Zigong Dinosaur Museum
The Zigong Dinosaur Museum (自贡恐龙博物馆) is at the Dashanpu (大山铺) site, one of the world's three major Jurassic dinosaur fossil discovery sites. Over 30 dinosaur species have been found here.
Zigong · museum.category.natural museum2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Zigong Dinosaur Museum worth visiting?
One of the world's three major dinosaur fossil discovery sites — the Dashanpu (大山铺) dinosaur bone bed with thousands of Jurassic dinosaur fossils. ¥42.
Quick facts
| Category | museum.category.natural |
|---|---|
| Ticket | ¥42 (adults), ¥22 (students). |
| Hours | 8:30-17:30. Open year-round. |
| Recommended duration | 2-3 hours. |
| Best time to visit | Year-round. Weekdays best. |
| How to get there | Bus from Zigong city center. From Chengdu by train: 2 hours. |
| English signage | Partial |
Why visit
Zigong is one of the world's richest dinosaur fossil sites. The Dashanpu bone bed has produced thousands of Jurassic dinosaur specimens.
Collection highlights
- Jurassic dinosaur skeletons
- Dashanpu bone bed excavation
- "Agatha" (霸王龙) and "Heterodontosaurus" specimens
Tips
- Zigong also famous for lantern festival (灯会)
Frequently asked questions
What makes Zigong one of the world's three great dinosaur fossil sites?
Zigong (自贡) is one of the world's three major Jurassic dinosaur fossil discovery sites (with Liaoning and Mumans, Montana). The Dashanpu (大山铺) bone bed has produced over 30 dinosaur species including the famous Agatha (霸王龙) and Heterodontosaurus specimens. The museum is built directly over the excavation site — you can see fossil beds in situ through glass floors.
How do I get to Zigong Dinosaur Museum from Chengdu?
Take the high-speed train from Chengdu (成都) or Chengdu East to Zigong (自贡) station, 1.5-2 hours, ¥70-90. From Zigong station, take bus 3 or DiDi (¥20) to the museum, 20 minutes. The museum is open 8:30-17:30, ticket ¥42 adults, ¥22 students. Allow 2-3 hours. Zigong is also famous for its annual lantern festival (灯会) in February.
Can I see the lantern festival in Zigong and is it worth combining with the dinosaur museum?
Yes — Zigong's lantern festival (灯会) runs from late January through mid-March each year and is one of China's most famous lantern festivals. The illuminated lantern displays fill the municipal park area with elaborate sculptures. You can combine both in one visit: dinosaur museum by day (8:30-17:30) and lantern festival in the evening (17:00-22:00). Book accommodation in Zigong in advance during the festival period.