Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall

　　Destination Introduction The Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall is situated within the Huitong Temple on the north bank of Xihai Lake. It is a specialized social science-themed memorial dedicated to a notable figure. It was completed and opened to the public in October 1988.

　　The Huitong Temple was originally built during the Yuan Dynasty and was initially named the Zhen Shui Guanyin Nunnery. Guo Shoujing once spent many years here directing the national water conservancy design for the river systems. It was rebuilt during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty and renamed Huitong Temple. The temple was reconstructed again in 1986. The building features appropriate design and an elegant style. Stepping into the garden, one finds winding paths, artistically stacked rockeries, and a well-arranged layout. From higher ground, you can see the clear flowing water, small bridges spanning the pond, and lush trees providing shade.

　　The memorial hall is divided into three exhibition halls, showcasing the life achievements of Guo Shoujing, China's Yuan Dynasty astronomer and hydraulic engineer. Guo Shoujing formulated the Shoushi Calendar, accurately determining a year as 365.3425 days, and oversaw the creation of more than ten types of astronomical instruments such as the Jianyi (simplified armillary sphere), Yangyi (altazimuth instrument), and Gaobiao (simplified gnomon). These achievements predated similar European ones by 300 years. His greatest accomplishments were in the field of water conservancy, as can be seen from the “Guo Shoujing and the Water Conservancy of Dadu” exhibition. He devoted most of his life to hydraulic engineering projects, traveling across half of China and completing the management of over a hundred rivers, canals, lakes, and reservoirs of various sizes. His most significant contribution was to the water conservancy of Dadu (the Yuan capital), where he directed the development of the Bai Fu Weir, which served as the water source for Dadu at the time, and the construction of the Tonghui River, greatly promoting the economic development of the Yuan capital. The museum also displays models of Yuan Dynasty watergates, iron anchors from Yuan Dynasty grain ships, and related books. Additionally, it introduces Guo Shoujing’s achievements in water management in regions such as Hebei.

　　Visitors to this site can gain insight into the technological history of Beijing’s water conservancy and astronomy while also strolling along the winding paths to enjoy the beautiful garden scenery.

　　Address: No. 60A, Deshengmen West Street, Xicheng District. Phone: 66183083

　　Location: Situated within the Huitong Temple on the north bank of Xihai Lake. Transportation Info Transportation: Buses 22, 38, 47, 27, 44; exit at the east side of Jishuitan Station on the Beijing Subway Loop Line.

　　 Beijing Xicheng District

　　Guo Shoujing (1231–1316)　　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 Jianyi (simplified armillary sphere), Guiyi (gnomon), Houjiyi (equatorial instrument), Hun Tianxiang (armillary sphere model), Yangyi (altazimuth instrument), Liyunyi (celestial globe), Jingfu (shadow indicator), and Kouji (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 Discussions on Calendars), 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 (Origins of Calendar Revision), totaling 105 volumes. In 1981, a crater on the far side of the Moon was named “Guo Shoujing Crater,” and asteroid 2012...   More+