Purple Mountain Observatory

Welcome to the Purple Mountain Observatory, or Zijinshan Tianwendai, a site of profound scientific and historical significance situated on the third peak of Nanjing’s celebrated Purple Mountain, known historically as Tianbao…

We stand before the grand stone archway, a magnificent example of Republic-period architecture designed by the esteemed master Yang Tingbao. Yang, often referred to as one of the four giants of modern Chinese architecture,…

Situated prominently near the main path is the foundation commemorative tablet, a crucial historical document etched in stone. This monument provides the precise chronology of the observatory’s inception, noting that ground was…

The main observation hall is a remarkable structure that has been meticulously preserved as a cultural relic. Upon entering, you are immediately struck by the nostalgic atmosphere of the interior, which serves as a quintessential…

Dominating the interior of the main hall is the 60-centimeter reflector telescope, a sophisticated piece of optical equipment imported from Germany in 1934. At the time of its installation, this was the largest and most advanced…

Step inside this reconstructed research room, which offers an intimate look at the working life of an astronomer during the Republic of China era. Every object here—from the heavy mechanical typewriter to the rotary telephone and…

Outdoors, set against the backdrop of the Nanjing skyline, sits one of the observatory's most precious treasures: the ancient bronze armillary sphere. This intricate instrument, featuring nested rings that represent the celestial…

As our tour concludes here on the observation platform, take a moment to look out over the lush canopy of Purple Mountain toward the sprawling modern metropolis of Nanjing. From this height, the four modern observation towers of…