Astronaut and theater festival hit show light up science museum

Shenzhen will ring in the New Year with science, art and stargazing as the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum in Guangming District hosts a special “New-Quality Future Night” on Dec. 31. Designed as a tech-infused alternative to crowded countdown parties, the museum will extend its opening hours until midnight, with its first and second floors open to the public free of charge.

Astronaut Zhao Chuandong will deliver a themed talk at the museum on New Year’s Eve. Photos courtesy of the museum

One of the highlights of the evening will be a rare face-to-face sharing session with Zhao Chuandong, one of China’s first batch of astronauts and a former top-grade Air Force pilot. Speaking at the second-floor atrium, Zhao will deliver a themed talk titled “The Vast Starry Sky, Infinite Exploration,” offering firsthand insights into China’s space journey and the spirit of aerospace exploration. The event aims to inspire young people with dreams of space and ignite public curiosity about the universe through authentic storytelling.

The “Moon Market” poster.

The New Year’s Eve celebration will also feature a free science-themed gala jointly presented by 10 universities, including Southern University of Science and Technology and Shenzhen University. More than 20 creative programs—ranging from science rock music and tech-inspired dance to TED-style talks, as well as multimedia shows— will be staged simultaneously at the second-floor main atrium and the first-floor multifunctional hall.

Adding to the immersive experience, a “Moon Market” will debut during the event, blending hands-on science with playful interaction. Visitors can sample themed beverages, watch a “Rose Science Show,” take on motion-sensing games, create hand-painted moon lamps, customize 3D-printed moon models, and participate in simulated aerospace missions.

A poster for the stargazing event.

Family-friendly elements will also take center stage. A stilt-puppet version of The Little Prince, a popular production from the Wuzhen Theatre Festival, will appear alongside fairytale-style NPCs and live science demonstrations, bringing theatrical charm and scientific wonder together.

As midnight approaches, visitors will be invited to step outside and observe the night sky through 10 telescopes, symbolically searching for the first star of 2026. The countdown itself will be marked by an eight-minute technology-themed light show, immersive theatrical parades, lucky draws and a collective singalong, illuminating the arrival of the New Year.

The celebrations will continue throughout the New Year holiday from Jan. 1 to Jan. 3, 2026, with workshops on 3D printing, AI music creation, robotics competitions, robot dog performances and interactive activities across multiple floors.

Located at No. 8 Guanghui Avenue in Guangming District, the museum is accessible via Guangming Station on Metro Line 6.