Beijing Planetarium
Explore the wonders of the universe at the Beijing Planetarium, featuring stunning dome shows, interactive exhibits, and a 3D space theater.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Beijing Planetarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the wonders of the universe at the Beijing Planetarium, featuring stunning dome shows, interactive exhibits, and a 3D space theater.
"An awe-inspiring journey through the cosmos that will leave you starry-eyed!"
🎯 Book Dome Show Tickets
Dome show tickets sell out fast! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot for the most popular shows.
🚇 Use the Subway
The Planetarium is easily accessible via the Beijing subway. Line 4 to Xizhimen Station is a convenient option.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Starry Sky
Planetarium Dome
Immerse yourself in the cosmos with breathtaking dome shows that bring the universe to life. A must-see for stargazers!

Interactive Exhibits
Exhibition Halls
Explore fascinating displays on astronomy, space exploration, and the wonders of the universe. Fun for all ages!

3D Space Theater
3D Theater
Experience the thrill of space travel with immersive 3D films that transport you to distant galaxies and celestial phenomena.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Navigate with Ease
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Dome Show Tickets
Dome show tickets sell out fast! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot for the most popular shows.
🚇 Use the Subway
The Planetarium is easily accessible via the Beijing subway. Line 4 to Xizhimen Station is a convenient option.
🗣️ Language Assistance
While some exhibits have English translations, consider using a translation app for a richer experience.
📸 Capture the Moment
Photography is generally allowed in exhibition areas, but check for specific restrictions in the dome theaters.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Dome Show Tickets
Dome show tickets sell out fast! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot for the most popular shows.
🚇 Use the Subway
The Planetarium is easily accessible via the Beijing subway. Line 4 to Xizhimen Station is a convenient option.
🗣️ Language Assistance
While some exhibits have English translations, consider using a translation app for a richer experience.
📸 Capture the Moment
Photography is generally allowed in exhibition areas, but check for specific restrictions in the dome theaters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the immersive dome shows and engaging interactive exhibits at the Beijing Planetarium, calling it a 'must-see' for space enthusiasts and families. While some find the ticketing system a bit complex, the educational and awe-inspiring experience of exploring the cosmos makes it a highly recommended attraction.
"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 experience for non-Chinese speakers."
Anh Ngoc
"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"
Ember Shen
"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 expected a city like Beijing to have a great museum and technology."
Belle Hunter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Beijing Planetarium is easily accessible by subway. Take Line 4 to Xizhimen Station and use Exit B. From there, it's a short walk. Buses are also an option, with several routes stopping nearby.
Taxis are generally available in Beijing, but during peak hours, they can be difficult to hail. Using ride-sharing apps like Didi is a popular and often more reliable alternative.
Beijing's subway system is extensive and efficient for traveling between major attractions. Consider purchasing a Yikatong card for easy tap-and-go travel.
Limited parking may be available, but it's often crowded. Public transportation is highly recommended to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, with a local SIM card or international roaming, you can use navigation apps like Baidu Maps or Google Maps (with a VPN) to find your way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance online through the official Beijing Planetarium website or their WeChat mini-program. This helps secure your entry, especially for popular dome shows.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the Planetarium is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with specific times for exhibitions and shows. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Yes, there are typically separate tickets for the main exhibitions and the various dome shows and 3D theater presentations. Prices vary depending on the show.
While some tickets might be available on the day, it's risky, especially for popular dome shows which often sell out in advance. Booking ahead is strongly advised.
Discounts may be available for students, children, and seniors. Check the official ticketing platform for eligibility and pricing details.
🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the immersive dome shows in the Grand Starry Sky theater, the interactive exhibits in the main halls, and the thrilling 3D Space Theater for a truly cosmic adventure.
Absolutely! The Planetarium offers engaging and educational exhibits and shows that are perfect for children, sparking their curiosity about space and science.
To fully enjoy the exhibitions and catch a show, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you want to see multiple shows, allocate half a day.
While official guided tours might be limited, the exhibits are designed to be informative. You can also find information online or use translation apps to enhance your understanding.
Photography is generally permitted in the exhibition halls, but it's best to check for any specific restrictions, especially within the theaters.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Planetarium typically has a cafe or snack bar offering light refreshments and beverages. For full meals, you'll find more options in the surrounding areas.
Expect typical cafe fare like coffee, tea, soft drinks, and perhaps some snacks or light meals. It's convenient for a quick bite.
Yes, the area around the Planetarium, especially near Xizhimen Station, offers a wide variety of restaurants, from local Beijing cuisine to international options.
It's generally advisable to check the Planetarium's policy on outside food and drinks, but usually, it's best to consume them in designated areas or outside the main exhibition spaces.
Explore the streets around Xizhimen for local eateries serving classic Beijing dishes like Peking Duck, Zhajiangmian (fried sauce noodles), and various street snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture of the Planetarium can be quite striking. Inside, the vastness of the dome theaters and the colorful exhibits offer great photo opportunities.
Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during the dome shows to avoid disturbing other viewers and for copyright reasons. Always look for signage.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the exhibits and dome interiors. Good low-light performance is also beneficial for indoor shots.
Drone photography is strictly prohibited in and around most attractions in Beijing, including the Planetarium, due to airspace regulations.
Walk around the grounds to find interesting angles of the building's unique design. The surrounding park areas might also offer good vantage points.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Prioritize booking tickets for the dome shows in advance, as they are a major highlight and can sell out. Consider the age appropriateness of the shows when selecting your tickets. The Planetarium is also a great place to foster a child's interest in STEM subjects in a fun and engaging environment.
🚀 Space Enthusiasts & Science Buffs
Tip: Look for shows that focus on specific astronomical events or deep-space exploration for a more in-depth experience. The interactive nature of the exhibits allows for hands-on learning, making complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging.
📸 Photography Lovers
Tip: Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the exhibits and dome interiors. The lighting can be atmospheric, so a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod (if permitted) can be beneficial for capturing stunning shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Cosmos: Dome Shows and Theaters
Beyond the main dome, the 3D Space Theater provides an even more immersive experience. Here, you'll feel like you're actually traveling through space, with films that utilize advanced 3D technology to bring nebulae, galaxies, and the frontiers of space exploration right before your eyes. It's a thrilling way to learn about the cosmos.
Pro-tip: Tickets for these shows are often sold separately and can be in high demand. It's crucial to book your dome show tickets in advance online or via their WeChat mini-program to avoid disappointment, especially during weekends and holidays.
Interactive Learning: Exhibits for All Ages
These exhibits are thoughtfully curated to cater to a wide range of ages and interests. Children will be fascinated by the tactile elements and colorful visuals, while adults can delve deeper into the scientific principles behind celestial phenomena. It’s a fantastic place for families to learn together and spark a lifelong interest in science.
Many of the displays offer explanations in both Chinese and English, making it easier for international visitors to understand the concepts. However, having a translation app handy can further enhance the learning experience, allowing you to grasp the nuances of complex scientific topics.
Navigating Beijing: Getting to the Planetarium
Several bus routes also serve the area around the Planetarium, offering an alternative if you prefer bus travel or are coming from a different part of the city. Check local transit apps or maps for the most suitable bus lines based on your starting point.
For those who prefer taxis or ride-sharing, Didi (China's equivalent of Uber) is widely used and reliable. However, be aware that during peak hours, traffic can be heavy, and finding a taxi might take some time. Using a navigation app on your phone, especially one that works well in China like Baidu Maps, will be invaluable for finding your way.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit