Page 17 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (118)

16
VILLAGES | 村寨

From mountain seclusion to stargazing sanctuary

“观星宝地”的诞生

Tai’an Township’s path to becoming an astrono-
T ai’an T ow ns hip’ s path to becoming an as trono - no light pollution, it has become a key optical astronomy “Lugu Lake,” and “Y ulong,” and plays a key role in moni -
no light pollution, it has become a key optical astronomy
“Lugu Lake,” and “Yulong,” and plays a key role in moni-
toring near
base in southern China.
-Earth objects for planetary defense. “Gaomeigu
As Chinese
my-themed destination is built upon a rare combination of base in southern China. As Chinese Academy of Sciences toring near-Earth objects for planetary defense. “Gaomeigu
of Sciences
my-themed destination is built upon a rare combination of
Academy
a
t
n
st
r
d
c
sc
i
i
e
e
g
n
a
n
t
l
a
d
v
e
s a
China’
r
a
a
g
t
Academician
H
an
S)
e
.
(CA
Zhanwen
it
is
“Lijiang’
noted,
astronomical
ranks among
s
r
i
n
f
c
i
f
i
r
c
t
u
u
a
st
r
t
sites for nighttime
a
s best
natural advantages and strategic scientific infrastructure. (CAS) Academician Han Zhanwen noted, it is “Lijiang’s ranks among China’s best sites for nighttime astronomical
u
n
observatory
brightest astronomical gem.”
“Its
The Gaomeigu area, under the township’s Tianhong Vil-
The Gaomeigu area, under the township’ s T ianhong V il - brightest astronomical gem.” observation,” explained an observatory representative. “Its
an
explained
representative.
observation,”
lage Committee, sits at a relatively low latitude and an el - The Lijiang Observatory of the CAS Y unnan Obser - low latitu de and high altitude offer a natural advantage for
low latitude and high altitude offer a natural advantage for
lage Committee, sits at a relatively low latitude and an el-
The Lijiang Observatory of the CAS Yunnan Obser-
evation of 3,193–3,200 meters, a prime location for pano- - vatories is located here, providing robust research capa- - tracking fast-moving celestial tar gets.” The existing cluster
evation
pano
location
for
prime
meters,
tracking fast-moving celestial targets.” The existing cluster
a
3,193–3,200
vatories is located here, providing robust research capa
of
20
2.4-meter
ar
ramic observation
scientific
site
East
gest
to
facilities
of
research
lities.
The
for
and
Asia’
home
s
observation
bi
of both the northern and southern skies.
ramic observation of both the northern and southern skies. bilities. The site is home to East Asia’s largest 2.4-meter of over 20 scientific facilities for research and observation
is
over
l
ex
optical
interference,
which
not only supports major national scientific missions but
,
telescope,
pristine
aperture
enables
and
air
minimal
Its pristine air, minimal atmospheric interference, and ex- - aperture general-purpose optical telescope, which enables n o t o n l y su p p o r t s m a j o r n a t i o n a l sc i e n t i f i c m i ssi o n s b u t
Its
general-purpose
atmospheric
the
contributed
best.
stable
world’

s
tracking
ceptional “seeing” conditions rank among the world’s best. long-term, stable tracking observations. It has contributed also provides a strong technical foundation for local as -
rank
also provides a strong technical foundation for local as-
conditions
“seeing”
observations
long-term,
has
ceptional
.
It
among

to the discovery and naming of asteroids such as “Lijiang,”
W ith an average of 254 clear nights per year and virtually to the discovery and naming of asteroids such as “Lijiang,” tronomy-themed development.
tronomy-themed development.
With an average of 254 clear nights per year and virtually
Starry sky brought close
星空不再“高冷”
the
automated
astronomical education and public engagement.
“W e used to think telescopes were only for scientists,” astronomical education and public engagement. automated telescope systems from around the world, avail- -
“We used to think telescopes were only for scientists,”
world, avail
systems from
telescope
around
remarked
remarked a Gaomeigu villager. “Now, we can all be ‘stew- - The Gaomeigu Amateur Astronomy Base seamlessly able year-round. During prime stargazing seasons, it hosts
it hosts
-round. During prime star
be ‘stew
, we can
Astronomy
Amateur
able year
. “Now
villager
gazing seasons,
a Gaomeigu
all
seamlessly
The
Base
Gaomeigu
ards of the stars.” This shift in perspective mirrors T ai’an bridges the professional and the public. It hosts profession - meteor shower watches and imaging workshops. By day ,
ards of the stars.” This shift in perspective mirrors Tai’an
meteor shower watches and imaging workshops. By day,
bridges the professional and the public. It hosts profession-
farmers
to
estate
foraging

