The meteorological monitoring town atop the Wulong Mountain in Jiande city. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]

Perched atop the 910-meter Wulong Mountain in the city of Jiande, there stands a striking building that resembles a giant lightbulb. It is the newly-constructed "meteorological all-seeing eye," which is set to provide weather support for the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games and is currently in trial operation.

The tower, measuring 27.5 m in height, sits at an elevation of 946 m and offers a panoramic view of the mountains in western Zhejiang province to the north, while overlooking the confluence of the Xin'an River, Lanjiang River, and Fuchun River to the south. Looking east, it gazes towards Hangzhou, and to the west, it surveys the Xin'an River and Qiandao Lake. Its strategic location makes it ideal for meteorological observations within the region.

"The project serves as the radar system to ensure the Asian Games go smoothly. It enables continuous weather monitoring within a radius of 70 km, enhancing our ability to detect and warn against sudden and localized severe convective weather," said Deng Shichang, an official from the Jiande meteorological bureau.

Upon its completion, the project will enable comprehensive, all-weather monitoring of the city's weather conditions, providing more accurate data for short-term weather forecasts. It will also enhance the city's real-time monitoring, forecasting, and warning capabilities for hazardous weather phenomena such as short-duration heavy rain, hailstorms, and thunderstorm winds, providing valuable support for meteorological monitoring and forecasting services for the Asian Games.

The meteorological monitoring town atop the Wulong Mountain in Jiande city. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]