China's first observatory equipped with a large optical telescope, the Shanghai Sheshan Observatory, is about to complete renovation.

After revamp, the observation capability of the 40-centimeter-caliber double-tube reflective telescope with a history of 123 years will be restored and enhanced. This will give the public the opportunity to explore the stars again using this century-old instrument.

Currently, the main renovation project of the Sheshan Observatory has been completed and it was partially opened to the public on a trial basis on March 20. Tourists who want to visit can make reservations through the "Shanghai Astronomy Museum Service" WeChat account or purchase tickets on site. The official opening time has yet to be determined but is estimated to be in mid-April.

The Sheshan Observatory was officially set up in 1901 as China's first observatory equipped with a large optical telescope. The "treasured instrument" within the observatory at that time was the largest 40-centimeter double-tube reflective telescope in Asia, which was once known as the "first telescope in the Far East".

The restoration team has equipped the telescope with a dedicated shooting interface, allowing astronomical images observed through the century-old telescope to be recorded through professional scientific cameras or even ordinary digital cameras. These images can be printed or sent by e-mail as keepsakes.