Zijin Observatory

Zijin Observatory. Situated near the top of Zijin Mountain, this observatory houses a remarkable collection of bronze Ming and Qing astronomical instruments once used by Jesuit missionaries. The mountain dominates the eastern fringes of Nánjīng and is a heavily forested area of parks and the site of most of Nánjīng's historical attractions. It's also one of the coolest places to escape from the steamy summers. A half-hour ride on a cable car carries you to the top of the 448m hill for a panoramic, if somewhat hazy, view of Nánjīng, or you can walk up the stone path that runs beneath the cable cars.