Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall

Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall

Destination Introduction

The Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall is located within Huitong Temple on the north bank of Xihai Lake. It is a specialized social science-themed memorial dedicated to an individual figure, and was opened in October 1988.

Huitong Temple was originally built during the Yuan Dynasty and was initially named ZhenShui Guanyin Nunnery. Guo Shoujing once spent a long period here directing the national water conservancy project designs for the country's river systems. It was rebuilt during the Qianlong era and renamed Huitong Temple. It was reconstructed in 1986. The architecture is well-proportioned and the style is simple and elegant. Strolling through the garden, one finds winding paths, artistically arranged rockeries, and upon climbing higher, can enjoy views of clear flowing water, small bridges arching over streams, and lush trees providing shade.

The memorial hall is divided into three exhibition rooms, showcasing the life and achievements of Guo Shoujing, China’s Yuan Dynasty astronomer and hydraulic engineer. Guo Shoujing formulated the Shoushi Calendar, accurately calculating a year as 365.3425 days, and oversaw the creation of more than ten types of astronomical instruments, including the Simplified Instrument (Jianyi), Altitude Instrument (Yangyi), and High Pole Instrument (Gaobiao). These accomplishments predated similar European developments by 300 years. His greatest achievements were in the field of hydraulics, as can be seen from the “Guo Shoujing and the Water Conservancy of Dadu” exhibition. He devoted most of his life to water conservancy projects, traveling across half of China and overseeing the management of over a hundred rivers, canals, lakes, and reservoirs. His contributions to the water system of Dadu (present-day Beijing) were particularly significant. He directed the development of the Baifu Weir, which served as a water source for Dadu at the time, and oversaw the opening of the Tonghui River, greatly boosting the economic development of the Yuan Dynasty capital. The hall also displays models of Yuan Dynasty water gates, iron anchors from grain ships, related books, and highlights Guo Shoujing’s water management achievements in areas such as Hebei.

Visitors to this site can gain insight into the technological history of Beijing’s water conservancy and astronomy, while also enjoying a leisurely walk along the winding paths and taking in the beautiful garden scenery.

Transportation Information

Transportation: Bus routes 22, 38, 47, 27, 44; or take Subway Line 2 and get off at Jishuitan Station on the loop line, then head south along the east road.

Admission

Free

Opening Hours

Monday–Sunday (open all day)

Location

Within Huitong Temple on the north bank of Xihai Lake, No. 60A Deshengmen West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

Guo Shoujing (1231–1316), courtesy name Ruosi, was a 13th-century Chinese astronomer. He created and improved over ten astronomical instruments and devices, including the Simplified Instrument, Gnomon, Celestial Pole Instrument, Armillary Sphere, Altitude Instrument, Vertical Circulation Instrument, Shadow Plate, and Observation Window. He established twenty-seven observation stations across China and conducted large-scale “Four Seas Measurements.” His works on astronomy and calendars include fourteen titles such as Tui Bu (Calculations), Li Cheng (Ready Reckoner), Li Yi Ni Gao (Draft Calendrical Proposals), Yi Xiang Fa Shi (Standards for Astronomical Instruments), Shang Zhong Xia San Li Zhu Shi (Annotations for Upper, Middle and Lower Calendars), and Xiu Li Yuan Liu (Sources of Calendar Revision), totaling 105 volumes. In 1981, a crater on the far side of the moon was named after him...  More details about Guo Shoujing++