Beijing Ancient Observatory
北京古观象台 · Jianguomen Subdistrict
observatory
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Beijing Ancient Observatory
Welcome to the Beijing Ancient Observatory, a site where the heavens have met the earth for nearly five centuries. As you stand here at the southeastern corner of the former Inner City wall, you are visiting one of the oldest…
Listen in the app2Ziwei Hall — The Center of the Celestial Empire
Step inside the Ziwei Hall, the central building of the observatory complex. The name 'Ziwei' is deeply significant in Chinese cosmology, referring to the North Star and the surrounding stars that never set. …
Listen in the app3The Top Platform — Bronze Sentinels of the Sky
Ascend the stairs to the top of the ten-meter-high brick platform. Here, exposed to the elements, stand the eight great bronze instruments of the Qing Dynasty. …
Listen in the app4Equatorial Armillary Sphere — Precision in Bronze
Among the instruments on the roof, the Equatorial Armillary Sphere, or 'Chidao Jingweiyi,' deserves special attention. This massive device was used to determine the true solar time and the right ascension and declination of…
Listen in the app5The Celestial Globe — A Universe in Your Hands
Behold the 'Tiantiyi,' or Celestial Globe. This is perhaps the most visually stunning of all the instruments on the platform. …
Listen in the app6The Garden of Astronomers — Statues of Discovery
Descending back to the courtyard, you enter a tranquil garden area that serves as a pantheon for China's greatest scientific minds. Here, statues of legendary astronomers like Zhang Heng, Guo Shoujing, and Zu Chongzhi stand…
Listen in the app7The Rear Courtyard — Ming Replicas and Sun Dials
The rear courtyard of the observatory contains a collection of stone and bronze replicas that provide a deeper look into Ming Dynasty techniques. Here you will find the 'Hunyi' (Armillary Sphere) and 'Jianyi' (Abridged Armillary)…
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our tour of the Beijing Ancient Observatory, take a moment to look back at the sturdy brick tower. For nearly five hundred years, this spot was the bridge between the celestial and the terrestrial. …
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What is Beijing Ancient Observatory?
Beijing Ancient Observatory is a place in Jianguomen Subdistrict with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Jianguomen Subdistrict |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 39.9061, 116.4281 |
| Last updated |
