Recently, the 2024 National Popular Science Day and the 38th Hangzhou Science Week kicked off at the Plant Resources Museum in Hangzhou Botanical Garden, West Lake Scenic Area. The event, themed "Science Feast: Green Innovations for the Future," aimed to popularize scientific knowledge and concepts and boost public scientific literacy.

At the opening ceremony, seven experts from the West Lake Scenic Area presented their work in medicinal plant research and rare plant conservation and shared their knowledge of tea culture as well as flower arrangement and plant-based cooking skills.

Meanwhile, the West Lake Future Science Fair has kicked off in the Yuyue Scenic Area within the botanical garden. Fifteen local organizations have put together a variety of activities designed to spark interest in science and nature and encourage the public to care for the environment. These activities include Diverse Chinese Tea, Under the Forest Canopy, Lacquered Fan Making, Fascinating Moss, Frottage Using Rock, and Exhibition of Potted Shade-loving Plants.  

During the Science Week, the Science and Technology Association of the West Lake Scenic Area will host a variety of engaging science activities. Topics will range from plant anatomy to seeds, colors of plants, giant panda conservation, tea culture, flower care, ancient trees, West Lake water treatment, and porcelain making techniques of Southern Song Dynasty official kilns. With over 40 activities across 10 categories—including exhibitions, lectures, hands-on experiments, and consultations—there’s something for everyone. Hangzhou Botanical Garden will offer fun garden tours like Party of Seeds: Preparation Log and Colors of Plants. Meanwhile, Hangzhou Zoo will host the More Than Black and White: Zhou Mengqi Giant Panda Photography Exhibition and a market that sells Osmanthus-themed cultural and creative products.