‘The Past and Present of Giant Pandas’

Locals and tourists flocked to Shenzhen Museum’s two divisions Saturday as three new exhibitions opened in celebration of International Museum Day. This year’s theme, “Museums for Education and Research,” underscores the pivotal role of cultural institutions in providing a holistic educational experience.

The three new exhibitions promise a diverse and intriguing experience, blending history, culture and science for visitors of all backgrounds. Booking is required via the “深圳博物馆” WeChat miniprogram.

‘The Past and Present of Giant Pandas’

Co-organized by Shenzhen Museum and Chongqing Natural History Museum, this science popularization exhibition showcases fossils, specimens and models of giant pandas, their ancestors and coexisting wild animals. Apart from admiring adorable panda models and specimens at the exhibition, visitors will gain an understanding of how pandas have endured various challenges during their 8-million-year evolution. The exhibition also emphasizes the importance of protecting endangered species and biodiversity.

Plastinated specimens of a panda (front) and a brown bear showing their muscular systems are on display at “The Past and Present of Giant Pandas” exhibition. Photos by Cao Zhen

Visitors observe skeleton models of the earliest giant panda species and a Stegodon orientalis at “The Past and Present of Giant Pandas” exhibition.

Visitors observe models of baby pandas at various stages of growth at “The Past and Present of Giant Pandas” exhibition.

Giant panda specimens are on display at “The Past and Present of Giant Pandas” exhibition.

Dates: Through Oct. 31

Venue: Shenzhen Museum’s History and Folk Culture Division, Futian District (深圳博物馆历史民俗馆)

Metro: Line 2 or 4 to Civic Center Station (市民中心站), Exit B