Xie Shuyan, Party secretary of the Xinjiang Science and Technology Museum, is excited about scientific outreach in the region, but cautioned that there is still an uphill battle ahead.

"The advancement of science outreach in Xinjiang still faces difficulties, especially due to the region's vast territory and the great distances between counties and administrative areas," said Xie. "We need to develop a multilayered museum system that can serve the entire region."

On Aug 15, the China Science and Technology Museum and the Kashgar prefecture government signed a framework agreement in Shufu county to jointly build the Southern Xinjiang Science and Culture Complex. A series of science outreach activities have since been launched.

The complex is part of a broader initiative to improve science literacy in southern Xinjiang through interactive exhibits, STEM education and regional innovation showcases.

At the construction site of the complex, a striking building design featuring pomegranate petals stands out, symbolizing both nature and the region's cultural diversity and unity. Each of the five petals represents a distinct exhibition hall.

Also in August, the Shufu County Science and Technology Museum opened.

Keribnur Yusup, a recent graduate in geospatial science from Xinjiang University, became the museum's first guide.

As a native of Shufu county, she now explains the scientific principles behind 60 exhibits to visitors.