The national science museum in its 2009 building on the Olympic axis: five floors of hands-on halls ('Glory of China' on ancient science, 'Exploration and Discovery', 'Science and Life', 'Challenges and the Future'), a children's science park for the under-8s, and four special-format cinemas including a dome and a giant screen. It is the best rainy-day family stop in Beijing and the strictest ticket in the district: everything is sold online, real-name, per session and per hall (main halls ¥30, children's park ¥30, films ¥30), released at 18:00 seven days ahead. Entry is by the west gate on the booked document.
EntranceLine 8 Olympic Green station, Exit E, then 1 km north-east; or Line 15 Anli Rd station, Exit A, 800 m; enter by the west gate, exit by the east (official)
Last verified 2026-09-11
How to book
Official website cstm.org.cn and the museum's two WeChat official accounts only, real-name, up to 7 days ahead from 18:00; every visitor including free and concession groups must book; no third-party sales (official)Verified · 2026-09Source ↗
ID details
Real-name entry; passport handling is unconfirmed. Real-name: enter by the west gate with the original document used for booking (official: 持本人有效实名证件, 'ID card etc.'); neither the booking page nor the FAQ mentions foreign visitors or passports (browser check, 11 Sept 2026) — whether a passport can register is unconfirmed
Beat the crowds
Weekends, public holidays and the summer break (1 July-31 August, the museum's own 'peak season') sell out the 18:00 release; a weekday in term time is easy. Inside, the 2nd-floor 'Exploration' halls and the children's park are the crush; the 4th-floor ocean hall is quiet.
Language
Bilingual labels on most permanent exhibits; films are in Chinese. The website is Chinese.