Kedu, known as the “Little Town of Astronomy,” in Pingtang County, Guizhou Province, on 10 July 2025 (XINHUA) 

Nestled in the heart of the mountains in Guizhou Province is the Five-hundred-metre Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), known in Chinese as Tianyan, meaning Eye of the Sky. This immense scientific instrument silently observes the starry sky and has enabled scientists to observe objects more than 10 billion light-years away. Its construction has also profoundly transformed the town of Kedu in Pingtang County. 

Located 8 km from FAST, Kedu was once poor and isolated. In September 2015, the construction of an astronomy-themed town changed everything. Today, the Astronomy Experience Pavilion, the Space-Time Tower and Tianmu Street form a harmonious ensemble where futuristic buildings blend into the karst landscape, giving the place the feel of a science fiction setting. 

As tourism infrastructure has improved, visitor numbers have continued to rise. Restaurants, hotels and leisure activities have expanded rapidly, providing local residents with employment and business opportunities close to home. From January to June 2025, the Tianyan tourist site welcomed around 380,000 visitors, generating more than 24.96 million yuan ($3.67 million) in revenue. 

Cultural and creative products associated with Tianyan are also proving highly successful. Models of FAST, valued for their accuracy, are among the most sought-after souvenirs. Pingtang County has developed more than 160 cultural products, with annual sales exceeding 10 million yuan ($1.47 million). 

Known as the “Little Town of Astronomy,” Kedu has also become a popular destination for study trips. Visitors can learn about the history of astronomy and experience simulations such as travelling through a black hole or exploring the planets using immersive technologies. Training activities and academic exchanges are also organised there. 

Several million visitors have already discovered this destination dedicated to astronomy and space exploration, which pays tribute to Nan Rendong, widely regarded as the father of Tianyan, and showcases China’s scientific and technological achievements. 

A view of FAST in the mountains of Pingtang County, Guizhou Province (XINHUA)