Sichuan Science and Technology Museum – Chengdu

Overlooking Chengdu’s Tianfu Square, the centerpiece of the city, stands a giant statue of Chairman Mao and the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum.

The Sichuan Science and Technology Museum was created to educate the public about modern science and technology, and the museum’s many exhibits go to great lengths to avoid stale, boring displays of obscure scientific knowledge, opting instead to use vivid and engaging sounds, lighting, and electrical effects to display their information in a captivating way for all to enjoy. Throughout the museum, the audience has a chance to interact with the exhibits, giving a nice balance between knowledge presentation and engaging entertainment. 

Covering a total area of 41,961 sq m (451,664 sq ft), Sichuan Science and Technology Museum is located right in the central business district of Chengdu and is easily accessible by bus or the subway. The museum currently boasts about 20 exhibition areas which have some 600 exhibits on display – there are five floors in total, each with a different theme. For example, the first floor has a 4D circular-screen theater and models about aerospace advances, Ertan’s hydroelectric power, and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, while the second floor focuses on robots, the virtual world and the study of time tunnels.

In addition, there is a 3,000 sq m (32,291 sq ft) temporary indoor exhibition hall and a 5,000 sq m (53,819 sq ft) area designed for providing rich and varied activities for the public to participate in. There is underground parking and fast food restaurants with both Chinese and Western-style cuisine to serve visitors. There is also a gift shop that sells science-themed toys designed to educate as well as entertain.

The museum opens from 9:30 to 16:30 every week from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays. Tickets are 30 CNY for adults and children under 1.2 meters (4 ft) can enter for free.