Quzhou's Changhong offers pristine night sky views

The starry sky is seen in Changhong township, Quzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: quzhoufb]

Changhong township in Kaihua county, Quzhou, Zhejiang province, has been included in the 2026 summer stargazing guide released by the China Meteorological Administration's Public Meteorological Service Center, recognized as a recommended destination for its dark-sky environment.

Gaotiankeng village in Changhong offers clear views of the Milky Way without the need for professional equipment. Its low light pollution and quiet surroundings have attracted families, astronomy enthusiasts, and photographers seeking a closer look at the night sky.

Gaotiankeng sits at an altitude of 680 meters, with forest coverage across Changhong exceeding 85 percent. The surrounding mountains help block urban light, while the area's clean air and high atmospheric transparency have earned it a Level 2 to 3 rating under the Bortle dark-sky scale.

To promote stargazing tourism, Changhong has developed attractions including the Kaihua Dark Sky Park, the Kaihua Dark Sky Park Astronomy Museum, viewing platforms, and camping sites. It has also partnered with the Zhejiang Astronomical Society to organize astronomy lectures, observations, starry-sky concerts, and outdoor movie events.

The township plans to further expand stargazing education, camping, and rural tourism by integrating its exceptional night skies with local cultural attractions.