BEIJING -- The final of a schools' contest to arouse interest in the exploration of space and in developing innovative space technology began in Beijing Monday.

The final, held in Beijing Institute of Technology, one of the country's most highly regarded science centers, featured 45 teams of primary and secondary school students from across the country.

Over the next two days, the students show off their skills and knowledge in a wide variety of simulations including "building lunar bases" and "launching rockets."

This contest is a way of cultivating enthusiasm for China`s aerospace endeavors, said Wang Xiaofeng, vice president of the institute.

The contest was sponsored by the Chinese Society of Education and the Chinese Society of Astronautics. The first round of the contest began on April 24, China`s second Space Day.

April 24 was designated Space Day in China last year to mark the anniversary of the launch of the country's first satellite Dongfanghong-1 in 1970.