Purple Mountain Observatory (Zijinshan - Mt. Zijin) Observatory), Nanjing - Page 1
Bernice and I spent the day here visiting the Observatory. It is a branch of the Chinese National Academy of Sciences. Paul gave a lecture here for them. The Nanjing Branch of the Chinese National Academy of Sciences was our hosts while we were in Nanjing and they took very good care of us. They provided us with a guide and a car and showed us around the city. We appreciated them very much. They put us on a train for Shanghai and notified the Shanghai Branch to meet and take care of us when we arrived.
The observatory is located on the west peak of Mt. Zhongshan. Constructed in 1934, it is the first modern observatory built by Chinese in China. Thus, it occupies a very important position in the history of Chinese astronomy. Considered the cradle of modern Chinese astronomy, the observatory still keeps ancient astronomical instruments invented by the Chinese as a tribute to her forebearers. The exhibits, full of artistic and scientific values include: