Nestled within the serene surroundings of Luxun Park in Qingdao, the Qingdao Museum of Marine Products stands as a specialized tribute to the rich maritime fishery of China. Originally constructed in 1930 through the merger of the Shandong Fishery Hall and Qingdao People’s Museum, this museum has become a vital repository of knowledge, showcasing the intricate relationship between Qingdao and its maritime heritage.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of 1,950 breeds of specimens, totaling 20,000 items. Within this extensive collection, 1,100 breeds comprising 15,000 pieces belong to invertebrates, 700 breeds totaling 3,000 pieces represent vertebrates, and 150 breeds amount to 2,000 pieces of algae.
Divided into two halls, the exhibition hall and the aquarium hall, the museum offers a comprehensive exploration of marine life. The exhibition hall showcases over 800 specimens, featuring a diverse array of sea creatures such as protozoan, poriferan, coelenterate, mollusk, fishes, chelonians, sea snakes, and whales. Notable specimens include the precious North Sea lion and North Sea dog, first discovered along the Chinese coast, along with a 14-meter-long, 22-ton sperm whale – the first and largest toothed whale ever captured in China.
The aquarium hall presents a vibrant display of living aquatic animals, including jellyfish, ormer, sea cucumber, prawn, and black porgy. A highlight of the collection is the presence of three penguins and sea dogs generously presented by the China Polar Inspection Team. Visitors can marvel at more than 60 glass tanks filled with a variety of tropical fish, adding to the immersive and educational experience offered by the Qingdao Museum of Marine Products.
