Loong Diving in the Ocean: The Ancient Ocean in Triassic Guizhou

Time period: September 19, 2023 – March 17, 2024

Venue: National Natural History Museum of China

Introduction: The highlight of this exhibition is the renowned prehistoric marine reptile, the ichthyosaur. As a creature that existed in the early Triassic period, the ichthyosaur gradually evolved into a colossal and legendary family over a span of more than 100 million years before becoming extinct 90 million years ago. The ichthyosaur, along with its associated species such as the Guizhou dragon, fish, and crinoids, represents precious relics in the history of Earth"s biological evolution. As products of ecological and environmental changes, their evolution, development, and extinction are closely linked to environmental shifts. Therefore, they vividly illustrate the interactive history of biological organisms and their environment.

This exhibition will showcase 50 rich, unique, and beautifully preserved fossil specimens of ichthyosaurs, including Deng"s Guizhou ichthyosaur, Guanling ichthyosaur, and Hu"s Guizhou dragon. Through a combination of exhibition panels, multimedia videos, and other modern audiovisual forms, it will comprehensively and from multiple perspectives introduce the knowledge of paleontology and present the process of exploration and research methods employed by scientists in discovering ichthyosaur fossils. In addition, it will at the same time unveil the evolution of marine life and the changes in the ecological environment during the Triassic period. Simultaneously, while ensuring scientific accuracy, the exhibition also pays attention to artistic presentation. The exhibition hall is decorated primarily in ocean blue tones and elements of ukiyo-e style are incorporated, making it an ideal place for visitors to take photos. It is believed that through visiting this exhibition, visitors will not only gain a wealth of knowledge in natural science but also enjoy a wonderful audiovisual experience.