Beijing Planetarium (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Beijing Planetarium?
What makes it 89% Kids-Friendly: Kids 6-12 enjoy hands-on galleries, constellation puzzles and child-friendly shows; free or discounted tickets and safe indoor setting make it a strong educational outing.
Positives:
- Family-Friendly Facilities: Free stroller rental (¥100 deposit) and a mother-baby room make visits with little ones easier.
- Free Entry for Young Children: Children under 6 or under 1.2 m enter exhibition halls free with a paying adult.
Challenges:
- Chinese-Only Shows: Dome shows have no English audio; focus on visuals and music.
- Weather-Dependent Telescopes: Outdoor telescope viewing may close in rain or heavy clouds.
What is Beijing Planetarium?
- A public astronomical museum and research institution located in western Beijing
- Two interconnected buildings housing planetarium domes, optical telescopes, a Foucault pendulum and galleries of meteorites and space exploration
- A landmark blending traditional Chinese roof motifs with contemporary glass-and-steel structures topped by distinctive hemispherical theatres
What is so special about Beijing Planetarium for with kids?
- Engaging dome shows with child-friendly animations
- Hands-on science exhibits that spark curiosity
- Free telescope viewing sessions under the open sky
- Family amenities like stroller rental and baby room
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit covers main exhibitions, dome shows and interactive galleries without rushing young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Beijing Planetarium
Child-Friendly Dome Shows:
Watch “The Childhood of Our Solar System” and “Meteorite Impacts and Life” with vivid animations.
Tip: Buy tickets on arrival and choose the morning slot to avoid crowds.
Science Interactive Gallery:
Spin a solar system model, trigger simulated meteor strikes and explore light and shadow stations.
Tip: Head here first to beat lines at peak hours.
Foucault Pendulum & Puzzle:
See Earth’s rotation in action and challenge kids with the 88-constellation puzzle.
Tip: Pick up the puzzle in the gift shop for a hands-on souvenir.
Outdoor Telescope Viewing:
Use the 13 cm telescope to spot the moon and bright planets in Astronomy Square.
Tip: Check weather and visit after 5 PM for clearer skies.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Beijing Planetarium
- Book Dome Shows Early: Reserve show tickets at the ticket office when you arrive to secure preferred times.
- Plan Your Route: Start in the interactive gallery then move to domes and end at outdoor viewing to minimize backtracking.
Reviews of Beijing Planetarium
Anh Ngoc
The Beijing Planetarium is an impressive and educational destination. The exhibits feature detailed models and fascinating artifacts that showcase the history and advancements of astronomy in China. The staff are friendly and enthusiastic, providing helpful guidance to international visitors. However, watching the films can be challenging as they are only available in Chinese, which limits the exp...
Ember Shen
The planetarium is nice but filled with annoying kids. I like that there are alot of english translations so tourists like me can understand. Tickets cost rmb 30 inclusive of a 4d show
Dodou Wang
Movies are not clear enough
Belle Hunter
Most of the exhibition was not working or broken. Such as buttons on diagrams where missing so those parts could not light up. The planetarium isn't anything much without a ticket to a show so you really need one to make the trip worth it at all. Unfortunately the shows at movies and one is a planetarium but small and with low level equipment and graphics overall super disappointed since u expecte...
Mikhail Sterlikov
Great place to visit as for kids as for adults. Hint: make sure you're going there in the morning, 'cuz there is daily ticket amount limit. Usually on the weekends after 2.00pm there are no chances to enter there.
When is the best time to visit Beijing Planetarium (Beijing, China)?
In winter bring warm jackets for outdoor viewing. Summer afternoons can be busy—visit after 4 PM or on weekdays. On rainy days the outdoor telescope may close, so plan more time indoors.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Exhibition Hall Tickets (2 adults + 1 child) | CNY 30 |
| Dome Show Tickets (4 people) | CNY 100 |
| Constellation Puzzle (optional) | CNY 30 |
| Total Estimated | CNY 160 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Beijing Planetarium
Address: 138 Xi Wai Da Jie, Xi Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100044
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About Beijing Planetarium
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