The Sichuan Science and Technology Museum is not just a collection of exhibits, but a huge interactive center. Located on the north side of the famous Tianfu Square in the very center of Chengdu, the museum occupies an impressive area of 60,000 square meters, and its exhibition spaces exceed 25,000 square meters. Entry to the museum is free, making it one of the most popular places for family recreation in the city.
History in Stone: From Exhibition Hall to Museum
The building of the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum has an interesting history. It was built in 1969 as the "Exhibition Hall of the Victory of Ideas of Mao Zedong" — a monumental structure in the style of Soviet architecture, which for many years served as a symbol of the era.
In 2006, the building was reimagined and transformed into a modern science and technology museum, and in 2017, after a large-scale reconstruction, the renovated museum opened as we see it today. Interestingly, the facade of the building has preserved its historical appearance, and in front of the main entrance there still stands a monument of Mao Zedong — this creates an amazing contrast between past and present.
Floor by Floor: A Journey Through the Worlds of Science
The Sichuan Science and Technology Museum is divided into four main floors, each dedicated to its own theme.
First Floor: "Three Questions — About Heaven, About Water, About the Future"
Here you will be greeted by three main themes. The Aerospace Hall, covering about 1,500 square meters, tells the story of space exploration and displays real exhibits, including a fighter jet created by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and a turbojet engine.
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System model is an exact replica of the famous ancient engineering structure, showing how more than two thousand years ago Chinese engineers tamed the waters of the Minjiang River.
Here you will also find a model of the Ertan Hydroelectric Power Station and a geological model of the picturesque Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong areas. Completing the floor is a 4D cinema, where special effects — smoke, fog, light, rain, and even smells — make watching films truly immersive.
Second Floor: "Three Searches — For Knowledge, Wisdom, Traces"
This floor is dedicated to classical sciences and modern technologies. In the Mechanics Hall, you can learn how automotive clutches and differentials work. The Electricity and Magnetism Hall demonstrates amazing phenomena of high-voltage discharges.
The Virtual World offers interactive attractions, for example, a digital treadmill where in 3D glasses you can race with virtual animals. But the main star of the floor is the Robot Hall, where you can see robots with facial expressions, robot musicians, and even robots that play football or chess.
Third Floor: "Three Lives — Life, Existence, Daily Life"
This floor tells about the world around us. The Celestial Phenomena Hall allows you to learn about the mysteries of galaxies and learn to determine the coordinates of stars. The Biological Sciences Hall offers to test your balance, walk through a tilted hut, and even understand the DNA sequence. Here you can also learn about the protection of pandas and other rare animals, as well as how to behave in extreme situations — from fires to earthquakes.
Fourth Floor: "Aesthetics and Innovations"
Here you will find children`s science centers, a robotics workshop, and also the amazing "Kingdom of Ants," where you can learn about the structure of an anthill and the language of communication of these insects.
What You Must See at the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum
Special attention deserves the Robot Theater — a unique show where robots play musical instruments, perform traditional Chinese opera scenes, and even change masks in the style of Sichuan opera "bianlian." This amazing combination of ancient art and modern technology leaves an unforgettable impression. Also be sure to visit the Dujiangyan exhibition — it gives a unique understanding of how ancient engineering thought continues to inspire modern science.
Practical Information about the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum
Entry to the museum is free, but advance registration is required through the official WeChat account three days before your visit, with tickets appearing daily at 5:00 PM. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:20 AM to 5:00 PM (entry until 4:30 PM), Monday is closed. Getting here is easy: Tianfu Guangchang metro station on lines 1 and 2, exit H or C.
There is no café inside, but around Tianfu Square there are many restaurants and snack bars. Plan 2–3 hours for your visit.
The Sichuan Science and Technology Museum is a place where science ceases to be boring theory and turns into an exciting adventure. Here children and adults can not just look, but also touch, experiment, and discover the world from a new perspective.
