Yiwu County Solar Calendar Square Scenic Area

Yiwu County Solar Calendar Square Scenic Area

The Yiwu County Solar Calendar Square Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a science education base.

  The Solar Calendar Square is located in Weizixia Township of the county. In 2008, Weizixia Township was recognized by the National Astronomical Observatories as one of the best observation spots in China for the first total solar eclipse of the 21st century. On August 1 of that year, Weizixia Township became the focus of global attention.

    The Solar Calendar Square was built to commemorate this significant astronomical phenomenon. Covering an area of over 10,000 square meters, the square was designed by the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Even those with no knowledge of astronomy can gain something from a walk around the square.

    Situated on a vast expanse of land in Weizixia Township, the Solar Calendar Square emanates a unique aura from afar — one distinct from the local landscape. Every structure here carries a sense of refined durability honed by time.

    At the center of the square stand nine pillars of varying heights and designs. The base of the pillars features an oval platform engraved with lines representing time, grids, time markers, and star charts. These allow visitors to determine the local solar time and seasonal changes based on the shadows cast by the sun. A compass rose is also embedded at the northern end of the square.

    It is understood that the design of the Solar Calendar Square was inspired by the “Ten-Pillar Shadow Measurement Method” of the ancient Yi people’s ten-month calendar in China, while also drawing on the features of the Stonehenge in Salisbury, England. It combines elements of science, landscape aesthetics, artistry, and interactivity. Owing to its rich astronomical content and grand scale, the square was awarded the title of “World’s No. 1 Total Solar Eclipse Observation Commemorative Square” by the National Astronomical Observatories, and was designated as a youth science education base by the Autonomous Region Science and Technology Department. In September 2009, it was approved as a national AAA-level tourist attraction.