Chengdu Natural History Museum is one of western China's largest natural history museums, with fossils, minerals, animal specimens, and geology displays spread across a modern building in the northeast of the city.
The fossil rooms are the main draw, especially if you are travelling with children or want a break from temples and old streets. It pairs well with other north Chengdu stops, including the panda research base, though it is a separate museum visit rather than a quick add-on.