Zu Chongzhi (429-500), born in Jiankang (now Nanjing), was originally from Qixian County (now Laishui County, Hebei Province). He was an outstanding mathematician and astronomer in the Southern and Northern Dynasties. Zu Chongzhi studied natural science all his life, mainly contributing to mathematics, astronomical calendar and mechanical manufacturing.
On the basis of exploring the accurate method of pi pioneered by Liu Hui, he first calculated the "pi" to the seventh place after the decimal point, that is, between 3. 14 15926 and 3. 14 15927. His "ancestral rate" has made great contributions to mathematical research. It was not until the 6th century A.D./KLOC-that the Arab mathematician Al Cassie broke this record.