STEM activities

1. Guangdong Science Center 廣東科學中心

   It is the world's largest science museum, where adults and children alike can enjoy fun experiments through 12 themed pavilions. The building is full of futuristic technology and even looks like an aircraft carrier from the outside. Inside, one can experience walking on the surface of a simulated real moon, playing chess or playing hide-and-seek with robots, or even feeling the sensation of a car rolling over.
   

   Address: No.168, West Sixth Road, University City, Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong

   

2. Zhuhai Aerospace Land 珠海太空中心

   For those who aspire to be a pilot or astronaut, Zhuhai Aerospace Land would be top of the list. It’s China's first super-large aerospace center that exhibits the latest carrier rockets, a replica of China's space station, and even prototypes of manned lunar spacecraft. Children can even experience interactive facilities for lunar landings, rocket launches and lunar mining simulations. The center also exhibits models of the latest national defense products, such as the stealth aircraft J-20, the manned submersible Jiaolong, and the Long March carrier rockets.

   Address: Zhuhai International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition Center, Jinwan District, Zhuhai, Guangdong
   

   

3. Red Cube of Shenzhen 深圳紅立方

   In Shenzhen, there is also a great destination for interactive science and technology exploration suitable for multiple ages to play. Over 80% of the exhibition items are interactive such as laminated audio-visual areas of Milky Way travel, earthquake huts, hurricanes and high-altitude riding, robotic areas of chess playing, EV disassembly, and music bands, as well as sports area of 360° bicycle, bowling, archery, curling, etc. There are also public classrooms such as Curie Cabin, Newton Classroom, and Harley Classroom to provide various parent-child science knowledge.

   Address: 8028 Longxiang Avenue, Longgang District, Shenzhen

   

Arts and Cultural experiences

Besides STEM activities, parents also take children to cultural experiences where they can share quality companionship and experience traditional Chinese literature and art together.

4.  Guangzhou Cultural & Arts Centre 廣州市文化館

   The new landmark Guangzhou Cultural & Arts Centre exhibits a diverse collection of Guangzhou’s intangible cultural heritage items, such as Canton porcelain and Cantonese Embroidery. Families could join dozens of interactive workshops like wood carving, tea roasting, art jamming of porcelain and embroidery, etc. to get a breath of cultural heritage and build a sense of cultural identity.

   Address: No.288 Xinjiao Zhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong

   

5. Guangzhou Museum of Art 廣州藝術博物館

   Recently relocated to its new venue, Guangzhou Museum of Art situated within a 5-minute walk distance of Canton Tower, owning a spectacular view of Pearl River. Designed in modern minimalism, the building itself is a splendid site to visit. The central rotunda inside is equipped with a sketched skylight to provide sufficient natural light that changes the feeling when the sun rises and sets. Regardless to say there is a rich exhibits of Chinese painting, oil art, and historical masterpieces across dynasties.

   Address: South of Canton Tower, No. 198 Yiyuan Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong

   

6. Foshan He Art Museum 佛山“和”美術館

   Nestled in Foshan, the He Art Museum stands as a premier privately-owned non-profit art museum in South China. Spanning 16,000 square meters, this architectural marvel was envisioned by architect Tadao Ando, showcasing a unique fusion of modern design with the distinctive Lingnan architectural style. The museum's iconic double helix staircase has emerged as a favored attraction, drawing visitors to its captivating charm and providing an ideal spot for memorable check-in moments.
   

   Address: No.6 Yixing Rd., Beijiao New Town, Shunde, Foshan, Guangdong

   Source: The Art Museum website

Stylish bookstores

Notwithstanding the popularity of digital devices these days, paperback books still have their charms and appeal for many readers in China. Unlike in many countries where traditional bookstores gradually disappear, in addition to traditional bookstores in China there have emerged also plenty of stylish bookstores in recent years that have been frequented by visitors looking for Instagramable moments. Some of the most widely featured ones are probably Yushin Bookstore and Zhongshuge in Shenzhen, and Yuxi Shu Zhai in Guangzhou. Immersed in the aroma of tea and the smell of books, children can wander into the sea of books at these cinematics style bookstores. Especially the mirrored ceiling and floor create an illusion of boundless space, and the shelves are adorned with sleek, minimalist designs that showcase the books as works of art. Good reading experiences may ignite a child's interest while allowing parents to take a break from trivia at the same time.

7.  Yushin Bookstore 愈欣書店

   Address: No. 16, Qianhai Yinli North Lane, Shenzhen, Guangdong

   

8.  Zhongshuge 鐘書閣

   Address: Happy Harbour East Coast, Boan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong

   

9. Yuxi Shu Zhai 御溪書齋

   Address: No. 156 Nanzhou Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong
   

   

10. Twenty-Four Histories Academy 二十四史書院

    The Twenty-Four Histories Academy at Gankeng Ancient Town can be a lovely place for evening strolls, providing a tranquil and interesting reading space. The complex is designed in the ancient style of the Tang and Song dynasties and offers literature-themed bookstores. With lights reflecting on the lake in the inner courtyard, it is spectacular to wander at night, especially when girls and boys dressed in Hanfu walk by, it makes people feel as if they have traveled through time to this place.

    Address: Gankeng Hakka Townlet, Long Gang District, Shenzhen, Guangdong

    

Outdoors

Since the launch of National Fitness Program in 2021—a plan aims to provide full coverage of fitness facilities across the country—China has newly added over 365,900 sports venues nationwide in 2023 with an 8.7% increase year-on-year, to materialize the goal of “15-minute fitness circles” in urban communities by 2025. That said, residents can access fitness facilities within a walking distance of 15 minutes. Meanwhile, China integrates children’s physical strength into an all-round parameter, children are encouraged to participate in as many sports as they can.

For sports lovers, skiing and ice skating become extremely popular after the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games besides mass fitness sports like running, hiking, and cycling. In Guangdong province alone, there are over 20 indoor ice rinks and 10 horse-riding yards to choose from, and almost all public stadiums are free for sports activities.

11. Guangzhou Sunac Snow Park 融創雪世界

    Address: No. 78 Fenghuang North Road, Huadu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong

    

12. Horse-riding clubs 騎馬場

    

Under national initiatives to utilize after-school time more meaningfully for all-round development, parents in China have become more open-minded and have started “fun parenting” that respects their children’s individuality and encourages them to pursue true passions. In such a backdrop, children would naturally grow up in a supporting environment that cultivates happiness and inner confidence.

The fascinating activities and venues mentioned above only scratch the surface of the vibrant and colorful childhood experiences in China. Other cities boast their own distinct educational resources and experiential activities, such as Tianjin's TEDA Aircraft Theme Park and Wuzhen’s metaverse center.

This development is also a manifestation of China’s moving up the GDP per capita curve as the middle-income class expands to 35.9% of the adult population in 2021 from 11% in 2015. Such transition to Chinese families’ pursuit of quality lifestyle and development of STEM, art and cultural capabilities also evolves along with numerous opportunities intertwined with various growth sectors in China. Premia CSI Caixin China Bedrock Economy ETF (2803), Premia CSI Caixin China New Economy ETF (3173), and Premia China STAR50 ETF (3151) are strategically positioned to unlock a plethora of opportunities within China's thriving sectors including through the evolution of consumption baskets of Chinese consumers, as well as resourcing and development of talent pipeline for topics more relevant for enhancing productivity and creativity for the modern high tech society as addressed in China’s 14^th Five Year Plan.