First private fossil museum in Lanzhou opens

Visitors check out the fossils on display at the Ruibaoyuan Museum, the first private museum in Lanzhou city, Gansu province. [Photo/Xinhua]

The first private fossil museum in Xigu district in Lanzhou city, Gansu province, the Ruibaoyuan Museum, opened to the public on March 12.

Nearly 300 fossils, rare stones, and pottery cups are on display.

The preparation of the museum started in April last year, said curator Tian Zhiyun. "I have been collecting fossils and other antiques since 2002, and the museum exhibits my collection," said Tian. Tian was born in Guanghe county in Linxia Hui autonomous prefecture which is known for its fossils sites.

"When I was a kid, I saw many people cause great damage to ancient animal fossils by treating them as medicine, and I resolved to protect these rare specimens. Happily I made it and now am able to show my collection to more people," he said.

The museum has been approved as a Gansu provincial cultural heritage by the provincial office.

Edited by Peter Nordlinger