Xinhua News Agency Reports Community Conservation Area for Dark Sky Established in Kaifa County of Zhejiang Prov., Supported by CBCGDF

 

On June 21, 2023, Xinhua News Agency, China's central news media, released a report on the establishment of a "Community Conservation Area for Dark Sky" in the rural area of Kaifa County, the source of the Qiantang River. This conservation area is situated in Zhenzikeng Village, Changhong Township, Kaifa County, Zhejiang Province, within the Qiantang River Source National Park. Zhenzikeng Village comprises four natural villages, with Gaotiankeng Natural Village being the most well-preserved pristine ecological ancient village.

 

（picture）In the image: Astronomers capturing the night sky in Gaotiankeng Village, Changhong Township, Kaifa County, Zhejiang Province. (Image provided by Hangzhou Astronomy Society)

 

This renowned ancient village, highly regarded in the astronomy community, is nestled on terraced fields at an elevation of 800 meters. Local village officials state that Gaotiankeng Village is free from light pollution, offering clear air and an exceptionally transparent sky comparable to that of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, providing ideal conditions for stargazing. In 2023, it was officially designated as a "Community Conservation Area for Dark Sky" by China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF).

 

（picture）The Kaifa Dark Sky Park Astronomical Museum, located in Gaotiankeng Village, is a prominent feature. Xinhua News Agency journalist Duan Jingjing captured this image on the first floor of the museum.

 

Recently, reporters ventured into this remote mountainous region, traversing over 60 bends on a winding mountain road until reaching the mountaintop, where a Dark Sky Park Astronomical Museum stood prominently. Within the two-story museum, visitors can explore the wonders of the universe through professional stargazing equipment. They can also experience simulated space capsules and space stations up close, gaining insights into the splendid civilization of ancient Chinese astronomy as well as the progress of modern astronomy and space exploration.

 

Adjacent to the astronomical museum lies a designated stargazing campsite. During the summer stargazing season, many people flock here. As they raise their heads to gaze into the distance, they are greeted by a long-lost and breathtakingly beautiful starry sky.

 

In 2015, the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) established the Dark Sky Working Committee with the aim of promoting dark sky conservation in China. Prior to 2015, "dark sky" had very little recognition in China, and the celestial beauty of the night sky was increasingly overshadowed by light pollution. The CBCGDF has been working tirelessly over the past eight years to mainstream the concept of Dark Sky Conservation, raising awareness about the value of the "starry sky." Today, an increasing number of regions are making efforts to leverage their dark sky resources and create value through eco-tourism.

 

Full article available at:

https://h.xinhuaxmt.com/vh512/share/11560863?d=134b1dd

 

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Translator: LW

Editor: Samantha

Contact: V10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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