Yunnan Science and Technology Museum

Overview

The Yunnan Science and Technology Museum (云南省科学技术馆), formerly known as the Provincial Exhibition Hall, is situated beside the picturesque Cuihu Lake (翠湖) in the center of Kunming City (昆明市). With over forty years of exhibition experience, it has become one of the most prominent exhibition venues in Yunnan Province. The museum features a science service building equipped with an auditorium, various-sized lecture halls, and meeting rooms. Additionally, it offers high-quality services through an elegant guesthouse, restaurant, and a dance hall. Covering an area of 60.4 acres, the museum boasts an exhibition building with a total area of 9,750 square meters.

In March 2022, the museum was selected as one of the first national science popularization education bases for 2021-2025.

Key Information

  • Chinese Name: 云南省科学技术馆 (Yunnan Science and Technology Museum)
  • Location: Kunming City (昆明市中心)
  • Total Area of Conference Rooms: 500 square meters
  • Load Capacity: 600-800 kg/m²

Recent Developments

The Yunnan Science and Technology Museum temporarily closed to the public starting August 20, 2021, and reopened on February 1, 2022. Visitors are now required to make real-name reservations in specific time slots and enter the museum with a reservation code. On the first day of reopening, many parents brought their children to explore the museum. The museum’s opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM, and it is closed on Mondays.

Historical Development

  • In 2004, a “Science Popularization Paradise” covering 1,300 square meters was established and opened to the public for free.
  • In September 2012, the museum completed renovations that expanded the permanent exhibition area to 3,550 square meters, featuring 312 exhibits. The exhibition was themed “Exploration of Science” and included four themed exhibition halls, six special exhibition areas, and two permanent experimental venues.

Ongoing Activities

The museum regularly conducts a series of science popularization activities, including the Dream Laboratory (梦想实验室), Dream Theater (梦想剧场), and Dream Classroom (梦想课堂). It also engages in outreach programs, bringing science exhibitions to schools, communities, and rural areas. Throughout the year, the museum operates mobile science exhibitions across 16 prefectures (州), 129 counties (县), and some towns (镇) in Yunnan Province.

Honors Received

Due to its significant contributions to science popularization, the original Yunnan Science and Technology Museum was designated as a national science popularization education base by the China Association for Science and Technology. Additionally, it was named a Yunnan provincial science popularization education base by the Yunnan provincial government, becoming a vital platform for promoting scientific spirit, disseminating scientific ideas, popularizing scientific knowledge, advocating scientific methods, and enhancing scientific literacy among citizens.

Future Plans

The construction project for the new Yunnan Science and Technology Museum is a large public cultural facility project developed through a partnership between Yunnan Province and Kunming City. It has garnered significant attention from all sectors of society. The new museum is located in the Wujia Ying area of the Chenggong New District (呈贡新区) and is designed based on the concept of “Global Vision, Chinese Characteristics, and Yunnan Elements.” The project faces challenges, including financial constraints and significant funding gaps, which have hindered progress. The Provincial Party Committee and the provincial government have placed a high priority on advancing the project. The Yunnan Association for Science and Technology, as the project owner, is actively fulfilling its responsibilities to promote the construction in accordance with the decisions of the provincial party committee and government.

The original Yunnan Science and Technology Museum will be transformed into the Yunnan Revolutionary Military Museum (云南革命军事馆), with a total planned investment of 178 million yuan. In 2022, an investment of 80 million yuan is planned, with a construction period of two years. Once completed, the project will further enrich the red tourism cultural resources in Wuhua District (五华区) and stimulate tourism development in the surrounding areas.

How to Get There

  • Public Transport: The Yunnan Science and Technology Museum is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors can take local buses that stop near the museum or opt for taxis, which are readily available in Kunming. Major bus routes lead directly to the museum area, making it convenient for visitors.

Travel Tips

  • Make Reservations: Due to limited capacity, it is advisable to make reservations in advance to secure your visit time.
  • Plan Your Visit: Arrive early to fully explore the exhibitions and facilities without rushing.
  • Check Exhibit Schedule: Visit the museum’s official website for information on current and upcoming exhibitions and activities.
  • Combine Visits: Consider visiting nearby attractions, such as Cuihu Lake (翠湖)  to enhance your day.
  • Explore Local Cuisine: Enjoy Yunnan’s renowned culinary offerings, including dishes like crossing-the-bridge rice noodles (过桥米线) at nearby eateries after your museum visit.