Mojiang Planetarium in Puer

Chinese Name:北回归线标志园-墨江天文馆
English Name: Mojiang Planetarium in Puer

Mojian Tropic of Cancer Marker Park

Founded in 1993, the Tropic of Cancer Marker Park is one of the largest and most comprehensive Tropic of Cancer marker parks in the world. The park, themed around "Tropic of Cancer Culture," stretches 500 meters along the Tropic of Cancer. It includes various architectural features like "Sun's Path," "Kua Fu Chasing the Sun," and "Gate of the Tropic of Cancer," creating an engaging space series. The park’s science museum illustrates natural, life, and solar phenomena, highlighting the cosmic world from ancient times to today's rapid scientific advancements. It provides accurate geographic displays of the Tropic of Cancer, allowing visitors to "capture" its presence every summer solstice. Visitors can wander along the Tropic of Cancer, enjoying winding paths, cicada sounds, bird songs, tea rooms, children's play areas, rest pavilions, and dining facilities. While exploring the park's architecture, sculptures, and landscape art, visitors can also sample Pu'er tea and Mojian wine.

Planetarium: Known as "The First Telescope in Southern Yunnan," this disc-shaped building is the largest single-structure planetarium on the northern Tropic of Cancer in the Eastern Hemisphere. It houses five sections: Earth Hall, Sun Hall, Moon Hall, Constellation Hall, and Research Base. The facility includes a 40 cm telescope with a 480x magnification lens, allowing clear exploration of lunar, solar, and planetary mysteries.

The Mojiang Planetarium is located in Mojiang County, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province. As one of the significant astronomical and educational facilities in the region, it is designed to enhance public understanding of astronomy and the universe.

Key Features:

1. Architecture and Design: The planetarium features a futuristic design, often compared to a flying saucer due to its unique shape. This modern architecture aims to reflect the theme of space and exploration.
2. Exhibits and Facilities:
   • Astronomy Exhibition Halls: The planetarium is divided into several sections, each dedicated to different aspects of astronomy, including the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe's formation.
   • Stargazing Equipment: It is equipped with advanced telescopes and other observational tools, allowing visitors to explore celestial bodies and phenomena up close.
   • Educational Programs: The planetarium offers various educational programs and workshops aimed at increasing public knowledge about astronomy and space science. These include interactive displays, lectures, and hands-on activities.
3. Astronomical Shows: The planetarium hosts regular astronomical shows and simulations that offer immersive experiences of celestial events and cosmic phenomena. These shows use cutting-edge projection technology to create vivid and accurate depictions of the universe.
4. Research and Collaboration: The Mojiang Planetarium serves as a center for astronomical research and collaboration with other scientific institutions. It contributes to the broader scientific community by participating in research projects and sharing its findings with the public.
5. Visitor Experience:
   • Observation Deck: Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the observation deck, which complements the planetarium's focus on astronomy.
   • Gift Shop and Café: The planetarium features a gift shop selling astronomy-themed souvenirs and educational materials. There is also a café where visitors can relax and discuss their experiences.

Best Time to Visit:

• The planetarium is open year-round, with special events and exhibitions often scheduled around significant astronomical events and public holidays.

Ticket Information:

• Tickets can be purchased at the planetarium or through its official website. Prices vary based on the type of show and any special exhibitions.

Location and Accessibility:

• The Mojiang Planetarium is easily accessible by local transportation from Pu'er City. Visitors can use buses, taxis, or self-driving options to reach the site.

Conclusion: The Mojiang Planetarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in astronomy and space science. Its state-of-the-art facilities, engaging exhibits, and educational programs make it a valuable resource for both casual visitors and serious enthusiasts.

Shopping Recommendations:

• Local specialties: Mojian purple rice, Yunnan tribute rice, Mojian cloud needle tea, spirulina, bamboo mushrooms, bamboo worms, stone clams, purple rice sweet wine.
• Specialty foods: Mojian crispy snacks, purple rice cakes, purple rice chicken stew, purple rice eight-treasure rice, purple rice steamed chicken, purple rice gourd duck, meat heart crisp, pickled grasshoppers, fried bamboo worms.

Ticket Prices:

• Admission: 60 RMB
• Sightseeing shuttle: 20 RMB round trip

Opening Hours:

• 09:00-18:00