Keyword-science-technology Mandarin/Nat A new science and technology museum in Beijing is luring crowds of Chinese of all ages eager to peer into the future and get hands-on experience with devices which may well transform their lives at some future date. The exhibition is in keeping with the belief of China's leaders that adopting the latest technology and improved quality of life go hand in hand. It is hoped the museum will be a catalyst for China's own scientific developments. It was not even the official big opening for Beijing's new Science and Technology Museum but the size of the crowds said it all. It is clear that the Chinese are enthusiastic about technology and impatient to embrace all the exciting innovations that science can bring. Futuristic forms of transport like this magnetic levitating train may one day be the main mode of transport between Beijing and Shanghai. The museum is very user friendly - people can touch and operate most of the machines, and special transparent casings show everyone how things work. Displays are designed to stimulate the imagination - this exhibit offers the experience of a walk on the moon. SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) "I was out of control. I bounced up and down and had lots of fun." SUPER CAPTION: Liu Rui Yi, 'moon walker' And for those who prefer to fly closer to Earth, there's a flight simulator where would-be pilots can test their skills. A sportsman would have a hard job beating this fellow at basketball - the mechanical marvel with golden arms never misses a shot. Soccer enthusiasts were shown how to play the game virtually via computer programmes which provide an instant match - without even leaving the house or having to get a team together. And for those who fancy a tightrope ride across the Grand Canyon but without the risk - this is the ride for you. The museum covers over 22-thousand square metres of floor space and contains 340 displays of past, present and future science and technology. The Cold War may be over but children visiting the museum are reminded that the United States holds the military high ground with tactical bombers like the B-1 which can evade attack through the use of stealth technology. Even so, simulated dog fights can still be won by the most determined fighter pilots. SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) "I will launch a missile to strike it." SUPER CAPTION: Di Nuo Experts are on hand in the museum to explain some of the more significant scientific discoveries, such as electricity, which can be tamed and transformed in a comic example of man's ability to harness the forces of nature. Some of the larger displays are enclosed for the sake of safety. From a distance, audiences can watch the generation and delivery of power, recreated in a scale model. Robotics can be used not only to relieve man of the burden of heavy labour but also to entertain. This mechanical conductor directs a mechanical band in a popular tune. The architecture of the museum itself reflects a scientific theme in the use of the double-helix structure of D-N-A. The Science and Technology Museum will officially open to the general public on 29 April and the entrance fee will be the equivalent of about one dollar. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/a69ccc2fcb898c720d569be45b92b545 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork

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