Still deciding where to take the kids for National Day? The critically acclaimed documentary co-produced by Apple TV+ and BBC Studios has been adapted into the Prehistoric Planet: Dinosaurs immersive giant-screen experience, confirmed to open at the BASE Digital Art Centre in Shenzhen Bay MixC from 1 October 2026. After touring London, Shanghai and Beijing, the experience has now landed in Shenzhen, making it one of the most talked-about indoor family activities in Shenzhen this National Day.
Unlike a traditional museum, there are no fossils on display. Instead, 5 wrap-around giant screens and a 16-metre-high exhibition hall "send you back" to the Cretaceous period 66 million years ago. Below we set out the exhibition dates, ticket prices, address and transport, and how to buy tickets, plus some indoor spots around Shenzhen Bay you can visit on the same National Day outing.
1. Event information at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience name | Prehistoric Planet: Dinosaurs immersive giant-screen experience (Shenzhen) |
| Exhibition period | 1 October 2026 to 30 May 2027 |
| Venue | BASE Digital Art Centre, L307, Zone D, Shenzhen Bay MixC |
| Address | 1218 Haide 1st Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen |
| Transport | Exit N, Houhai Station, Shenzhen Metro Line 11 or Line 2 |
| Ticket prices | Early-bird concession/child ticket ¥58; early-bird adult ticket ¥88; on-site ticket ¥128 |
| Duration | Approximately 60 minutes |
| Tickets | Search "OUTPUT EXPERIENCE" on WeChat to buy tickets and reserve an entry slot via the official mini-programme |
Note: early-bird tickets are usually limited in number, and National Day holiday slots are the most in demand. Because it is a two-step process ("buy ticket + reserve slot"), it is best to pick your time as soon as you have bought, rather than leaving it to the day.
2. What will you see inside? A quick look at the six chapters
The whole experience is told in the first person from a "dinosaur's-eye view", using 5 giant screens and a 16-metre-high hall to present the T. rex, pterosaurs, mosasaurus and triceratops in close-up detail. The content is divided into six chapters:
- Age of Giants: the daily life and struggle for survival of giant dinosaurs across three Cretaceous ecosystems — coast, forest and desert.
- Tree of Life: the evolutionary relationship between dinosaurs and modern birds, showing the forms of feathered dinosaurs.
- Raising Young: dinosaur parenting behaviour and tender scenes of adults caring for their young.
- Monsters in the Mind: how humans gradually turned dinosaur fossils from mythical "monsters/dragons" into scientific knowledge.
- Digging Through Time: how scientists reconstruct dinosaurs' appearance and habits from fossils, footprints, bones and feather impressions.
- Path of Evolution: how extreme natural environments shaped dinosaurs' survival strategies.
The footage is drawn from the highlights of Prehistoric Planet seasons 1 and 2, plus additional unreleased extended footage. There is a lot of information for dinosaur fans and kids, so allow 1.5 to 2 hours (including queuing and photos).
3. How to get there from three checkpoints + things to do around Shenzhen Bay
The venue is at Houhai Station, so the most direct route is to cross at Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint and transfer to Metro Line 13 into Nanshan — just a few stops. Suggested routes from three checkpoints are listed below:
| Checkpoint | Route | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint | Cross the border, transfer to Metro Line 13, alight at Houhai Station and walk to Zone D of MixC | About 25–35 minutes |
| Futian Checkpoint | Cross the border, transfer to the Metro, alight at Houhai Station (changing lines via the Convention and Exhibition Centre area) | About 45–60 minutes |
| Luohu Checkpoint | Cross the border, transfer to Metro Line 1, then change to Line 2/11 to Houhai Station | About 55–70 minutes |
After the exhibition, there is more to explore around Shenzhen Bay: Shenzhen Bay MixC Phase 2 "Pink Street" (photo spots + food), Shenzhen Bay Culture Plaza, and Talent Park (free, superb for sunset). A full day of indoor plus outdoor activities — perfect even on a rainy day.
4. Indoor family alternatives during National Day
If you cannot book a dinosaur slot, or want to fit in two activities in one day, there are several other indoor family options in Shenzhen during National Day: Shenzhen Culture Centre New Building (Minzhi, Longhua; newly opened; 8K dome screen plus VR), Shenzhen Library North Building and Shenzhen Art Museum New Building (Hongshan Station, Longhua; free; closed Mondays), and Shenzhen Natural History Museum (reservation required; has a dinosaur fossil gallery). These are all indoors with air conditioning, ideal for avoiding the crowds during National Day.
5. Ticket purchase steps and notes
- Search "OUTPUT EXPERIENCE" on WeChat for the official mini-programme.
- Choose a date and entry slot (slot-based, with a cap on numbers per time period).
- Choose a ticket type: early-bird concession/child ticket ¥58, early-bird adult ticket ¥88, on-site ticket ¥128.
- After payment, save the e-ticket QR code and show it at entry.
Early-bird tickets are generally limited in time and quantity, and popular slots (weekends, dusk) sell out fastest once sales officially open; if you plan to go during National Day, buy as soon as sales open. On-site tickets are more flexible, but you may have to wait for a slot on holidays, and each ticket costs ¥40 or more extra.
Also note the venue is at L307, Zone D of the mall, with dining and toilets nearby on the same floor, so you will not have to hunt for somewhere if you are with children. Mall parking spaces are tight on holidays, so if you are driving to Shenzhen, it is best to arrive early.
FAQ
What age is suitable for children?
There is an official child ticket. The content is mainly educational with no scary scenes, so children from the upper kindergarten years upwards will find it engaging; very young children may not sit still for 60 minutes, so judge according to your own situation.
Can I buy an on-site ticket at the door?
Yes, but the on-site ticket at ¥128 is more expensive than the early-bird tickets (¥58/¥88), and on holidays you will probably have to wait for a slot. If you want to save money and avoid waiting, buy an early-bird ticket on the mini-programme in advance.
How busy is it during the National Day holiday?
1 to 7 October is the peak period. It is best to choose the first session in the morning or a later session in the evening; on weekends and holidays, reserve at least a day in advance.
Can I combine it with other National Day activities in one day?
Yes. We suggest seeing the exhibition in the morning, having lunch at Shenzhen Bay MixC at midday, then in the afternoon walking Phase 2 "Pink Street" or visiting Talent Park and Coastal City, and returning to the checkpoint at dusk. Attractions in this area are concentrated, so you will not have to travel between districts and can pack a lot into one day.
Practical tips
- Remember it is "Shenzhen Bay MixC Zone D, L307", not Phase 1 — going to the wrong zone means an extra 10 minutes' walk.
- Leave from Exit N of Houhai Station and follow the mall signs to Zone D — that is the fastest way.
- The venue is mainly giant-screen imagery, and some segments are quite dark, so keep a close eye on children.
- The ticketing mini-programme shows remaining slots; once they are sold out, they are gone, so do not wait until the day itself to buy.
- The exhibition runs for 8 months, so there is no rush to brave the National Day crowds — you can choose a weekday after mid-October and take your time.
This article was compiled from a 21 September 2026 report by East Week (Sing Tao) and publicly available information from the event organiser. Exhibition dates, ticket prices, slots and opening arrangements may be adjusted; before you set off, please refer to the official ticketing mini-programme and the venue's latest announcements.
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