Shanghai showcases treasures from 'China's Dinosaur Hometown'

China's Dinosaur World, a cultural tourism promotion week for Lufeng, kicked off on June 21 at the Shanghai Natural History Museum. Fossils from Yunnan's Lufeng, renowned as "China's Dinosaur Hometown", were displayed in Shanghai for a week-long exhibition, offering citizens a unique dinosaur-themed cultural experience.

The cultural tourism promotion week for Lufeng kicks off at the Shanghai Natural History Museum. [Photo/WeChat account: jaxwzx]

Lufeng City meticulously selected eight highly representative and scientifically significant fossils for the event. The star exhibit, a holotype specimen of Lufengosaurus huenei, regarded as "China's First Dinosaur", left its institute for the first time since 1949. Other rare specimens, including Sinosaurus triassicus, Panguraptor lufengensis, and Xingxiulong chengi, also made their public debut.

The Lufeng delegation, led by Mayor Dou Xiaojun, promoted the city's unique "trinity" of tourism resources: the appeal of dinosaur research, the charm of ancient Heijing Town, and the attraction of thermal springs. Key tourism enterprises from both regions held talks to discuss the development of fossil resources and the creation of cultural IPs.

The museum was transformed into an immersive dinosaur experience zone. At the dinosaur-themed workshop, experts from Lufeng guided children through hands-on fossil cleaning and restoration. "It's like traveling through time," remarked one participant. The dinosaur-themed market also proved popular, blending science with themed merchandise.

Children in Shanghai participate in fossil cleaning and restoration under the guidance of experts. [Photo/WeChat account: jaxwzx]

Innovatively, online livestreams also offered virtual tours of Lufeng, bringing its rich dinosaur heritage and Yunnan lifestyle to audiences from around the world.