SHANGHAI -- The construction of a planetarium started in Shanghai's Pudong district Tuesday.

Covering 38,164 square meters, the planetarium will include a main building and ancillary constructions such as an observation base for young people, a solar tower and observatory. It is expected to open in 2020.

Xu Xiaohong, an official with the construction headquarters, said that elements of the starry sky will be applied to the design on the outside of the construction.

The construction will be energy-saving and eco-friendly, using technologies such as rainwater recycling, ecological purification and renewable energy.

Xin Ge, director of the headquarters, said that visitors will gain the knowledge of the various natural phenomena and get to know the history of human exploration of the universe.

Lin Qing, an official at the headquarters, said that people in Shanghai seldom have the chance to clearly observe the Milky Way due to light pollution. The planetarium will provide people with a better view of the stars.