For travelers who are interested in astronomy, Purple Mountain Observatory (Zijinshan Observatory) in Nanjing is the best choice. Located at No. 2 Beijing West Road, it is the earliest and largest modern research institute on astronomy in China. There travelers can observe celestial bodies through the astronomical telescope.
Purple Mountain Observatory is located on the West Peak (the third peak) of Purple Mountain (also called Zhongshan) in the southern suburb of Nanjing. It 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.
The first museum of the history of astronomy in China - Nanjing Astronomy Museum- is also located within the observatory. What's more, there is also an important military fort dating from the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (1851 - 1864) - the Tianbaocheng Ruins. The fort enjoys a perfect location overlooking the city.
Entrance Fee For Nanjing Astornomy Museum:
CNY 15 for adults:
CNY 9 for kids under 1.3 m
Opening Hours: 08:30 - 16:30
Transportation:
A. 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.
B. 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.
C. 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.
D. 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.
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