The National Astronomical Observatories (NAOC) were officially founded in April 2001 through the merger of four observatories, three observing stations and one research center, all of which were sub-organizations of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).  NAOC is headquartered in Beijing and there are four subordinate units distributed across the country: Yunnan Observatory (YNAO); Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology (NIAOT); Urumqi Observatory (UAO); and Changchun Observatory.  Purple Mountain Observatory (PMO) and Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) are separate institutes of CAS, but are subject to coordinated academic strategies and research policies of NAOC.

Aiming at the forefront of astronomy and astrophysics and making outstanding contributions toward understanding the Universe, NAOC operates major national facilities, develops astronomy–oriented state-of-the-art tehonology, and conducts cutting-edge astronomical studies.  Besides researches that yield profound insights in astronomy and cosmology, technological innovations and specific inventions linked with new astrophysical visions are also an integral part of the mission of NAOC.　

Distribution of the National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of sciences

Under the mission, fourteen research groups have been organized based on different fields.  One scientific and application center of lunar and deepspace exploration was established in 2003.  In addition to the research groups and center, NAOC operates 6 laboratories (including 3 CAS Key Laboratories: Optical Astronomy, Astronomical Optics and Technology, and Solar Activity) and 6 major observing stations. Those stations are: Xinglong Station, Hebei Province；Huairou Station, Beijing Municipality；Miyun Station, Beijing Municipality；Urumqi Nanshan Station, Xinjiang Autonomous Region; Lijiang Gaomeigu Station, Yunnan Province；and Changchun Jingyuetan Station, Jilin Province.

The number of staff affiliated with  NAOC is 585, among those there are 5 Academicians of CAS, 80 Research Professors, and 140 Associate Research Professors.  In addition, there are 22 Postdoctoral Research Fellows under training.　 Currently, 146 Doctoral students and 241 Master students are enrolled in the graduate program of NAOC.  Each year there are more than 100 visiting scientists and technologists working at NAOC.