Ancient Observatory

　　The Beijing Ancient Observatory is situated at the southwest corner of Jianguomen Overpass and is one of the world’s oldest astronomical observatories, boasting a history of more than 500 years. It is renowned worldwide for its well-preserved architecture, intact instruments, and long history. It served as the imperial observatory during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now a national key cultural relics protection unit. The observatory was first built during the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1442), underwent a major renovation during the Jiajing era, and remained largely unchanged thereafter. After the Xinhai Revolution, it was converted into the Central Observatory.

　　　　\

　　In 1933, it was turned into the National Astronomical Exhibition Hall. After the founding of New China, with the approval of the State Council, it came under the administration of the Beijing Planetarium and opened to the public on May 1, 1956, as the "Beijing Ancient Astronomical Instruments Exhibition Hall." The observatory is 14 meters high, approximately 24 meters long from east to west, and about 20 meters wide from north to south. Its interior has been hollowed out to serve as exhibition halls, divided into two levels. The Ziwei Palace and the east and west side rooms on the west side of the platform house the "Exhibition of Achievements in Ancient Chinese Astronomy." The platform displays exquisitely crafted astronomical instruments, including the equatorial armillary sphere, the ecliptic armillary sphere, the altazimuth instrument, the quadrant, the armillary sphere, and the simplified armilla.

　　　　\

　　During the Ming Dynasty, the Beijing Ancient Observatory was called the "Star-Gazing Platform," where large astronomical instruments such as the simplified armilla, the armillary sphere, and the celestial globe were displayed on the platform, while gnomons and water clocks were placed below. In the Qing Dynasty, the Star-Gazing Platform was renamed the "Observation Platform," and after the Xinhai Revolution, it became the Central Astronomical Observatory. During the Kangxi and Qianlong eras of the Qing Dynasty, eight large bronze astronomical instruments were added to the observatory, all designed using European astronomical measurement systems and instrument structures. From the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty until 1929, the Beijing Ancient Observatory conducted continuous astronomical observations for 500 years, maintaining the longest record of uninterrupted observation among all existing ancient observatories in the world. Moreover, it is internationally renowned for its complete architecture and comprehensive set of instruments. The eight large bronze astronomical instruments made in the Qing Dynasty are massive in size, beautifully shaped, and exquisitely carved. Aside from their traditional Chinese features in design, ornamentation, and craftsmanship, their scales, verniers, and structures also reflect the advancements and achievements of large astronomical instruments in Europe after the Renaissance, making them historical witnesses to East-West cultural exchange. They are not only practical tools for astronomical observation but also unparalleled historical relics and treasures.

The Ancient Observatory is aAAA-rated attraction

The Ancient Observatory is a national key cultural relics protection unit.

　　Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development