QINGDAO -- A natural history museum opened Tuesday in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao.

Behring Natural History Museum, named after Kenneth E Behring, an US philanthropist and wild animal specimen collector, covers an area of 7,200 square meters and costs 164 million yuan (24.7 million US dollars).

It was built by Qingdao Shibei District Government, Chinese Academy of Sciences Qingdao institute of sciences and arts, and the US Global Health and Education Foundation.

Based on more than 400 specimens donated by Behring, the museum has 32 exhibition sections.

Behring is president of US Global Health and Education Foundation and Wheelchair Foundation World, as well as a member of the China Foundation for Disabled Persons.

Behring has donated many specimens to Chinese museums and universities in recent years.