Moon soil and rocket exhibits to open in Shenzhen

A pair of lunar soil samples — one from the Moon’s near side and one from its far side — will be exhibited at the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum.

A view of the “Embracing the Moon — China’s Lunar Exploration Achievements Exhibition” at the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum, featuring models of Chang’e lunar probes and a mascot figure celebrating China's space program. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum

The samples are the first of their kind in human history: the near-side sample was collected by Chang’e-5, and the far-side sample — returned by Chang’e-6 — represents the world’s first retrieval of lunar material from the Moon’s far hemisphere.

The unprecedented display brings these two groundbreaking samples together for the public, offering a rare, tangible glimpse into deep-space exploration.

A close-up view of the lunar soil samples. The near-side sample collected by Chang’e-5, and the far-side sample returned by Chang’e-6.  

The exhibits are part of two parallel showcases opening Dec. 6 — the “Embracing the Moon — China’s Lunar Exploration Achievements Exhibition” and the “National Power: China’s Aerospace Hardware Exhibition.” Together, they promise a globally unique celebration of China’s space achievements.

Lunar mysteries within reach

Exhibits on display at the “Embracing the Moon — China’s Lunar Exploration Achievements Exhibition.” 

From ancient myths to modern science fiction, the moon has long inspired wonder. Now, visitors can observe real material that is helping scientists uncover answers once confined to imagination — from detecting traces of water in lunar soil to supporting visions of lunar farming and future space habitats.

“These samples anchor humanity’s dream of building a home beyond Earth,” the exhibition organizers said.

Historic Long March rocket on display

Debuting alongside the dual lunar samples is the recovered Long March-2F Y11 rocket. Its “CZ-2F” markings, burn traces, and remaining insulation tiles are still clearly visible — physical evidence of its fiery journey through Earth’s atmosphere.

Visitors admire the recovered Long March-2F Y11 rocket on display during a preview of the “National Power: China’s Aerospace Hardware Exhibition” at the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum.

In 2016, this very rocket carried astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong into orbit for a 33-day stay aboard the Tiangong-2 space laboratory, setting China’s then-record for its longest astronaut mission. Daily life in orbit — tending lettuce, conducting mechanical-arm experiments, watching synchronized news with Earth, and exchanging birthday wishes across space — is etched into the rocket’s every detail.

From ancient sky-gazing to modern Moon landings, from the legend of Chang’e to rigorous scientific discovery, the twin exhibitions highlight a uniquely Chinese blend of romance, curiosity, and determination — and the nation’s expanding role in humanity’s search for cosmic possibilities.

Exhibition details

Venue: Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum, 2nd Floor West Entrance Area, 8 Guanghui Avenue, Guangming District, Shenzhen 

Embracing the Moon — China’s Lunar Exploration Achievements Exhibition

Dates: Dec. 6, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026

Location: 2F West Entrance Staircase Lounge

Access: Reservation required via the “Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum” mini-program

National Power — China’s Aerospace Hardware Exhibition

Dates: Dec. 6, 2025 – Mar. 4, 2026

Location: 2F West Entrance Platform

Access: Free admission; no reservation required

Note: Both exhibitions are located in the museum’s public space on the second floor. No ticket for the permanent exhibition halls is required.

A payload fairing from a Long March rocket is displayed outside the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum.