In the year 1938, due to the invasion by Japanese forces, the former Institute of Astronomy of Academia Sinica relocated from Nanjing to Mountain Fenghuang (Phoenix), located in the eastern suburb of Kunming city, Yunnan Province (currently the site of the Yunnan Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences). Following the end of the Anti-Japanese War, the Institute of Astronomy of the Academia Sinica returned to Nanjing and established a workstation on Mountain Fenghuang. The workstation underwent several changes in its affiliation. In 1972, with the approval of the State Planning Commission, the Yunnan Observatories (YNAO), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) was officially founded.

As of October 2023, the Yunnan Observatories (YNAO) boasts a diverse membership exceeding 300 individuals. This includes one academician from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 47 full professors, and 59 associate professors. The primary objective of YNAO is to enhance our understanding of the Universe through research in astronomy, astrophysics, and related disciplines. YNAO operates a variety of instruments situated at its main campus on Mount Fenghuang in Kunming. Additional facilities include the Gaomeigu Astrophysical Observatory in Lijiang, Yunnan, and the Fuxian Lake Solar Observatory in Chengjiang, Yunnan. Furthermore, several ground-based instruments are currently under construction. The scientists and engineers at YNAO are engaged in a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines, ranging from astronomy and astrophysics to related fields. Their collective goal is to propel humanity’s understanding of the universe forward. This commitment to scientific exploration has solidified YNAO’s reputation as a distinguished institution in southern China, widely recognized for its invaluable contributions to observational studies, research, and instrument development.

YNAO also serves as the host institute for the journal Astronomical Techniques and Instruments (ATI).