URUMQI -- Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region plans to build 100 science popularization centers in the region's southern areas by 2025 for the popularization of scientific knowledge among the rural youth.

The project was jointly initiated in 2019 by Xinjiang Association for Science and Technology and a Beijing-based intelligent technology firm.

A total of 37 such facilities have been set up in Kashgar, Hotan and Aksu prefectures as well as the Mongolian autonomous prefecture of Bayingolin.

Teenagers in these science popularization centers can attend lectures and experience advanced technologies such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence, said Su Hong, head of the association's Youth Science and Technology Center.

"The centers provide rural children and teenagers with opportunities to explore the field of science and strengthen hands-on learning," Su said, adding that the initiative can help create an environment to cultivate the love, understanding and use of scientific knowledge among villagers.

In recent years, the association has encouraged tech enterprises and scientific organizations to pair up with rural schools in the southern part of Xinjiang, helping them promote science education among primary and middle school students.