Zijinshan Astronomical Observatory in Nanjing
Chinese Name: 南京紫金山天文台
English Name: Zijinshan Astronomical Observatory in Nanjing
Best Time: Spring and Autumn
Recommended Visiting Hours: 4-5 hours
Opening Hours: 9:00 am -5:00 pm
Ticket: 15RMB
Location: Nanjing, Jiangsu province
Location of Zijinshan Astronomical Observatory
The Purple Mountain Observatory (Chinese: 紫金山天文台; pinyin: Zĭjīnshān Tiānwéntái), also known as Zijinshan Astronomical Observatory is an astronomical observatory located on the West Peak (the third peak) of Purple Mountain (also called Zhongshan) in the southern suburb of Nanjing, Jiangsu province.
Layout of Zijinshan Astronomical Observatory
Zijinshan Astronomical Observatory in Nanjing is a comprehensive research institute studying astronomy and the Chinese calendar. It is attached to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The observatory is equipped with various advanced astronomical apparatuses used for the observation and research of stars, planets, comets and man-made satellites.
Purple Mountain Observatory has various tourist activities which are open to visitors.
The observatory itself is built in a distinctive style, being shaped like a mushroom cloud. Astronomical telescopes are available for visitors to observe the sun macula and other celestial bodies. In addition, many ancient Chinese astronomical apparatuses are also open outdoors. And in the exhibition halls visitors can see video records, photos, stamps and other astronomical materials.
Background & history of Zijinshan Astronomical Observatory
The old site of Zijin Mountain Observatory was built in September 1934. So far, it has a history of 68 years, and it is a national key cultural relic protection unit. It covers an area of about 700 square meters. It has excellent equipment and talent. It has won the reputation of “the first in East Asia”. It is not only the cradle of modern astronomy in China, but also the brilliant achievements of ancient astronomy in China.
Ancient astronomical instruments duplicated in Ming and Qing dynasties are still preserved in the station, including turbidity instrument, simplified instrument, standard watch and astronomical instrument. These precious ancient astronomical instruments were plundered after the invasion of Beijing by the Allied Forces of the Eight Powers. They did not return to their motherland until after the end of the First World War.
Up to now, there are still grooves on the watch of the German and French iron saw. In order to better display ancient and modern astronomical instruments, an astronomical museum has been established on the old site. It is the first modern astronomical research institute established by our country. Look at the old site of Zijinshan Observatory to reveal the secrets, search for a novel tourism strategy of the old site of Zijinshan Observatory, and show the unknown scenery of the old site of Zijinshan Observatory.
Description of Zijinshan Astronomical Observatory
The Purple Mountain Observatory was established in 1934 funded by the Nationalist Government of the Republic of China and administered by Academia Sinica. The longtime director of the observatory from 1950 to 1984 was Chinese astronomer Zhang Yuzhe (张钰哲, also known as Y. C. Chang). By the late 1980s,increasing light pollution in Nanjing meant Purple Mountain was no longer viable as a working observatory. It has since shifted its focus to public education, with much of the actual scientific work being carried out in its five branch observatories located at Qinghai (in Delingha), Ganyu, Xuyi, Honghe (in Jiamusi), and Qingdao. The Minor Planet Center credits the observatory, simply referred to as Nanking, with the discovery of 149 minor planets between 1955 and 1983, while the observatory’s PMO NEO Survey Program is credited with more than 600 discoveries between 2006 and 2013.
Achievements of Zijinshan Astronomical Observatory
Discoveries
The observatory discovered the periodic comets 60P/Tsuchinshan and 62P/Tsuchinshan, as well as the non-periodic C/1977 V1 (Tsuchinshan), also known as Comet 1977 X, and C/2017 E2. Many asteroids were also discovered, including the Trojan asteroids 2223 Sarpedon, 2260 Neoptolemus, 2363 Cebriones, 2456 Palamedes, and the eponymous 3494 Purple Mountain.
Highlights
The Chinese Academy of Science Mt. Zijinshan Observatory, is one of our country most famous astronomical observatories. Built in 1934, completed in 1934 September, located at Nanjing east Nanjiao fine scenery in Mt. Zijinshan. The Mt. Zijinshan Observatory was the first modern astronomy development facility which our country established, the predecessor is established February’s, 1928 state-run Academia Sinica astronomy research institute, until now had 80 year history. The Mt. Zijinshan Observatory completes symbolizes our country modern astronomy research start. The Chinese modern astronomy’s many branch discipline and the astronomical observatory stand mostly are born from here, set up and develop. Because she makes in the Chinese astronomy enterprise establishment and the development the special contribution, is honored as “the Chinese modern astronomy cradle”.
Main Attractions of Zijinshan Astronomical Observatory
What’s more, many ancient astronomical apparatus made of bronze are also displayed here, including Armillary Sphere, Simplified Armillary Sphere and Gnomon of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Nanjing Astronomy and History Museum
Armillary Sphere
Armillary Sphere, designed by Zhang Heng in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), was used to determine the position of the stars. It is not only an astronomical apparatus but also an exquisite craftwork. Its four poles were engraved with entwining dragons and the four sides of the base were cast with special flowers and animals. The one we can see today is a mimic of the Ming Dynasty.
Simplified Armillary Sphere
Simplified Armillary Sphere, as its name indicates, is the amelioration of Armillary Sphere. It is designed by astronomer Guo Shoujing in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The precision of determination and the convenience of operation were both improved.
Gnomon of the Ming Dynasty
Gnomon, having a history of more than 3000 years, was used to measure the shadow of the sun and determine the solar terms and number of days of a year. China is the first country to know that there are 365.25 days in a year.
Nanjing Astronomy and History Museum
The Nanjing Astronomy and History Museum is within the Purple Mountain Observatory itself. It’s the first museum of its kind in China. The museum has three exhibition halls, displaying full and accurate data and pictures. Here you will feel the immensity of the universe and the smallness of human beings.
Useful Travel Tips
- Entrance Fee For Nanjing Astornomy Museum:
CNY 15 for adults:
CNY 9 for kids under 1.3 m - Opening Hours: 08:30 – 16:30
- It takes about 30 minutes to reach the Zijin Mountain Observatory by walking up the Zijin Mountain Pedestrian Trestle Road beside the Zijin Mountain Cable Road.
- You can take ropeway, one way 35 yuan, round trip 60 yuan, ropeway operation time: 9:00-16:00
- Standing at a relatively high altitude of the Observatory, you can see that there are actually many observatories in operation, which are not casually visit.
How to Get to Zijinshan Astronomical Observatory
- Take Bus No. 20 at the Drum Tower or Tourism Bus No. 3 at the Nanjing Railway Station both of which go to the cable car station of Purple Mountain.
- Take Bus No. 2, 11, 40, 44, 47, 48, 58, 59, 68, 70 and 308 to the Taiping Gate, turn right and walk along the city wall until the foot of the mountain.
- When arriving at the mountain, travelers can either walk along the mountain highway (about 2 km (1.2 mi)) or take the cable car to the observatory.
- The cable car runs from Dibaocheng (another fort built during Taiping Heavenly Kingdom) at Taiping Gate to the Toutuoling Peak (the second peak of Purple Mountain). The charge for the cable car is CNY 25 for the single trip and CNY 45 for the round trip.
