The Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO), an institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), was officially established in 1962 following the amalgamation of the former Xujiahui Observatory and Sheshan Observatory, which were founded by French Jesuits in 1872 and 1900, respectively. Currently, SHAO has the Xujiahui Campus, the Sheshan Campus, and astronomical observation stations located in Sheshan (Songjiang, Shanghai), Kunming (Yunnan), Shigatse (Tibet), and Changbai Mountain (Jilin), with its headquarters located in Xujiahui Campus. 

Astro-geodynamics, astrophysics and planetary Science are the major basic research fields in SHAO. Meanwhile, SHAO also develops modern astronomical observation technologies and time-frequency techniques. SHAO strives to provide scientific and technical support for astronomical research and national strategic needs.  It has some world-class teams in fundamental researches and plays an important role in national key projects such as navigation & positioning and deep space exploration in the fields of applied research.

The main observational facilities include Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) stations (the 25-meter radio telescope in Sheshan, the 65-meter Tianma telescope in Shanghai, and 40-meter radio telescopes in Kunming, Shigatse, and Changbai Mountain) with an International VLBI Network Data Processing Center, a 1.56-meter optical telescope, a 60-centimeter satellite laser ranging telescope, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) network. SHAO is among the seven observatories that possess VLBI, SLR and GNSS techniques. SHAO also manages the Chinese VLBI Network and the Chinese SLR Network.

Currently, SHAO has 385 staff members, including one CAS academician, 94  research fellows and senior engineers. It hosts a post-doctoral research station in astronomy and offers doctoral and master's programs, with 85 master degree graduate students, 109 PhD candidates, and 43 post-doctoral fellows.

 (Data as of April 30, 2025).