The “Deep Sea Garden” Exhibition Officially Staged at Macao Science Center A Joint Effort Between Macao, Shanghai, and Hong Kong to Present National Achievements in Deep-sea Science and Conservation

The deep-sea themed exhibition “Deep Sea Garden” jointly organized by Macao Science Center, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, and Tongji University, with the support of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong branch of the World Wildlife Fund, and the China Deep Ocean Affairs Administration, was officially staged today (16^th) in the atrium and Gallery 2 of the Exhibition Center at Macao Science Center. The officiating guests included: Dr. Mok Ian Ian, President of the Board of Directors of Macao Science Center; Mr. Jiang Daorong, Party Secretary of Shanghai Science and Technology Museum; Mr. Huang Wei, Associate Professor and Director of the Deep-Sea Science Popularization Base of Tongji University; Dr. Apple Chui, Assistant Professor of the School of Life Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong; Mr. Yamme Leung, Director of the Hong Kong Branch of World Wildlife Fund; Ms. Kuan Ho Weng, President of the Supervisory Committee of Macao Science Center Limited; and Dr. Sio Hon Pan, the Curator of Macao Science Center. The core theme of the Exhibition is the “cold-water coral” discovered by China in the South China Sea in 2018. By integrating cutting-edge technology and distinctive aesthetics, it offers visitors an immersive journey into the mysteries of the dark underwater world.

The “Deep Sea Garden” Exhibition is one of the projects of Macao Science Center and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum to implement their cooperation framework agreement signed by the two parties in 2025. The agreement aims to promote collaborations between the two parties in areas such as science popularization resources, exhibition planning, and talent training.

In her speech, Dr. Mok Ian Ian, President of the Board of Directors of Macao Science Center stated that Macao Science Center and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum signed a cooperation framework agreement last year. This Exhibition is a testament to the agreement between the two parties, fostering the exchange of science popularization resources and reinforcing regional cooperation. It also exemplifies the collaboration between Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macao in narrating the story of the ocean and advocating marine ecological conservation. The exhibition aims to enlighten the public about the deep-sea realm that encompasses a significant portion of the Earth’s surface, to showcase the nation’s scientific and technological prowess, and to celebrate Macao’s distinctive allure in harmonizing Chinese and Western cultures and its role as a bridge between the past and present.

In his speech, Mr. Jiang Daorong, Party Secretary of Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, emphasized that the deep sea is the last mysterious territory on Earth, which is closely related to the future of humanity and the sustainable development. As an important part of the national innovation system, China’s deep-sea technology has achieved a series of major breakthroughs in recent years. This Exhibition is a creative transformation of these scientific research achievements. Through original curation and immersive experience, it systematically unveils the mysteries of deep-sea cold-water corals to the public, aiming to inspire them to delve into the unknown and nurture their spirit of cooperation.

In his speech, Mr. Yu Xun, deputy director of the State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology at Tongji University, highlighted the deep sea as a crucial frontier for humanity’s future, containing groundbreaking scientific insights. This Exhibition transforms scientific discoveries from the deep sea into a window of inspiration for the public, with the goal of instilling curiosity in the minds of the young individuals and motivating them to explore the mysteries of the deep blue sea.

Following the national strategy of “Building a Maritime Power”, the “Deep Sea Garden” Exhibition systematically presents the history of deep-sea exploration and major scientific research achievements through unique lighting and underwater forest landscape, interactive installation, naked-eye 3D and multimedia projection technology. At the venue, visitors will start their journey by exploring humanity’s age-old fascination with the ocean, gradually delving into modern deep-sea technology. They can then immerse themselves in a simulated deep-sea environment, where they can firsthand experience the ecological wonders of the “cold-water coral forest” thriving under extreme conditions of darkness and high pressure. They will also discover how deep-sea hydrothermal vent and cold spring foster life through chemical energy, challenging the conventional notion that “all things grow by the sun.” In addition, the Exhibition integrates traditional Chinese garden aesthetics, creating a rich and layered exhibition atmosphere.

To enhance public awareness of deep-sea exploration and ecological environmental conservation, a dedicated exhibition area focused on coral conservation has been set up in the atrium of the exhibition center. This area introduces the “Reviving Our Corals” initiative, a collaboration between the Coral Academy of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the WWF Hong Kong, which focuses on coral restoration, marine conservation, and public education in Hong Kong waters. It systematically showcases the entire process from basic coral research and larval rearing to field transplantation and monitoring, demonstrating the complete picture of coral from deep-sea discovery to near-shore action. It also helps visitors understand the ecological functions of coral reefs, restoration techniques, and the importance of conservation. During the Exhibition, the Center will also launch a series of educational activities, including science popularization theater performances and special seminars, and the public is welcome to participate.

Macao Science Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Monday to Sunday regardless of public holidays, and is closed on Thursdays and Lunar New Year’s Eve. For more details on upcoming events and programs, please visit the Center’s website (www.msc.org.mo) or follow its official social media channels for the latest updates.

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