Ancient Observatory

古观象台

The Ancient Observatory is located at No. 2, Dongbiaobei Hutong, Jianguomen, Dongcheng District (near Jianguomen Interchange). It is one of the oldest existing observatories in the world and was also the royal observatory of the Ming and Qing dynasties in my country. It is famous for its complete architecture, complete equipment and long history. It is the oldest existing ancient observatory that has maintained continuous observation. It is also an important place for cultural exchanges between China and the West and enjoys a high reputation at home and abroad. The observatory has a complete architecture and complete equipment. Its giant astronomical bronze ancient instrument is unique in the world and has a long-standing reputation internationally. It represents the highest level of ancient Chinese metallurgical casting and mechanical technology. In addition to Chinese traditions, in terms of scale, vernier table, structure, etc., it also reflects the progress and achievements of large astronomical instruments after the Renaissance in Western Europe.

Attractions Location: No. 7, Biaobei Hutong, Jianguomen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing (120 meters walk from the southwest exit C of Jianguomen subway station)

Opening hours:
09:00-16:30 (Monday to Sunday, January 1st to December 31st)

Contact Details: 010-65265010

Transportation:
Public transportation: Take Night Line 1 and get off at Beijing Station East Station and walk 683 meters to the destination

Time reference: 1-3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Ancient Observatory tours

One-day Highlights Tour: Astronomy Exploration

  • 09:00 Exit C at Jianguomen Station on Subway Line 1/Line 2 and walk 5 minutes to the Ancient Observatory
  • 10:30 Take a taxi for 15 minutes to China Science and Technology Museum (Astronomy Theme Exhibition Area)
  • 12:30 Olympic Park "Little Pear Soup" lunch
  • 14:00 Take Metro Line 8 and transfer to Line 15 to National Astronomical Observatory (10 minutes by taxi from Huairou Station)
  • 17:00 Return to the city (Bus 916 Express Line 1 hour)

Condensed version of the astronomy theme route, connecting ancient observation instruments with modern astronomical technology

Accommodation: Recommended Jianguomen Manxin Hotel (walking distance to the Ancient Observatory)


2-day tour: time travel

  • Day 1: Ancient Observatory → Confucius Temple and Imperial College (Metro Line 2 to Line 5, 30 minutes)
  • Day 2: Beijing Planetarium (Metro Line 4) → CCTV Tower Observation Deck

Experience ancient scientific wisdom on the first day and experience modern astronomy popularization on the second day

Food: Vegetarian food at Jingzhaoyin on Guozijian Street


3-Day Tour: Three Talents of Heaven, Earth and Man

  • Day 1: Temple of Heaven (Metro Line 5) → Ancient Observatory (20 minutes by bike)
  • Day 2: Astronomical Instrument Museum of the Forbidden City (Bus Line 1) → Jingshan Overlooking
  • Day 3: Night viewing activity at Beijing Ancient Observatory (reservation required)

A complete cognitive system from celestial worship rituals to scientific observations

Accommodation: Recommended courtyard B&B near the Temple of Heaven


4-day in-depth tour

  • Day 1: Ancient Observatory → China Science and Technology Museum (15 minutes by taxi)
  • Day 2: Zhoukoudian Site (Bus No. 917, 1.5 hours) → Fangshan Astronomical Farm
  • Day 3: Wenchang Pavilion in the Summer Palace → Western Building in the Old Summer Palace
  • Day 4: Xinglong Observatory of the National Astronomical Observatory (2 hours by special car)

Professional astronomy themed route, including field observation experience

Food: Xinglong Town Farmhouse Banquet


5-day panoramic tour

  • Day 1-3: Refer to the 3-day tour itinerary
  • Day 4: Badaling Great Wall → China Great Wall Museum
  • Day 5: Prince Gong's Mansion→Stargazing at Shichahai Starbucks Flagship Store

