Nanjing Purple Mountain Observatory
- Chinese Name: 紫金山天文台
- Add: Zhongshan Second Peak in Zhongshan Scenic Area 钟山风景名胜区内钟山第二峰
- Opening Time: 09:00-17:00 throughout the year, (ticket sales stop at 16:30, admission to the park ends at 16:30)
- Tickets: 8 CNY
- Tel: (+0086) 025-84347503
Nanjing Purple Mountain Observatory
Zijinshan Observatory is located on the third peak of Zhongshan (Purple Mountain), 250 meters above sea level. It was built in 1934. Nanjing Zijinshan Observatory is the headquarters. There are other observatories with the same name in Qinghai and other places. The Purple Mountain Observatory also marks the beginning of modern astronomical research in China. The Meteorite Museum enters the gate of the park and climbs up the steps to the Meteorite Exhibition Hall. The exhibition area is about 200 square meters. It collects and exhibits more than 20 pieces of precious meteorites. There are also cultural and creative products of meteorites in the museum for tourists to buy. In front of the old observation room at the former site of the Observatory, there is a Chinese-style stone archway covered with blue glazed tiles. At that time, the Observatory was built in order to promote “Chinese” astronomy. It can be a dome, and the Chinese-style architecture in the scenic area has strong characteristics. In the observation room at the old site, there is a 600mm reflective telescope imported from Germany in 1934, which is very large and has been “decommissioned” and is only for tourists to visit. Ancient astronomical instrument display area The ancient astronomical instrument display area is the essence of the observatory. There is a celestial sphere similar to a globe, also known as an armillary sphere, which is full of stars. The original was destroyed by the invasion of China by the great powers, but what we see now is a copy of the Qing government in 1903. The armillary sphere and the simple sphere, which look like several planetary orbits nested in each other, were cast during the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty. The accuracy of measuring the position of celestial bodies, as well as the dragon-shaped sculpture of the instrument and the cloud pattern on the shelf are amazing. You can also see the standard for measuring time by the shadow of the sun, the horizon theodolite for measuring coordinates copied by the Qing government in the early 20th century. There is a room called “Ziwuyi” next to the ancient astronomical instruments. Inside, there are mainly timekeeping devices such as copper pot drips, scale leaks, and modern nautical clocks. In addition, there are graphic and special exhibitions in the scenic area. The graphic and text exhibitions show the frontiers, major achievements and important history of Zijinshan Observatory’s scientific research work. The basic knowledge of astronomy is displayed with astronomical photography pictures, objects and models. The special exhibition is currently an exhibition of original astronomical oil paintings. Remains of Tianbao City Tianbao City is a fortress built by the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, but it has lost its former style. There is a dome observation room on the top of the mountain. Climbing to the platform on the top of the building, you can look down at Nanjing City and see Xuanwu Lake to the west. The angle of view of the observatory is also very good, suitable for taking pictures, and can illuminate more observatory buildings.
Nanjing Purple Mountain Observatory
Nanjing Purple Mountain Observatory Tourist Map
Nanjing Purple Mountain Observatory Travel Guide
must see tips
- Walk up the mountain from the Zijin Mountain Pedestrian Plank Road next to the Zijin Mountain Cableway, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the Zijin Mountain Observatory.
- Zijinshan Observatory Station is located in the middle of the Zijinshan Cableway, and the end point is Toutuoling Station. Whether you sit at the Purple Mountain Observatory or Toutuo Ridge, the fare is the same, 60 yuan for a one-way trip, 100 yuan for a round trip, and the operating hours of the cableway are: 9:00-16:00.
- In order to protect the environment, the mountain is set up as a walking path. At present, social vehicles are not allowed to enter. You can walk or take the cableway up the mountain. There is an electric shuttle bus for Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum down the mountain to Baima Park. The fare is 20 yuan per person.
- Standing on Tianbao Castle, you can still see several observation domes, which are not currently accessible. In the observatory, you can also see the military restricted area blocked by iron railings. Therefore, please do not enter the place where tourists stop.
