deposit in Benxi; meteor rain in Jilin on March 8th, 1976 (the heaviest piece is 1,770 kg), aged 4.6 billion years. Along the way, the wall is sectioned to show each layer of fossils, giving a feeling of going back to the origin of the world, through a long time. Sometimes there are sounds of ancient animals roaring; Yangcaogou biota 210 million year old collected from western Liaoning, showing the warm and humid climate; 10-30 yuan for 3D, 6D, 9D-VR 0.5 hour per round; 1st floor, there are tables and chairs for small children, and activities about dinosaurs can be joined together. 🕰️Opening hours: 9:30-16, closed on Mondays and Thursdays, free admission🏖️Address: Subway Line 2 Shifandaxue Station Exit D Tip: When you get out of Exit D, turn left and you will see the entrance to the museum. If you are not in a hurry, turn left. Walk a little further and you will see the entrance of Shenyang Normal University; if you cross the main road, you will see the Living Mall, a shopping mall with lots of food and supplies, such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Holiland Pastry, etc.
Reason for recommendation: Fun, suitable for all ages, young children should be especially happy, the elderly can relax and feel that this world has been around for a very long time, we are not even a hundred years old, not that old, teenagers are flirting with each other, wearing VR glasses is even more exciting. 2. 918 Museum 3. Shenyang Museum"
Kris Tang
"Just like the Osaka Aquarium, you have to go up to the top floor and tour from top to bottom. Chinese citizens can get free tickets with their ID cards. The museum has a rich collection of exhibits, especially the dinosaur fossils that resemble ancient birds, which are rare in the world and provide solid evidence for the theory that birds originated from dinosaurs."
Kirin Liu
"It's a great place. While feeling the shock from ancient times, you will also learn a lot of knowledge. The ticket is free, just bring your ID card."
万子翊
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located near Subway Line 2, Shifandaxue Station, Exit D. Turn left after exiting, and you'll see the museum entrance.
Yes, parking is available and free for visitors.
Absolutely! Subway Line 2 is the most direct public transport option.
From Exit D of Shifandaxue Station, turn left. You'll pass Shenyang Normal University before reaching the museum entrance.
Yes, just a short walk from the museum, you'll find Shenyang Normal University and the Living Mall, which has various dining options like McDonald's and Pizza Hut.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the museum is completely free for all visitors.
Yes, an ID is required for registration. Chinese citizens can use their ID card, and foreigners can use their passport.
You can register by scanning a QR code at the entrance using WeChat. Foreign visitors can present their passport to the gatekeeper.
The museum is typically open from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, but it's closed on Mondays and Thursdays.
Children under 4 get in for free. The museum is suitable for all ages.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the towering dinosaur skeletons, the ancient fossils from Liaoning, and the Jilin meteorite. The VR experiences are also highly recommended.
Absolutely! Children will be thrilled by the dinosaur exhibits, interactive activities, and VR experiences.
Photography is generally allowed, but check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits.
Yes, there are interactive learning activities, especially for children, and exciting VR experiences for all ages.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits, especially if you plan to experience the VR attractions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself doesn't appear to have extensive dining facilities, but there are many options nearby.
The Living Mall, located across the main road from the museum, offers a variety of food choices, including McDonald's and Pizza Hut.
It's best to check the museum's specific policies on outside food and beverages upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The towering dinosaur skeletons and the ancient fossil walls offer dramatic backdrops. The museum's modern architecture also provides great photo opportunities.
It's advisable to avoid using flash photography, especially near delicate exhibits, to protect them.
While generally allowed, always be mindful of other visitors and any posted signs regarding photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families include utilizing the free lockers for convenience and ensuring everyone has their ID for entry.
🤓 Students and Educators
The museum's layout, which guides visitors from upper to lower levels, can be used as a pedagogical tool to illustrate geological time scales. The interactive displays and VR experiences offer engaging ways to supplement classroom learning.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Liaoning's Prehistoric Past
Key exhibits include an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, some reaching monumental sizes, offering a tangible connection to these prehistoric giants. Beyond dinosaurs, the museum showcases fossils of plants, animals, and early microorganisms that thrived in Liaoning millions of years ago, painting a picture of its ancient climate and ecosystems.
For an immersive experience, the museum offers VR attractions that transport visitors back to the age of dinosaurs or other prehistoric periods. These interactive elements make learning engaging and exciting for all ages.
Visitor Experience and Amenities
Registration for entry is streamlined through a WeChat QR code system, making it quick and efficient. For international visitors who may not have a Chinese ID, presenting a passport at the gate is a straightforward alternative.
Families will find the museum particularly engaging, with dedicated areas for children on the first floor featuring interactive dinosaur-themed activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit