2025 Beijing Social Sciences Popularization Week and the 14th Xicheng District Social Sciences Popularization Week concluded on September 16 after a five-day run that attracted over 1.02 million participants through a dynamic blend of cultural heritage, academic insights, and cutting-edge technology. The event engaged the public with social sciences through a range of exhibitions, interactive experiences, and online programs.

Kicking off at the Grand View Garden and spanning 19 satellite venues across Beijing, the event featured six major exhibitions at its main venue highlighting Beijing's intellectual and cultural richness. These included a showcase of grand prize-winning works from the Beijing Outstanding Achievement Award in Philosophy and Social Sciences; revolutionary history-themed exhibits celebrating Xicheng District’s heritage and cultural figures such as Lu Xun and Mei Lanfang; a tribute to the spirit of Chinese scientists across different historical periods; and a display of historical photographs documenting visits by foreign leaders to the Great Wall. A highlight was the “Enterprise Museum” section, where 23 heritage brands, including Quanjude (famous for Peking duck) and Tongrentang (traditional Chinese medicine), presented their history through craft demonstrations and creative cultural products.

Visitors enjoyed immersive experiences, from traditional crafts such as velvet flower making, kite crafting, and Peking Opera mask painting, to interactive knowledge games, student performances of Dream of the Red Chamber excerpts, and anti-war-themed showcases. These activities fostered cultural confidence and a deeper appreciation of history.

Technology played a key role in enhancing engagement. The opening ceremony featured six intelligent robots and robotic dogs performing alongside a traditional erhu melody. Xicheng District also launched an educational video on Beijing’s urban origins, narrated by AIGC-generated digital characters “Yuanyuan” and “Rongrong,” making complex history both accessible and engaging.

Online programming extended the event’s reach through mutiple platforms, offering virtual tours, expert talks, AI-enabled storytelling, and interactive cultural experiences.

As part of Beijing’s first National Science Popularization Month, the event has established itself as a premier platform for advancing social sciences, inspiring public engagement, and demonstrating their enduring relevance through the seamless fusion of tradition, innovation, and digital collaboration.