Science Literacy in China: Centers promote appreciation for science fields

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This Saturday marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of the China Science and Technology Museum, and the start of modern and comprehensive science centers in China. On the sidelines of the World Conference on Science Literacy, our reporter visited the museum and sat down with people to talk about the country's efforts in promoting public science literacy. Zheng Yibing has more.

A great hall for scientific exploration.

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "This is China Science and Technology Museum. Each day, it welcomes over 10,000 visitors for scientific inspiration."

The museum shows the history of science through themed exhibits, lectures and particularly interactions.

VISITOR "The exhibits here are fantastic."

VISITOR "The immersive experience here is superb, children can learn a lot."

VISITOR "We adults feel the scientific development and its impact on life."

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "The museum has a history of 30 years, and turns the ordinary into a scientific realm. It bears the efforts of many people."

Liao Hong has been working here since the very start. She witnessed the changes.

LIAO HONG DEPUTY CURATOR, CHINESE SCIENCE & TECH MUSEUM "Since 1988, we have opened first and the second stage projects, and the current venue. We have received over 50 million visitors."

Behind it, is the nation's efforts to promote public science literacy, not necessarily help people become scientists, but in fact help them acquire ability to understand, describe, predict things in a scientific way. For China, this needs improving.

LIAO HONG DEPUTY CURATOR, CHINESE SCIENCE & TECH MUSEUM "Only 8.47 percent Chinese have science literacy, but for an innovative country, that standard is ten percent. We need to do more."

In three decades, over 190 modern science centers opened in China. And a vast chain is being built, combining mobile or digital science museums. And classes, television programs and publication in the sector are also encouraged.

VISITOR "We hope that science literacy promotion can reach more children not only in big cities but in less developed regions as well."

VISITOR "It needs participation from many sides, not just museums, but also the entire society."

To become an innovative country where every member can have equal chance to feel inspired, there is still a long way to go. But changes are happening. ZHENG YIBING, CGTN, BEIJING.