Adventure awaits after dusk

As the summer heat settles over Beijing, the Natural History Museum of China is casting a magical glow after dark. With its highly anticipated "Night at the Museum" program launched on July 16 and running until Aug 15, the museum has transformed into an evening hub of science, art and discovery.

Extending its opening hours till 9 pm, the program offers museumgoers a unique opportunity to explore the marvels of nature under the cloak of dusk.

"This year's Night at the Museum retains our classic activity categories while introducing innovative formats," says Wang Shiwen, deputy Party secretary of the Natural History Museum of China. "It combines technology and culture, effectively bridging the gap between the public and the wonders of natural science."

One of the program's highlights is a spectacular light show projected on the museum's facade, presenting a sweeping visual journey through the Earth's epic 4.6-billion-year evolution. Viewers can trace the explosive burst of life during the Cambrian Period, witness the awe-inspiring reign of the dinosaurs, and observe the rise of mammals.

Besides illuminated walls, the program features an array of curated activities designed to captivate audiences of all ages through the evocative power of light.

From Wednesday to Sunday throughout the month, the museum is hosting an exhibition on bioluminescent plants. Visitors can catch faint greenish glows from plant-fungal partnerships and bioengineered flora in the dark and learn about the science behind their light-emitting properties.

For insect enthusiasts, themed tours are held every Wednesday and Saturday to unravel the fascinating relationship between insects and light, explaining mysteries like how fireflies use light to attract mates and why moths are lured to artificial illumination.