XINING: China has opened its first large-scale modern glacier science museum on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, aiming to raise public awareness about glacier ecosystems, climate change and ecological conservation.

The Bayi Glacier Science Museum opened to visitors on Friday in Qilian County of Qinghai Province, offering interactive exhibits and scientific displays focused on glaciers and the environmental challenges facing high-altitude regions.

According to local authorities, the museum features exhibition areas themed around glacier formation, glacier retreat, ecological functions and climate impacts. Multimedia technologies, immersive displays and miniature models have been used to explain how glaciers form, evolve and influence regional water systems.

The second floor of the museum includes spaces for cultural exhibitions, nature education, research activities and visitor services.

Museum highlights glacier conservation and climate research

Officials said the museum was established near the Bayi Glacier, an important source glacier in the Qilian Mountains’ inland water system and a major site for ecological monitoring in western China.

Hou Tianmin said the museum presents years of glacier monitoring and scientific research while highlighting conservation efforts in the Qilian Mountains.

Researchers said the facility also aims to improve public understanding of glacier retreat and climate change through accessible scientific education.

Li Zongxing described the museum as a platform for translating scientific research into public awareness and environmental education.

The Qilian Mountains, located between Qinghai and Gansu provinces, contain more than 2,600 glaciers and serve as an important ecological barrier in western China.