A special route combining historical architecture and astronomy

Accommodation: Recommended star-themed hotel near Drum Tower


6-day scientific research tour

  • Day 1: Ancient Observatory → Peking University Yanyuan Observatory (Metro Line 4)
  • Day 2: National Astronomical Observatory → Miyun Radio Astronomy Base (1.5 hours by car)
  • Day3: China Science and Technology Museum → Beijing Science Center
  • Day 4: Palace Museum Clock and Watch Museum → Guanfu Museum
  • Day 5: Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower → Ancient Timekeeping System Exhibition
  • Day 6: Ancient Observatory Study Workshop (appointment required)

In-depth exploration of the history of time measurement and astronomical observation

Food: Starry sky themed meal at Quanjude in Qianmen Street


7-Day Ultimate Tour

  • Day 1-5: Refer to the 5-day tour itinerary
  • Day 6: Mutianyu Great Wall → Yanqi Lake International Conference Center
  • Day7: Ancient Observatory Special Exhibition → Astronomy Theme Bookstore

Fully presents the ancient and modern inheritance of Beijing's astronomical observation

Accommodation: Recommended starry sky B&B near the National Astronomical Observatory


User Reviews

By Follow me everywhere |

The Ancient Observatory was a national observatory during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is one of the world's famous ancient observatories. In 1421 (the 19th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty), Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty moved the capital to Beijing. In 1442 (the 7th year of the Zhengtong reign of the Ming Dynasty), the Beijing Observatory was built, using the southeast corner tower of the Yuan Dynasty capital, which was called the Star Observatory at the time. The copper armillary sphere, simple instrument and armillary sphere were placed on the platform, and the Ziwei Hall and other houses were built under the platform.

In 1644, after the establishment of the Qing Dynasty, the imperial court changed the observatory into an astronomical observatory and accepted the suggestion of German missionary Johann Adam Schall von Bell to use European astronomical methods to calculate official script. In 1669 (the eighth year of Emperor Kangxi's reign), Belgian missionary Ferdinand Verbiest requested to build new astronomical instruments. With the approval of Emperor Kangxi, six large bronze astronomical instruments were built from 1669 to 1673. In 1715 (the fifty-fourth year of Emperor Kangxi's reign), German missionary Johann Sebastian Gilead designed and manufactured the horizontal theodolite. In 1744 (the ninth year of Emperor Qianlong's reign), Emperor Qianlong ordered to build a new instrument based on the traditional Chinese armillary sphere, named the Jiheng Fuchen Instrument. These eight bronze instruments are classical astronomical instruments, all of which are observed directly with the naked eye without a telescope system installed. At that time, they were practical astronomical observation tools, and now they are precious historical relics.

From the early years of the Zhengtong Period of the Ming Dynasty to 1929, the ancient observatory continued to conduct astronomical observations for nearly 500 years, making it the world's longest-standing ancient observatory of the same period. The Beijing Ancient Observatory is well-known and highly acclaimed internationally for its long history, unique architecture, complete ancient astronomical instruments, and its great role in cultural exchanges between China and the West. Heads of government, senior officials, and scientific colleagues from many countries have come to visit and inspect it.

In 1982, the Beijing Ancient Observatory was listed as a national key cultural relic protection site. In 1983, it was reopened to the public and received visitors from home and abroad.

By Tranquility |

It is a place worth visiting, a very famous attraction in the world, and I admire the wisdom of the ancestors of Chinese culture! There are many children here. Maybe the so-called adults in Beijing are too busy. Beijing is really beautiful after the sun comes out.

By wangxyv |

First built during the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty, it is one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world. It is a perfect ancient observatory, which is both a scientific instrument and a work of art. There are seven pieces in total, including the equatorial theodolite, the ecliptic theodolite, the horizontal theodolite, the quadrant, the chronometer and the celestial globe, which are now displayed in the Purple Mountain Observatory and the Nanjing Museum respectively. Here is a replica. The most eye-catching is the Jiheng Fuchen instrument. In addition to these instruments, the observatory also introduces the Chinese calendar method. It is an eye-opener to know how to record the sun and the moon, but not the year.

By The mouse loves the cat |

It is quiet with few people and a bit shabby. The explanation at 3pm was very informative. Several large observatories are very beautiful. I recommend it.

