Do you know what a “cosmic lighthouse” is? How long is the life of the sun? How does the “China Sky Eye” (FAST) observe the universe? Walking into the Beijing Planetarium, you can find the answers to all these questions.

The Beijing Planetarium was officially opened to the public in 1957 and is the first large-scale planetarium in China. The rich and colorful exhibition projects and advanced science education facilities in the museum allow the audience to understand the mysteries of the universe through interesting visits and experiences.

The Beijing Planetarium includes two buildings: the Building A and Building B, with a total of four science theaters. The Astronomical Hall in Building A is the largest flat-horizon astronomical hall in Chinese mainland.

There are various facilities for popularizing astronomical knowledge in Building B, such as the Space Theater along with other science theaters, the astronomical exhibition hall and so on. In the Space Theater, the standard hemispheric full-sky screen with 18 meters in diameter and an inclination of 15 degrees can present a magnificent 3D visual effect for 200 viewers at the same time. While in the 4D Theater, the audience can wear a special pair of polarized glasses to watch popular science programs. According to the development of the film plot, the special effects equipment will produce the effects such as splashing water, blowing wind, lightening, stabbing back, rolling ball ,blowing ear wind and clapping leg, which are synchronized with the performance in the film.

Human beings have a long history of “chasing stars”. If you have a longing for the starry sky, don’t hesitate to come to the Beijing Planetarium for a visit!

Address: No. 138 Xizhimenwai Main Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:30

Closed on Monday and Tuesday regularly (except legal holidays, summer and winter holidays)

Reservation: WeChat official account of Beijing Planetarium

Translator: Chen Nuoqi