Purple Mountain Observatory

The Purple Mountain Observatory, located on the third peak of Purple Mountain within the Zhongshan Scenic Area, has been a key site for scientific research, astronomical observations, and public education throughout history, preserving invaluable astronomical heritage. Established in 1934 as China's first independently built modern astronomical research institution, it is hailed as the "Cradle of Modern Chinese Astronomy." This landmark chronicles the development of modern astronomy in China while embodying the spirit of scientific exploration. Designated as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, National Science Education Base, and China Science & Technology Tourism Base, it was also among the first batch of 20th-century architectural heritage sites in China.

Travel guides

The Purple Mountain Observatory Museum in Nanjing features exhibition areas for cultural relics of the observatory, ancient astronomical instruments, the Tianbao Fort ruins, and observation decks. It is a modern astronomy education museum integrating humanities, science, history, ecology, and leisure activities.

Observatory Headquarters

Also known as the Grand Stage, this building features a fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles. Its foundation was laid on December 22, 1933, coinciding with the winter solstice.

60 cm reflecting telescope

One of the largest telescopes in Asia at the time.

Transit Room

This structure at the Purple Mountain Observatory was one of the earliest to be completed, with its foundation laid on June 21, 1932, the summer solstice.

Ancient Astronomical Instruments Exhibition Area

It features five ancient astronomical instruments from the Ming and Qing dynasties: the altazimuth, celestial globe, armillary sphere, simplified armilla, and gnomon.

Altazimuth

An instrument used to measure celestial coordinates.

Celestial globe

It displays the positions of stars and constellations while demonstrating the diurnal motion of celestial bodies.

Armillary sphere

The primary instrument used in ancient China for measuring celestial positions.

Jianyi

It was simplified and improved based on the armillary sphere, and can be used to measure the equatorial and horizontal coordinates of celestial bodies.

Gnomon

The ancient astronomical instrument consists of a horizontal "gui" (sundial scale) aligned north-south and a vertical "biao" (gnomon) standing at the southern end.

Tianbao Fort Ruins

An important military fortress built during the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom period.

Observation deck

Overlooking the entire city of Nanjing, with views of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and Linggu Pagoda to the east; the Ming City Wall, Qianhu Lake, and Yueya Lake to the south; Nanjing city and Xuanwu Lake to the west; and the Mufu Mountain scenic area to the north.