Chinese objects in the National Museums Scotland are numerous and varied, with dozens of different objects on display. These items range from approximately 200 BCE to the 21st century, some created in China while others are Chinese-style objects made in Scotland.   

Some more eye-catching objects include the model of a ship constructed by Chinese sailors c. 1875 near Shanghai, a Netsuke (miniature sculpture) of a shokuin, a monster with a dragon fore-part and horse hind-part from Chinese mythology, and a cast of a Yangtze River dolphin.   

 The Yangtze River dolphin or báijìtún 白鱀豚 is a freshwater dolphin thought to have been driven to extinction by human activity. This species has not been sighted for over 40 years, despite conservation efforts. It was once regarded as the goddess of protection for local fisherman, with the nickname the “Goddess of the Yangtze”.