Shanghai’s 2026 National Science Popularization Month will open Saturday, kicking off a month-long citywide program of science and technology events.
Under the theme “Technology Changes Life, Innovation Shapes the Future,” the program will bring thousands of activities to communities across the city, covering topics ranging from artificial intelligence and scientific research to environmental protection and health.
The opening ceremony at Shanghai Science Hall will unveil the first batch of science and study tour routes across the Yangtze River Delta. The routes will link science venues in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui around four themes: the spirit of scientists, major scientific and technological achievements, ecological conservation and artificial intelligence.
After the ceremony, Shanghai Science Hall will host a series of public programs, including a live science session exploring the stories behind ancient Chinese bronzeware through writing and drawing, a screening of the documentary “In Search of Nature: The Code of Life” followed by a director’s talk, and more than a dozen hands-on experiments for children and families.
A science and art exhibition will combine scientific imagery with painting, sculpture and augmented reality, alongside traditional Chinese crafts such as paper-cutting and black pottery.
The four themed weeks will bring science into different parts of daily life. Universities will open laboratories and research facilities to the public, science fairs will take over commercial districts, and outreach programs will bring science into local communities.
Across the city’s 16 districts, universities, research institutes, science venues and companies will host thousands of events throughout the month.