collabor
al equipment entrusted by astronomy enthusiasts, enabling
the
offer
with
local
s ef
ates
ownship’
gazing eco
T
Township’s efforts to build an integrated stargazing eco- - al equipm ent entrusted by astronomy enthusiasts, enabling the estate collaborates with local farmers to offer foraging
forts to build an integrated star
guests
flower
to
tours,
stars
and
trips
“chase
system around the scientific prestige of the CAS observa-
remote-controlled observations so that urban star
enabling

gazers
system around the scientific prestige of the CAS observa - remote-controlled observations so that urban stargazers trips and flower-field tours, enabling guests to “chase stars
-field
publ
i
by night and seek wilderness by day.” This integrated ap-
c
re
out

om
ory
bi
.
By
c
ni
rc
h
and
ng
re
sea
ac
can “pursue the cosmos from home.” For visiting tourists,
sure
l
h,
t tory. By combining research and public outreach, leisure can “pursue the cosmos from home.” For visiting tourists, by night and seek wilderness by day .” This integrated ap -
i
e
h
visit
j
it provides simpler observational tools. Paired with the
ors
i
,
proved
experiences,
experiences, and immersive folk culture, the township has it provides simpler observational tools. Paired with the proach proved popular, drawing over 200 visitors in just
r
proac
folk culture, the township has
200
drawing
n
r
popul
ust
and immersive
a
ove
successfully demystified astronomy , bringing once-distant pristine, protected dark skies, the site is ideal for astropho- - one month during the 2025 summer break.
is
skies,
the
ideal
site
one month during the 2025 summer break.
protected
for astropho
pristine,
dark
successfully demystified astronomy, bringing once-distant
celestial wonders into the heart of community life.
yards
. Furtherm
ourt
“Compared to the bitter cold of -30°C up north, winter
nt
we
vi
ght
l
ography
la
ore
t
, t
ge c
y-ei
celestial wonders into the heart of community life. tography. Furthermore, twenty-eight village courtyards “Compared to the bitter cold of -30°C up north, winter
to
r
d
r
e
CAS
n
”
,
The CAS Lijiang Observatory opens its doors to the have been transformed into starry-sky homestays, each here is mild and the air is crystal clear,” remarked astro- -
r
the
The
o

Lijiang
i
a
have been transformed into starry-sky homestays, each
r
l
l
r
c
a

h
opens

i
r
d
doors
s
l
r
e
e
e
k

i
its
Observatory
h
s
a
i
e

st
e
t
m
m

a
a
y
c
st
a
d

mansions
photographer Dai Jianfeng, who has been capturing the
of
the
28
after
one
themed
Chinese
public through a reservation system. Visitors can witness the
public through a reservation system. V isitors can witness the themed after one of the 28 ancient Chinese lunar mansions photographer Dai Jianfeng, who has been capturing the
lunar
ancient
modern
night
Adorned with Dongba-script astronomical symbols
2012.
Through
m o num e n t a l 2 .4- m e t e r t e l e sc o pe up c l ose , he a r a st ron om e rs (Xiu). Adorned with Dongba-script astronomical symbols night sky here since 2012. Through his lens, modern tele- -
monumental 2.4-meter telescope up close, hear astronomers
since
here
sky
tele
(Xiu).
lens,
his
scopes stand before the starry expanse of the Jade Dragon
explain phenomena like atmospheric seeing, and watch a live
explain phenomena like atmospheric seeing, and watch a live and Pumi ethnic starry-sky ballads, they of fer visitors a scopes stand before the starry expanse of the Jade Dragon
and Pumi ethnic starry-sky ballads, they offer visitors a
striking contrast
creating
Snow Mountain,
deeply immersive cultural experience.
and
feed of the night sky from the remote observation control
images of
feed of the night s ky from the remote obs ervation control deeply immersive cultural experience. Snow Mountain, creating images of striking contrast and
room. Specially designed courses such as “Asteroid Defense” The Lijiang Gemini Astronomy Estate offers a complete depth. “The most unforgettable night was during the Gem- -
unfor
gettable
depth.
was during the
Gem
The Lijiang Gemini Astronomy Estate offers a complete
room. Specially designed courses such as “Asteroid Defense”
“The most
night
alongside
experience that combines research, accommodation, and
students,
meteor shower
counted over
univer
, when we
“Sunspot
and
and “Sunspot Observation” for students, alongside univer- - experience that combines research, accommodation, and inid meteor shower, when we counted over a thousand
Observation”
inid
a thousand
for
sity-led outreach programs, continually plant the seeds of dining. “We’ve invested in upgrading our science educa- - m e t e ors,” Da i re c a l l e d. Suc h vi sua l l y spe c t a c ul a r a nd
ni
“
n
ng.
e
e
i
di
e
sity-led outreach programs, continually plant the seeds of
c
ng our sc
d i
e
n
a
e
meteors,” Dai recalled. Such visually spectacular and
i
nve
st
’ve
duc
upgra
W
di
scientific curiosity . T oday , the observatory also partners with tion zone, outfittin g it with six sets of professional equip - soul-stirring experiences of fer countless visitors a long-
scientific curiosity. Today, the observatory also partners with
soul-stirring experiences offer countless visitors a long-
tion zone, outfitting it with six sets of professional equip-
ment to support activities from solar and planetary obser-
lost sense of awe, a moment of spiritual healing found in
fer winter
-camp study tours. Participa
travel agencies to offer winter-camp study tours. Participa- - ment to support activities from solar and planetary obser - lost sense of awe, a moment of spiritual healing found in
travel agencies to of
tion has grown significantly , with over 1,000 students from vation to deep-sky astrophotography,” explained manager nature and inner quiet. It is a vivid embodiment of what it
manager
tion has grown significantly, with over 1,000 students from
inner
deep-sky
of
nature
it
quiet.
to
,”
It
what
a
and
is
embodiment
vation
astrophotography
explained
vivid
means to live Yunnan’s “many-splendored lifestyle.”
Fang Zhou. The estate also operates more than 50 remote
Beijing alone, firmly establishing the site as a leading hub for
Beijing alone, firmly establishing the site as a leading hub for Fang Zhou. The estate also operates more than 50 remote means to live Y unnan’ s “many-splendored lifestyle.”
Starlight illuminates the path to rural revitalization
星空照亮乡村振兴路
c
d
s.
r
r
a
a
o
a
y
n
c
o
t
y
r
,
heads down to looking up as guides, hosts, and stargazers.
d
i
r
r
se
m
i
t
c
o
r
T
h
e

