Have you ever folded a paper plane and let it fly out the window? The dream of exploring the limitless sky is shared by all of the mankind, and the Shanghai Aerospace Enthusiast's Center is one of the most incredible places to see how we developed technology to reach this goal.

The entrance to the Shanghai Aerospace Enthusiast's Center. [Photo/shapc.org]

Any fan of flying machines will be amazed by the museum's outdoor display area, where a dozen of aircraft are lined up on the square. Visitors can also enter the cabin of the DC-8 passenger jet to see how so many functions were squeezed into such a small space.

An aerial view of the outdoor display area in the Shanghai Aerospace Enthusiast's Center. [Photo/shapc.org]

The museum's indoor exhibitions are organized into three themes, "China's Aerospace", "Human's Way Towards the Sky", and "The Secret of Flying".

Rather than giving lectures, the museum encourages visitors to learn about aerospace through interaction. Visitors can walk into a stimulating space station that is fully equipped with a bathroom, gym, food and beverage storage room, and sleeping area. Visitors can enjoy piloting the 10 flight simulators, which also feature realistic visual and audio effects.

The simulated space station at the Shanghai Aerospace Enthusiast's Center. [Photo/WeChat account: ShanghaiCC315]

The museum also displays the equipment found inside aircraft, such as ground-level indicators and switchboards. Among the exhibits is a Pratt & Whitney JT-3D engine, which is such a rare relic that only a few have been preserved and restored enough to be displayed.

Address: No 7900 Humin Road, Minhang district

Open: 9 am-4 pm (Last entry at 3 pm); Closed on Tuesdays.

Adult ticket: 8 yuan ($1.1) per person

Student and senior ticket: 4 yuan per person

Sources: "minghangnews" "ShanghaiCC315" WeChat account, shapc.org