Natural history and astronomy museums extend hours for holidays

Two of Shanghai's leading science museums will stay open later than usual during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, offering evening programs and activities for families and visitors.

The Shanghai Natural History Museum will host a weeklong "Dragon Night" series from October 1 to 7, with extended hours until 10pm on the first day and 9pm on the following nights.

Each evening will carry a different theme, ranging from a patriotic concert and story nights for children to electronic music parties, creative workshops, cosplay shows, traditional culture events and a detective-style mystery game in the dinosaur halls. Daytime activities, such as fossil digs and hands-on science lessons, will continue throughout the holiday.

The Shanghai Astronomy Museum will extend hours to 8pm during the October 1-7 holiday and will change its regular daily closing time to 5pm beginning October 8.

Visitors can join guided tours focused on China's space achievements, performances linked to its meteorite exhibition, and interactive storytelling sessions. The museum will also organize large-scale stargazing events, setting up telescopes outdoors for moon-viewing and night-sky observations.

Both museums will offer additional online and immersive programs for those unable to attend in person, including VR (virtual reality) moon-gazing and livestreamed events.

If You Go

Shanghai Natural History Museum
Oct 1: open until 10pm; Oct 2-7: open until 9pm

• Oct 1 – "Dragon Hymn" Patriotic Concert: choral and folk music
• Oct 2 – "Dragon Riddle" Story Night: Q&A with experts and behind-the-scenes collections tour for children
• Oct 3 – "Dragon Beat" Electronic Night: electronic music party in the dinosaur halls
• Oct 4 – "Dragon Feast" Food Lab: creative workshops inspired by prehistoric dining
• Oct 5 – "Dragon Fantasy" Anime Night: cosplay parade, idol group shows and dance performances
• Oct 6 – "Dragon Rhythm" Traditional Night: Chinese music and cultural fair
• Oct 7 – "Dragon Detective" Mystery Night: interactive clue-hunting game in the exhibition halls

Shanghai Astronomy Museum
Oct 1-7: open until 8pm
From Oct 8: close at 5pm