Jilin Province Natural History Museum 吉林省自然博物馆

About Jilin Province Natural History Museum

Its Changbai Mountain displays are a useful introduction to the region before travelling into the mountains: simulated vegetation zones show how forest changes with altitude, while animal displays connect wildlife with those habitats. Fossils, birds, mammals and butterflies broaden the visit. The regional forest exhibits make a particularly coherent short route, with a clear distinction between reconstructed habitats, preserved specimens and living landscapes outside the museum.

The museum originated in the Natural History Department of the Jilin Provincial Museum (吉林省博物馆自然部). It was established on 12 May 1987 and transferred to Northeast Normal University (东北师范大学) in 2001. Its collection contains 88,726 natural specimens, mainly documenting the environmental resources of Jilin province. Insects account for 59,000 specimens, while the collection also includes plants, vertebrates, fossils, rocks and minerals. The institution maintains more than ten permanent exhibitions. Its named displays include Earth in Motion (运动中的地球) and Fossil World (化石世界), alongside exhibitions devoted to animals and the natural environment.

What to look for

• The simulated Changbai Mountain vegetation sequence, from lower forest to alpine vegetation.
• The forest-wildlife displays, including the lynx-and-roe-deer scene, alongside the bird and mammal collections.

The surrounding area

Provincial capital base for modern history, Xinmin Avenue and the separate Jingyuetan outdoor area.

Location & getting there

Getting to Jilin Province Natural History Museum

Go to 2556 Jingyue Street, opposite the east gate of Northeast Normal University's Jingyue campus. Use the museum's own entrance and booking information rather than the provincial history museum's address.