When night falls,

The stars twinkle in the sky.

The vastness of the universe can always give people endless romance.

Recently in Lijiang,

the Geminid meteor shower offered a visual feast,

making this land once again a paradise for astronomy enthusiasts from around the world.

On December 14, a meteor streaked across the night sky over Yulong Snow Mountain. Photo by Li Yang

It is understood that,

the Geminid meteor shower is known as one of the three major meteor showers in the Northern Hemisphere,

is famous for its high frequency, numerous bright meteors, and relatively slow speed.

Normally,

all one needs to do is look up at the starry sky,

to enjoy the beauty of meteors streaking across the night with the naked eye.

It is also an ideal opportunity for astrophotography enthusiasts.

The spectacular sight of the 2023 Geminid meteor shower streaking across the sky over Yulong Snow Mountain. Photo by Zhou Mingjia

Thanks to its unique geographical and climatic conditions,

in Yunnan,

It's not difficult to find a perfect place for stargazing.

On this land,

the starry sky is not a "luxury",

but a natural gift within everyone's reach.

Why not pack your bags and come to Yunnan to "chase the stars",

explore the tranquility of "Poetry and Faraway Places",

and immerse yourself in the poetic beauty of nature?

Photo by Liu Zian, Ma Yingxue, Yang Chongkai

In this magical land of Yunnan, the pure and serene night sky is everywhere, and the stars and the Milky Way reflect each other, forming a fascinating picture scroll. All these beautiful scenes are a gift of nature's endless grace and blessing.

◆Unique geographical location: Yunnan is located in southwest China, with a moderate latitude, offering astronomers a broad field of view. Additionally, the high-altitude areas in Yunnan, such as Lijiang and Shangri-La, have thin air and high clarity, making them ideal for observing a clearer and brighter starry sky.

◆Excellent climatic conditions: Yunnan has a subtropical monsoon climate, with relatively low precipitation and many clear days, especially in winter and spring, making it the ideal season for stargazing. Additionally, Yunnan boasts excellent air quality with no pollution, reducing the scattering and absorption of starlight by the atmosphere and enhancing observation clarity.

◆Perfect observation facilities: Yunnan is home to several professional astronomical observatories and stargazing bases, such as the Lijiang Astronomical Observatory and Fuxian Lake Solar Observatory. These facilities are equipped with advanced observation equipment and research platforms, offering astronomy enthusiasts excellent conditions for stargazing and scientific research.

◆Good ecological environment: Yunnan's beautiful natural environment, free from city noise and light pollution, offer a peaceful and refreshing setting for stargazing. In Yunnan, stargazing not only allows you to enjoy a brilliant starry sky but also the beauty and joy of the diverse natural landscapes, such as mountains, gorges, and lakes, blending with the sky.

Follow the trajectory of the stars and discover the colourful Yunnan

As a land kissed by the stars, stargazing in Yunnan is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual baptism.

You can choose to stand on the summit of a snowy mountain, letting the cold mountain breeze brush against your face as you dance with the stars; or you can opt to sit by the lake, where the crystal-clear waters reflect the starry sky, making you feel as though you are immersed in a river of stars. Meanwhile, the ancient city streets, illuminated by starlight, gain an added touch of mystery and romance.

The starry sky above Yulong Snow Mountain. Photo by He Yonghua

Yulong Snow Mountain, towering and magnificent, with the river of stars hanging low above its peak. The snowy mountain and the stars mirror each other, as if they were nature's most sacred gift, evoking awe and admiration for the vastness of the universe.

Photo by Xinhuanet

On the shores of Fuxian Lake, the blue waves ripple and the stars twinkle. The lake’s surface, like a mirror, reflects the starry sky, as if the entire universe were immersed in its tranquil waters. Here, you can converse with the stars and experience the depth and mystery of the cosmos.

The forest is ablaze with color - Baima Snow Mountain, Deqin County, Shangri-La, Yunnan Province. Photo by Zhang Zhaohai

Starry Meili - Meili Snow Mountain, Deqin County, Shangri-La, Yunnan Province. Photo by Zhang Zhaohai

Shangri-La, the sun and moon of the heart, where the night sky is crystal clear and the stars are woven like a tapestry. Here, you can feel the purity and mystery of nature, allowing your soul to be deeply nourished and cleansed under the light of the stars.

