China FAST：How to Visit the World’s Largest Telescope？

China's FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope) is located in Pingtang County, southern Guizhou. It's about 180 kilometers from Guiyang, with a driving time of approximately 3 hours.

Being the largest and the most sensitive radio telescope on Earth, it is one of the few astronomical telescopes open to the public. When visiting the FAST, the massive 500-meter-diameter (30 soccer-field-sized) "dish" and the sounds from 13.7 billion light-years away will absolutely blow your mind and leave you in awe of the sheer scale of human engineering.

After our on-site exploration, I've put together this guide. It will help you plan your transportation, understand important visiting precautions, and integrate the visit seamlessly into your Guizhou itinerary.

How to Visit China FAST and What to Do?

China FAST

A visit to the China FAST scenic area is mainly divided into two parts.

• The first part involves visiting the massive "dish" at the FAST site.
• The second part is visiting the International Astronomy Experience Museum in the nearby Astronomy Town.

I strongly recommend you visit the China FAST first, and then go to the Astronomy Museum.

When you're at the viewing platform, you might start wondering: How does it work? What does it hear? Then, take all those questions with you into the experience hall.

There, everything you see and hear, the working model of FAST, the sounds of pulsars, and the movie about space, will feel like answers to your curiosity. It's like putting together a puzzle: first you go "Wow!" and then you go "Ah-ha!"

Recommended Itinerary

The total visit typically takes around 3 hours. Since the Sky Eye scenic area is nearly a 3-hour drive from Guiyang, I recommend setting aside at least one full day for the visit. Here is a recommended itinerary:

Late Morning (11:00 AM): Arrive at the visitor center of the China FAST Science Education Base, located in the Astronomy Town. This is the starting point for all visits.

Important Rule: To avoid interfering with FAST's electromagnetic signals, all visitors must strictly comply with regulations and store all electronic devices here. This includes mobile phones, smart watches, digital cameras, car key fobs and all other electronic items.

After storage, take the shuttle bus to the viewing platform. The shuttle ride takes about 20 minutes along winding mountain roads. The scenery along the way is part of the experience. After disembarking, you'll climb about 800 wooden boardwalk steps (taking roughly 20 minutes) to reach the mountaintop observation deck.

Noon (12:00 PM): After the visit, take the shuttle bus back to the visitor center to retrieve your personal electronic devices.

The visitor center offers a variety of dining options, including Guizhou cuisine, fast food, and snacks, where you can have lunch.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Visit the Pingtang International Astronomy Experience Museum

This is the key part that transforms the morning's visual awe into knowledge and deeper understanding. Here's what you'll learn and experience:

• FAST Working Principle Dynamic Model: Through a precise and dynamic model, you'll gain an intuitive understanding of how the "Sky Eye" "moves" and "focuses" by adjusting the angles of its panels to track cosmic signals.
• "Listening to the Universe" Interactive Zone: The museum scientifically processes the pulsar signals captured by FAST and converts them into a regular, audible "beeping" sound that humans can hear. When you press the button and hear the clear, rhythmic "heartbeat" of a pulsar from the depths of the cosmos through your headphones, the sense of connection across light-years is truly exhilarating.
• Browse the Exhibition on Mr. Nan Rendong: Learn about the legendary story of Nan Rendong, the "Father of China FAST," and how he spent 22 years turning his vision into reality. Feel the personal charisma and dedication of this scientist.
• Watch the Dome Theater Film: The film will take you on a journey flying through the solar system and traversing the Milky Way, confronting the magnificence and mystery of the universe. Its realistic and grand visual effects will greatly satisfy all your imaginations about the cosmos and are especially popular with children. The films are typically screened every 30 minutes to an hour. Each session lasts about 30 minutes.

How to Combine China FAST with Other Guizhou Destinations?

After visiting China FAST, you can return to Guiyang by car. However, to make your Guizhou trip more diverse, I recommend traveling to Kaili (about 3 hours by car) to explore the customs and culture of China's ethnic minorities, such as the Miao and Dong peoples.

Suggested 7-Day Guizhou Itinerary Including China FAST

If you're planning a Guizhou itinerary that includes China FAST, you can refer to the following route:

Day 1-2: Guiyang and Huangguoshu Waterfall

Huangguoshu waterfall

After arriving in Guiyang, explore city attractions like Jiaxiu Tower and Qianling Mountain Park. On the second day, take a day trip to Huangguoshu Waterfall. On the way, you can spend an hour visiting the Balinghe Bridge. Stay near Huangguoshu Waterfall in the evening for convenience when heading to China FAST the next day.

Day 3: China FAST Day Trip

Depart from your hotel in the morning and drive about 2.5 hours to China FAST. Stay overnight in the Pingtang Astronomy Town.

Day 4-5: Exploring Miao/Dong Villages in Kaili

Kaili Miao Village

Xijiang Miao Village

Take a 3-hour drive from Astronomy Town to Kaili. Explore the surrounding ethnic villages, such as: Experiencing Miao welcoming customs and song-and-dance performances at Xijiang Miao Village. Trying ancient papermaking techniques at Shiqiao Miao Village.

Day 6: From Kaili to Rongjiang

Rongjiang Guizhou Village Super League

Drive about 2 hours from Kaili to Rongjiang. Visit Dong villages and watch the well-known Guizhou rural soccer matches (Village Super League).

Day 7: Return to Guiyang

Return to Guiyang to conclude your trip or proceed to your next destination.

You can also customize your Guizhou itinerary based on your preferences. Contact us to start planning your trip!

Explore China FAST with China Highlights

Whether you're visiting China FAST specifically for academic research or taking your children to experience the world's largest telescope, China Highlights can customize an itinerary based on your needs. We provide dedicated vehicles and guided commentary throughout the journey, handling all the travel hassles for you. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the trip!