Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

With four purpose-built IMAX theatres and 14 themed exhibition halls including the World of Animals, Children’s Science Land, the World of Robots and a Space Navigation zone this interactive museum in Pudong can keep children entertained for hours and makes a great day out for the family. The real gem, however, is one of the last stops on the route: ‘The Light of Wisdom’. Here, children can feel like little scientists, discovering different phenomena such as glowing orbs illustrating the ionized state of gas and interactive activities like riding a bicycle across a tightrope suspended in mid-air, although you should be prepared to queue for these. Even adults will be fascinated by the giant floating tap gushing out water, aptly named ‘Water from Heaven’. The only disappointment is the IWERKS 4D theatre with its badly dubbed Chinese and lack of any subtitles. The 18-minute ‘Haunted Lighthouse’ offers nothing new or exciting except occasional refreshing spurts of water, and is definitely not worth the extra 30RMB admission. Museum tickets are 60RMB for adults, 45RMB for students under the age of 18 (but don’t forget your student ID), and free for children under 130cm and seniors. Admission in to the theatres is separate.