China Geological Museum

　　Destination Introduction
The China Geological Museum is located at No. 15 Yangrou Hutong, Xisi, Xicheng District. Its predecessor was the Geological and Mineral Exhibition Hall of the Beijing Geological Survey, established in 1916. It is the largest and oldest national geological museum in China and also the largest comprehensive geological museum in Asia. It officially opened in October 1959.

　　Its permanent exhibitions include the "Mineral Resources Room," which displays agricultural chemical minerals, iron and steel metal minerals, non-ferrous metal minerals, etc.; the "Earth History Room," which introduces the history of Earth from a desolate and silent celestial body 4.6 billion years ago to the vibrant modern world; the "Stratigraphy and Paleontology Room," which showcases various biological fossils from different strata, revealing the evolutionary process of life from the Proterozoic era to the Quaternary period; the "Mineral and Rock Room," which helps people better understand the world of minerals and rocks; and the "Gemstone Room," divided into four sections—gems, jade, colored stones, and inkstones.

　　The museum primarily conducts research in geological science and technology as well as museology. The main focus of geological science and technology research is basic geology, followed by applied geology and prospecting techniques. Gao Zhenshi, the former director and a geologist, is the founder of Sinian period research in northern China. The museum has conducted research on Mesozoic dinosaurs, Paleozoic fish, early Paleozoic trilobites, gem minerals, new Chinese minerals, rock drillability classification, and electron probe standards, achieving significant accomplishments. Over the years, it has co-published works such as "Earthquake Q&A" and its "Revised Edition," "Introduction to Geomechanics," "China's Wudalianchi Volcanoes," the "Chinese Minerals" atlas, and "Volcanoes · Hot Springs · Geothermal Energy." Independently written and published works include "General Theory of Gems," "Gems," and "The Grand View of China's Geology."

　　The museum has a rich and comprehensive collection, with over 100,000 geological specimens of various types from China and abroad. Among them are many rare geological treasures from ancient and modern times, both domestic and international, including several national treasures, such as the world’s tallest dinosaur fossil—the Giant Shandong Dragon, primitive bird fossils of significant value for studying the origin of birds, and stone tools, stone beads, and bone needles excavated at Zhoukoudian.

　　The exhibitions present a grand picture of Earth’s history through the properties, structures, and formation causes of minerals and rocks, the history of geological evolution, and the changes in the natural environment along with the evolutionary process of paleontology. There is also a hall that gathers a collection of wonders and treasures, not only allowing you to admire the brilliance of diamonds, cat’s eye stones, emeralds, Hetian jade, and other gemstones but also revealing the fascinating aspect of gems—optical effects.

　　The China Geological Museum not only helps people recognize the vastness and richness of the country’s resources but also enriches their knowledge. At the same time, it highlights the importance of cherishing natural resources, protecting them, and making better use of them.

　　Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

　　Location: No. 15 Yangrou Hutong, Xisi, Beijing

　　Area: 10,000 square meters.   Transportation Information
Transportation: Take bus routes 13, 22, 101, 102, 103, 105, 109 to Xisi Station.   Price Information Ticket: 30 RMB for adults, 15 RMB for students, 10 RMB for groups, free for seniors and people with disabilities.

　　   Beijing Xicheng District

The China Geological Museum is aAAA-level attraction