Across an eventful journey spanning the past century, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has remained committed to its original aspiration. The founding of the CPC in 1921 was an earthshaking event in Chinese history. From that moment on, the Chinese people have had in the Party a backbone supporting them in their pursuit of happiness. Over the past 100 years, the CPC has always stayed true to its original aspiration and founding mission and continued to lead the Chinese people in pursuing national independence and liberation, a strong and more prosperous country, and individual happiness. Whether in wartime or peacetime, generations of sci-tech professionals, guided by the flag of the Party and offering their wisdom and even lives, have written a brilliant chapter in the history of the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, made remarkable contributions to the country and the people, erected immortal landmarks for innovation, and forged the great spirit of scientists. Each generation has faced their own struggle, and people in each era have shouldered their respective responsibilities and obligations. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, this exhibition is held to celebrate the Party’s centenary through reviewing the efforts made by Chinese scientists to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation under the leadership of the CPC over the past century.
This exhibition takes the strong leadership and guidance of the Communist Party of China as the main thread, and the spirit of scientists as the framework, designing six sections on the themes of patriotism, innovation, pragmatism, dedication, collaboration and education, as well as the theme of “Striding Toward National Rejuvenation Under the Leadership of the CPC.” It incorporates the spirit of “two bombs, one satellite,” the spirit of “moving to the western regions,” the spirit of human spaceflight, the anti-epidemic spirit, the spirit of lunar exploration and other revolutionary spirits originating from the science and technology sector. It vividly presents the touching stories of science and technology workers who have devoted themselves to the great cause of saving the country through science and technology, serving the country, revitalising the country and strengthening the country under the strong leadership of the Party over the past century. It places a particular focus on the fact that since the 18th national congress of the CPC, the majority of science and technology workers have been closely united around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, shouldering a heavy historical responsibility and marching forward amid a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial change.
This exhibition displays more than 260 pictures (including newspaper photos, text and forms), 190 physical objects (including letters, manuscripts, documents, archives and Party membership applications of 100 scientists), and 11 multimedia displays (including video clips and interactive experiences), telling the stories of more than 180 scientists. Among the exhibits, many of them are on public display for the first time, such as protective suits signed by all members of the first national TCM medical team, postcards signed by returned students in the 1950s, the Nobel Prize medal won by Tu Youyou, and the Party membership applications of 100 scientists including Qian Xuesen. Audiences also have the chance to observe a number of valuable exhibits of great historical significance, including the lunar soil sample retrieved by the Chang’e-5 probe.