Starting this week, universities in Beijing are welcoming the spring semester. Along with it comes a fresh lineup of exhibitions at several university museums, many of which are open to the public free of charge, offering access to high-quality academic and cultural resources.

The Geological Specimen Museum at Beijing Normal University officially opened on February 26, housing 50,000 mineral and rock specimens that showcase the university's achievements in geology and geography. The museum features a section on minerals, a section on rocks, and five other exhibition sections, displaying rare specimens such as Quaternary stromatolites and dinosaur footprints. Starting this spring semester, both individuals and groups can make reservations. During holidays, middle school students will also have opportunities to serve as volunteer guides.

On February 25, the temporary exhibition hall at Tsinghua University Science Museum reopened to the public, presenting newly donated scientific instruments. As China's first comprehensive, research-oriented science museum, it plans to open a permanent facility scheduled for completion in 2027. Among its future highlights will be a full-scale replica of the world's earliest astronomical clock—the Water-powered Observatory (Shuiyun Yixiangtai) from the Northern Song Dynasty.

The Entomological Museum at China Agricultural University will open for weekend visits starting February 28, featuring a new special exhibition of insect specimens.

Beginning March 3, the Museum of Chinese Medicine at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine will resume public access. Off-campus visitors wishing to explore the Museum of Chinese Medicine can make reservations via the university's official WeChat account (北京中医药大学). Volunteer-guided tours will be available during several time slots.

The Museum of Beijing Forestry University and the Dance Museum at Beijing Dance Academy will also open for group reservations this semester. As China's first museum dedicated to chronicling the history of dancing in China, the Dance Museum exhibits ancient musical dance figurines, instruments, and archival materials, among others, offering a vivid look at the evolution of ancient Chinese dance. By the end of 2025, the Museum of Beijing Forestry University had housed a new collection of valuable wildlife specimens, including nationally protected species such as common crane, hawksbill sea turtle, and nautilus. Some specimens are expected to be displayed during the spring semester.

Multiple universities remind visitors that they are educational and research institutions rather than tourist attractions. They do not charge admission fees for museum visits. However, reservations through their official WeChat accounts are required before visiting campus museums.

(Source: Beijing Daily)