Introduction

The Zhongshan Mountain National Park is home to exceptionally rich cultural resources, with historical sites scattered like stars across the landscape. It boasts one UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, 16 national key protected cultural relic units, and seven entries listed among “China’s 20th-Century Architectural Heritage.”

While its natural scenery is equally remarkable—offering picturesque views in all four seasons—truly understanding this mountain and making your visit more meaningful requires a deeper understanding of the cultural relics within the area.

Starting today, the Discover Zhongshan Mountain bilingual series launches a special feature titled “Treasures of Zhongshan.” Taking the area’s protected heritage sites as our guide, we invite you to discover the enduring charm of its cultural legacy.

Our first stop takes us to the summit of Zhongshan’s West Peak, where we step into the Former Site of the National Purple Mountain Observatory.

Completed on Sept. 1, 1934, the Purple Mountain Observatory was China’s first modern astronomical observatory independently designed and built. Owing to its exceptional contributions to the birth and development of modern Chinese astronomy, it has long been known as “the cradle of modern astronomy in China.”

The observatory is a shining example of the fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles in modern China. It was surveyed, designed, and its construction supervised by astronomer Yu Qingsong, with architect Yang Tingbao also contributing to the design. Following the contours of the mountain and using locally sourced materials, the main building is crowned with a paifang, a traditional Chinese archway, giving it a dignified and elegant appearance.

This cluster of time-worn buildings is a three-dimensional chronicle of modern Chinese astronomy—a symbol of national resilience and the pursuit of scientific knowledge. Here, where science and culture meet, you can not only learn about astronomy but also peer through telescopes to witness the mysteries of the universe with your own eyes.

Heritage Info Card

Name:Former Site of the National Purple Mountain Observatory

Protection Status: National Key Protected Cultural Relic Unit (4th batch)

Honors: Among “China’s 20th-Century Architectural Heritage” (first batch)、Among “China’s Top 10 Science-Themed Tourist Destinations” (first batch)

Years Built: 1934

Location: Third Peak of Purple Mountain, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu

Significance:The first modern astronomical observatory independently designed and built by China, widely known as “the cradle of modern astronomy in China.”