The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) (formerly HT-7U), also known as "artificial sun", designed by the Institute of Plasma Physics, the Chinese?Academy?of?Sciences, opened to the public recently. Over 3,000 residents in Hefei city, capital of central China's Anhui Province went to the Science Island to have a close contact with the "artificial sun".

Most of the visitors were students. Some were primary and middle school students accompanied by their teachers and parents. Some were from local universities of science and technology. People experienced the charm of science as they were amazed at the power of modern science and technology.

It is reported that the EAST will perform the first discharge experiment in July.