China will build its largest astronomical observation base in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan Province. The observatory will be equipped with a two-meter-diameter telescope, the largest in China and the whole of southeast Asia, according to the latest Beijing Review.

The entire project, with an investment of 56.26 million yuan, will be completed in the next three to four years. Surveying of the site has come to an end and the location of the telescope and the form of electronic technology have been determined.

In order to choose the best location for astronomical observation, experts spent eight years investigating dozens of mountains in northern Yunnan Province. After several measurements, they determined Gaomeigu, 20 km from Lijiang county, to be the best observation site. In the Naxi language, Gaomeigu means “the place higher than heaven”。

It lies in the southern foothills of Yulong Mountain at an elevation of 3,193 meters. In an average year, there are 254 clear days. With no man-made light pollution or floating dust, the transparent atmosphere is still and tranquil. In addition, Gaomeigu lies close to the Yunnan-Tibet highway and Lijiang Airport, so it is convenient in transportation.

According to astronomers, the best astronomical observatories are located in the Americas, Africa and the Pacific region, such as Hawaii and Chile. Gaomeigu rivels those regions. From the Far East to the Middle East, there are no excellent observatories, but now Lijiang will fill that gap.

(Xinhua 06/14/2001)