Guangming Science Museum (Shenzhen): Honestly... It's a Bit 'Meh'.

[Ms. Wanda Kilback]

Alright, allow me to give you my impression of this place. If your children are younger than junior high school age (typically kids under 14 or 15 in China), truthfully, this attraction may not be worthwhile for you.

For starters, it seems more like an educational centre designed for school field trips. High schools often make use of such places to make their classes more engaging. It's not exactly the go-to amusement venue for a family outing.

And let me give you another jarring piece of information: tickets for adults cost more than those for children! Seriously, what adult would find this fascinating? Kids are supposed to gain knowledge from it.

This experience didn't work out well for us for a few reasons:

• Too Much Like School, Lack of Play:

  • It emphasizes science explanations heavily. That's great for senior students who grasp the relevant concepts, but not so much for younger children.
  • Most little ones seemed overwhelmed by rushing through the exhibits, not absorbing any information. They were desperately searching for something fun amidst all those serious-looking machines.
  • I witnessed a few kids hitting the equipment out of curiosity, probably believing it was some kind of game. They had no idea about the scientific principles behind it.

• Not Very Interactive:

  • There wasn’t much you could do to actively engage with the exhibits. The so-called “interactive” ones felt rather lacklustre.

• Snack Trap!

  • Don't get me started on the cotton candy -- it’s way too pricey!

Here Are My Hot Tips and Warnings for Fellow Travelers:

Age Check:

• Heads Up: If your children are young (elementary school age – roughly 6 to 11 years old – or younger), they'll most likely be bored.
• Why? This centre focuses on older students who can grasp and enjoy the more detailed scientific explanations.
• How to Avoid Disappointment: If you have younger children, choose an amusement park or a playful museum instead.

Expectation Management:

• Heads Up: Don’t expect this to be a highly interactive, Disneyland-style science museum where every exhibit is a fun game.
• Why? This is more academic, aimed at explaining science principles and sometimes featuring static displays.
• How to Avoid Disappointment: For older kids, present the visit as a learning opportunity over sheer enjoyment.

Cotton Candy Alert:

• Heads Up: Be prepared for the inflated price of the cotton candy.
• Why? Due to tourist demand, prices can rise.
• How to Avoid Disappointment (for your wallet): Bring your own snacks or prepare yourself for the higher cost if your child really wants that candy cloud.