At the National Maritime Museum of China, a captivating dinosaur exhibition is drawing in crowds of all ages. With the theme “the ocean as the cradle of life,” the Exhibition Hall of the Age of Dinosaurs transports visitors back to the Mesozoic Era, a time when reptiles dominated the seas and lands from 250 million to 66 million years ago.
Upon entering the hall, guests are greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of an 11-meter-long Guanling ichthyosaur fossil suspended on the wall. This remarkable specimen is the largest ichthyosaur fossil in China. Ichthyosaurs were highly specialized marine reptiles with streamlined bodies and paddle-like limbs, resembling modern-day fish and dolphins. Their adaptation to the ocean is a testament to the incredible diversity of life that flourished in ancient seas.
At the center of the exhibition stands a towering 10-meter-long reconstructed skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex. As one of the most famous and formidable carnivorous dinosaurs that roamed the Earth during the late Cretaceous period, the T. rex continues to fascinate scientists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.
The exhibition not only showcases breathtaking fossils and models but also encourages visitors to ponder the significant role of the ocean in the origin and evolution of life. Through its unique displays, the National Maritime Museum aims to inspire a deeper understanding of our planet’s history and promote the protection of our blue homeland.
“It’s amazing to see how life evolved from the oceans,” said one visitor. “This exhibition really makes you appreciate the importance of preserving our marine environments.”
The Exhibition Hall of the Age of Dinosaurs offers an unforgettable journey into the past, reminding us of the ocean’s critical role as the cradle of life and the need to safeguard it for future generations.