Photo by CCTV

The shimmering waves of Erhai Lake are dotted with starlight. The surface of the lake is like a mirror reflecting the stars, as if you were in the middle of a river of stars, dancing with the stars and forgetting the troubles of the world.

Photo provided by Qujing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism

From the top of Shizong Junzi Mountain, the Milky Way stretches clearly across the sky, as if within arm's reach. Each star appears as a masterpiece of nature, emitting a captivating glow that enchants and makes it hard to leave.

Photo by Yuanmou Earth Forest Scenic Area WeChat Official Account

Yuanmou Earth Forest, a marvellous natural wonder with a columnar terrain formed by earth deposits, is even more mysterious when illuminated by starlight. It is also a paradise for photographers and stargazers to capture the stunning images of the starry sky and earth forest.

Dajinta - Jingmai Mountain, Lancang County, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province. Photo by Zhang Zhaohai

On Jingmai Mountain, the fragrance of tea lingers as starlight flickers among the ancient trees. Far from the bustle of the world, strolling through the thousand-year-old tea forests and gazing up at the vast sea of stars, it feels as though you can hear the whisper of time, sharing with the ancients the awe and yearning for the starry sky.

Stargazing tourism is sparking a new economic vitality

At the same time, the energy brought by the pursuit of stars is being transformed into economic potential. In recent years, many regions in Yunnan Province have been leveraging their starry sky resources to actively develop the new business model of “starry sky + culture and tourism”.

Tourists watching the stars at a hotel in Lijiang. Photo by Sang Zhenyu

As a famous tourist city, Lijiang is also the city where the International Astronomical Union has named three asteroids: “Lijiang Star,” “Yulong Star,” and “Lugu Lake Star.” With its high altitude, thin air, distance from light pollution, and high sky transparency, this location has become one of the best observation points for meteor showers.

In recent years, Lijiang has organically integrated natural resources, astronomical education, and cultural tourism, launching a series of innovative projects such as stargazing camps and star-themed hotels, which have successfully attracted the attention of many tourists.

Astronomical observation point at a hotel in Lijiang. Photo by Zhang Liyao

It is reported that during this year's Geminid meteor shower, the hotel booking rate at Lijiang's major scenic spots reached 100%. These star-themed cultural and tourism projects not only inject new growth into the local economy but also provide strong momentum for the transformation and upgrading of Yunnan's tourism industry. By offering a fresh perspective and approach, they redefine the value and significance of tourism, guiding Yunnan's tourism sector toward a more high-end, diverse, and sustainable future.

Stargazing Tips

1. Choose a suitable place for stargazing: Yunnan has many excellent stargazing sites. To get the best stargazing experience, choose a place with less light pollution and a wide view.

2. Check the weather: Before heading to your stargazing location, make sure to closely monitor the local weather conditions. A clear, cloudless night will enhance your stargazing experience.

3. Be patient and filled with anticipation: Stargazing is a romantic rendezvous with nature, and sometimes the brightest stars require patience to reveal themselves. Why not bring a comfortable picnic blanket, lie on the grass, gaze up at the stars, and let your soul converse with the universe.

4. Respect the local culture and environment: When heading to a stargazing spot, be sure to respect the local culture and customs. Additionally, protect the natural environment by refraining from littering, ensuring that you do not harm the local ecology.

These days,

more and more people are beginning to

turn their attention from electronic screens to natural "energy sources".

In daily life,

the "20-minute park rule"

allows people to find genuine spiritual solace in the embrace of nature.

And when you look up at the night sky,

the twinkling stars

like messengers across the universe,

let our minds travel through the vastness of the universe.

Photo by Xinhuanet

Welcome to Yunnan, to "chase the stars".

Here,

you can leave behind all your worries and constraints,

allowing your soul to be nourished and cleansed

under the light of the stars.

Thus begins a marvelous journey of exploration, enlightenment,

and a better life.

Click here to view Chinese report

(Editors: Reena, Amy)