ss p
t
y
,
a
r
p
se
The flourishing astro-tourism sector is bringing sus-
T he fl ouri shi ng a st ro-t ouri sm se c t or i s bri ngi ng sus - heads down to looking up as guides, hosts, and star gazers. a across primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. This ap- -
i
s a
n
proach ensures villagers share in the dividends of growth
tained ener gy to rural revitalization in T ai’an T ownship. “T ai’an T ownship is endowed with unique astronom - proach ens ures villagers share in the dividends of growth
“Tai’an Township is endowed with unique astronom-
tained energy to rural revitalization in Tai’an Township.
lue
chai
ve
nes
va
bi
n tha
t
com
resources,”
ers a
, observation decks and
He
c
Xiaodong,
observation
nd fost
ical
stated
the
hensi
Where potato fields once lay
ompre
Where potato fields once lay, observation decks and ical observation resources,” stated He Xiaodong, the a and fosters a comprehensive value chain that combines
Party
Secretary
are
s
e
township’
“W
.
exploring
tourism, science education, research studies, and leisure.
path
hom e st a ys no w st a n d. Idl e fa rm ho use s ha ve be e n t ra ns - township’s Party Secretary. “We are exploring a path to tourism, science education, research studies, and leisure.
homestays now stand. Idle farmhouses have been trans-
a
to
yield
that are constantly in de
tarry-sky inns
establish ourselves as the first township of astronomy,
shift
has
formed into starry-sky inns that are constantly in de- - establish ourselves as the first township of astronomy , This shift has already begun to yield tangible benefits.
begun
formed into s
already
This
to
benefits.
tangible
va
e
g
t
n
a
s i
d
or
nsf
i
m
a
mand. Villagers themselves are evolving,
mand. V illagers themselves are evolving, transforming our natural advantages into tangible assets Over a hundred villagers have taken up new roles, as sci- -
r
t
ra
u
a
l
t
g ou
n
a
r n
a
sse
l
e
t
n up new roles, as sci
have take
s
Over a hundred villagers
b
n
t
t
o
a
ng
i
and benefits for our villagers.” Adhering to a development
t
duc
e
nt
rva
e
nc
a
c
t
he
t
ors a
from working the land with their and benefits for our villagers.” Adhering to a development e ence educators at the CAS observatory, equipment tech- -
from working the land with their
t
e
CAS obse
pm
qui
, e
t
h
e
ory
the
staff
at
the
Gaomeigu
hospitality
nicians
base,
principle of being “guided by the stars, rooted in local nicians at the Gaomeigu base, and hospitality staff at the
and
at
principle of being “guided by the stars, rooted in local
character ,” the township promotes integrated development Gemini Estate. The average annual income per villager has
character,” the township promotes integrated development
Gemini Estate. The average annual income per villager has
risen by more than 3,000 yuan, supplemented by steady
risen by more than 3,000 yuan, supplemented by steady
rental income from idle homes and land transfers. Mean- -
rental income from idle homes and land transfers. Mean
wh i l e , i n f r a st r u c t u r e f r o m r u r a l r o a d s a n d i n t e r n e t c o v e r a g e
while, infrastructure from rural roads and internet coverage
to tourist facilities continues to improve, sketching a clear-
to tourist facilities continues to improve, sketching a clear -
er portrait of a beautiful, livable, and visitable countryside.
er portrait of a beautiful, livable, and visitable countryside.