Star Trek 50th anniversary exhibition opens in Hongqiao

On September 8 1966, the very first episode of Star Trek (entitled 'The Man Trap') aired on US television. 50 years on, and half a century of the sci-fi phenomenon is being celebrated with reissued box sets, conventions, a new film and - of course - a globe-trotting exhibition.

The Shanghai exhibition, featuring a wide array of costumes, props, replica spaceships and more, is at Hongqiao's The Hub until late October. That's the shopping, food and drink complex next door to Hongqiao Railway Station - toward the western end of metro lines 2 and 10 (for those who haven't perfected teleportation just yet and still rely on public transport).

The exhibition offers a glimpse into the behind-to-scenes production of every movie since the 1979 debut Star Trek: The Motion Picture (the TV shows aren't given much attention).

The screenplays and concept artworks which greet you as you step inside the exhibition briefly take you through the mechanics of the film making process, while further down the corridor, lengthy rows of props, costumes and head figurines depict how each and every character is created and brought to life. Though they look the part, not all are originals from the films and some are merely replicas (those that are authentic props are demarcated as such).

If you happen to be unfamiliar with some of the minor characters appearing in the movies, fret not - the display guides (in English and traditional Chinese) accompanying each item will explain to you the significance of each character and exactly which movie he/she/it appeared in.

Of more interest to those of us who aren't die-hard Trekkies, are the replica sets of the office and command centre from on board an Enterprise spaceship. Easily the most eye-catching (and photo-worthy) displays in the exhibition, the latter is particularly WeChat Moments-worthy, and also serves as a film screening lounge at selected times (though on our visit, exhibition goers simply nestled on to the sofas for a break).

Speaking of WeChat Moments, it's possible step into a model of the classic Star Trek transporter, meaning you can get a sight of yourself saying 'beam me up Scotty':

You can also get a shot of yourself sitting – like a boss – on a Klingon Emperor’s Throne. And for an extra 30RMB, you can take a green screen photo which plonks you just about anywhere in the Star Trek universe. Unfortunately though, it seems, you aren’t actually allowed to choose where.

Naturally, given China's VR obsession at the moment, there's a VR element to the exhibition. This consists of VR head sets that can be donned to give the feeling of travelling through space at not quite warp speed.

And just as naturally, there's a bunch of merchandise on sale as visitors are encouraged to exit through the gift shop. There's everything from fake phasers and figurines to slogan-bearing T-shirts and phone covers, though DVDs and books are notable by their absence - perhaps they're too old fashioned?

In most part, the exhibition will allow you to relive the exploration of the endless sea of space undertaken by James T Kirk and his crew, and may serve to deepen the understanding of the cause of the Klingon for the less Star Trek-savvy. However, you will need to have some prior interest in the Star Trek series for the visit to feel worthy of your cash.

The exhibition is at The Hub until October 25. Entry is 80RMB.