China's National Maritime Museum began trial operation on Wednesday in north China's Tianjin Municipality. /VCG Photo

Dubbed as "Palace Museum on the sea," the museum has now opened four out of its 15 exhibition halls, with the four themed "The Ancient Ocean," "Ocean Today," "Journey of Discovery" and "The Age of the Dragon." /VCG Photo

Visitors will be able to learn about navigation, marine life, the ocean environment and sustainable development. /VCG Photo

According to Xinhua, the four-building museum boasts a total exhibition area of 23,000 square meters. It looks like an open palm reaching out to the sea. /VCG Photo

Museum staff said it is expected to fully open from this June. /VCG Photo