Shanghai is currently hosting the nation’s most prestigious biological specimen exhibition, showcasing exceptional works from across China. The 6th China Animal Specimen Competition officially opened its doors on December 20, 2025, at the China-Israel (Shanghai) Innovation Hub in Putuo District.
The event features 738 carefully selected entries, with the exhibition running through March 2026, offering free public access to these remarkable scientific artworks. Among the standout contributions is a project by a seventh-grade student from Tianjin, who created a detailed specimen from a crucian carp rescued from a local vegetable market. This young participant’s work demonstrates how practical specimen preservation serves as both scientific practice and conservation advocacy.
Experts at the event emphasized the broader significance of specimen preservation, noting that each preserved specimen represents a conserved natural resource. The competition not only highlights technical excellence in taxidermy and preservation techniques but also fosters public awareness about biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship.
The exhibition provides a unique platform for scientists, educators, students, and the general public to engage with natural history preservation. By bringing together works from professional institutions and amateur enthusiasts alike, the event bridges the gap between academic research and public education in the biological sciences.