Shenzhen Observatory

Historical Overview

Founding: Built in 1987 as part of Shenzhen’s National Meteorological Observatory, it became a standalone institution in 2000.

Evolution:1992: Installed China’s first solar vacuum telescope for real-time sunspot monitoring. 2005: Partnered with NASA for meteorite research and asteroid tracking. 2018: Expanded with a 4D planetarium and astronomy-themed park.

Research Milestones: Discovered 12 near-Earth asteroids and contributed to China’s Mars rover calibration.

Cultural Impact: Hosted the 2019 World Astronomers’ Conference and annual Meteor Watch Festivals.

Structural Layout

• Geographical Features: 

Situated 236 meters above sea level, the observatory spans 30,000 square meters, blending coastal views with modular research facilities.

• Key Structures:

Main Observatory Building: Houses the 1.2-meter reflecting telescope and astrophysics labs.

Solar Tower: A 30-meter structure with a coronagraph for solar eclipse simulations.

4D Sphere Theater: A 180-seat venue for immersive space documentaries.

Astronomy Park: Open-air exhibits, including a scale model of the solar system and a meteorite display.

• Supporting Infrastructure:

Dormitories for researchers, a public lecture hall, and a rooftop observation deck.

Major Attractions

1.2-Meter Reflecting Telescope: Southern China’s largest optical telescope, used for deep-sky observations and public stargazing nights.

Solar Vacuum Telescope: Offers real-time sunspot and solar flare footage (daily 10 AM–4 PM).

Meteorite Gallery: Displays fragments from Mars, the Moon, and rare carbonaceous chondrites.

Astrophotography Workshop: Guided sessions with high-end cameras and filters (bookings required).

4D Planetarium Show: Journey to the Edge of the Universe (30 minutes, hourly screenings).

Cosmic Coastal Trail: A 1.5-kilometer path with QR-code-activated info panels on constellations.

Suggested Itineraries

• Classic Route (2–3 hours):

Main Building (telescope) → Solar Tower → Meteorite Gallery → 4D Theater → Rooftop Deck.

Highlights: Solar observations, meteorites, and a planetarium show.

• Research Route (4–5 hours):

Main Building labs → Astrophotography Workshop → Cosmic Coastal Trail → Lecture Hall (talks at 2 PM).

Highlights: Behind-the-scenes science and photography tips.

• Family Route (Full Day):

Solar Tower → Meteorite Gallery → Astronomy Park → 4D Theater → Stargazing Night (7–9 PM).

Highlights: Interactive exhibits and night-sky viewing.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via the Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory website or WeChat mini-program (up to 7 days in advance).

On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance; queues peak on weekends.

• Prices:

Adults: ¥30 (weekdays), ¥40 (weekends).

Students/Seniors: ¥15 (weekdays), ¥20 (weekends).

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.

Add-Ons: Astrophotography Workshop (¥100), Planetarium Show (¥20).

Transportation

By Subway:Line 8: Dapeng Station (Exit C), transfer to Bus M457 to “Xingtianwen Tai” stop. Line 2: Shekou Port Station (Exit A), take Bus E26 to Dapeng Center, then taxi.

By Bus: Routes M457 or M423 from Dapeng Bus Station.

By Taxi: Direct to the observatory (¥80–¥100 from Luohu District).

Departure: Buses depart hourly until 6 PM; taxis available for late-night returns.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM (tour groups); visit early (9 AM opening) or stay for night tours.

Weather: October–April (clear skies, mild temperatures); avoid May–September (monsoon season).

• Essentials:

Bring a jacket (temperatures drop 5°C at night).

Use red-light flashlights to preserve night vision.

Book workshops and stargazing nights 2+ weeks in advance.

Prohibitions: No drones, laser pointers, or outside telescopes.

Insider Tip: Check the observatory’s WeChat for meteor shower alerts and guest astronomer talks.