New observatory: High-tech at high altitude

The Xiangyun Hotel lies in the heart of Sichuan province's Daocheng county, an area famous for its picturesque terrain, Tibetan pilgrims and Buddhist stupas.

The region has a natural and religious vibe, yet the free hotel gift shop pamphlets introducing the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory, which is being built nearby on Haizi Mountain, offer a more futuristic flavor.

Yang Liu, an employee in her early 30s, said the observatory "looks grand and impressive, and the way it's filled with dots reminds me of the beautiful starry nights I grew up with".