China's first national maritime museum is to open in May in Tianjin's Binhai New Area.

Covering an area of 150,000 square meters, the museum is made up of four white streamlined buildings crossing the land and the sea.

Aerial view of the national maritime museum illuminated by lights under construction in Binhai New Area, Tianjin, February 15, 2019.(Photos: IC)

The 15 sections in the 23,000-square-meter exhibition hall cover a wide range of themes, including Chinese marine culture and history, marine ecology and the environment, science education and interactive programs.

An exhibition hall in China's national maritime museum, Tianjin, April 2, 2019.

Its exhibition includes various maritime specimens, including a rare pregnant hammerhead shark, a giant squid and over 300 fish and 100 sea birds, as well as a set of marine invertebrate specimens with over 4600 species.

Once opened, the museum is expected to become a center for enhancing public awareness of sea protection, marine research and the promotion of marine culture.

The museum will also have stores, restaurants, cafes and cinemas.