By Popular |

Take Metro Line 1 to Jianguomen, and the Ancient Observatory is on the south side of the subway station. It was built during the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty and is one of the world's oldest observatories.

By Zhang Liang1119 |

It is adjacent to the busy Jianguomen subway station, but has an extremely quiet atmosphere. Several small exhibition halls introduce the development of ancient Chinese astronomy and the great astronomers of those hundreds of years. From the historical photos on display, we can see what it looked like in the past. A lonely platform stands in a wasteland, which is in sharp contrast to the current urban environment.

By l Kezi |

2018.1.31 After visiting the Customs Museum, the whole family walked to the Ancient Observatory near the Jianguomen subway station. It was nice, and today was a once-in-a-century blue blood moon eclipse, which was very memorable; then the whole family went to Houhai to watch the lunar eclipse in the evening

By Stone as Rough as Piece |

It's a small museum that introduces ancient astronomy and calendar. Friends who are interested in ancient astronomy can go and have a look.

By dfegfgt4r4h |

When I went there, there were few tourists in the Ancient Observatory area and it was very quiet.

By Jessy |

Located at the southwest corner of Jianguomen Interchange, the Ancient Observatory was first built during the Zhengtong Period of the Ming Dynasty. It was the imperial observatory of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in China and one of the oldest observatories in the world. From the early years of the Zhengtong Period of the Ming Dynasty to 1929, the Ancient Observatory was engaged in astronomical observation for nearly 500 years. It is the oldest ancient observatory that has maintained continuous observations. It is also well-known internationally for its complete architecture and complete equipment.

By Mechanical Panda |

It was originally the Sitiantai in the Yuan Dynasty. After being destroyed in the early Ming Dynasty, it was rebuilt in the seventh year of Zhengtong (1442) and named the Observatory. It replicated the armillary sphere and the simple instrument of the Yuan Dynasty. During the Chongzhen period (1629-1644), Xu Guangqi and others made many astronomical observation instruments. In the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed the Ancient Observatory. It was once destroyed by the Eight-Nation Alliance.

By Rain dampens the dust |

A very unique scenic spot, right next to the Second Ring Road, probably a place that many people pass by without noticing. The ticket is 20 yuan, and only primary and secondary school students can get half price. The astronomical instruments inside are very impressive. Unfortunately, there is no one to explain, so you may not understand it.

By lilia2519 |

It's a not very big garden right next to Jianguomen. The ticket is 20 yuan, and it seems that only elementary school students can buy student tickets.

The observatory is the main building. After climbing up, you can see several large instruments for observing astronomical phenomena. There are some brief introductions below. Although it is difficult to understand, it is very suitable for bringing children to learn about science.

There is a small garden under the observatory, which still has some miniature observation instruments and introductions by astronomers. It is very quiet.

There are several houses in the yard next to it, with some exhibitions inside. The tour guides at the door will provide free explanations when more people gather. Many things can only be understood after listening to the explanations.

In general, the place is not big, but it is full of astronomical knowledge and is very suitable for bringing children.

By Yeahop |

The place is not big, but the astronomical instruments inside are very exquisite, a perfect combination of art and science.

By yf890312 |

Located at the southwest corner of Jianguomen Interchange in Beijing, Beijing Ancient Observatory was built during the Zhengtong Period of the Ming Dynasty and is one of the oldest observatories in the world. It is famous for its complete architecture, exquisite instruments, long history and unique position in the cultural exchange between the East and the West. It is a national key cultural relic protection unit.

By Namusa |

The wisdom of the ancients is admired by later generations. The place is not big and you can walk around it in a short time. The place is easy to find, just next to the Jianguomen subway station.

By xiaomao800 |

In the observatory, you can see many valuable ancient astronomical instruments, learn about the history of the development of astronomy in my country, the contributions of the Ming and Qing dynasties to astronomy, and famous astronomers in history.

The ancient observatory houses many ancient Chinese astronomical instruments, sculptures and deeds of ancient scientists such as Zhang Heng and Guo Shoujing, as well as an exhibition on the development history of my country's astronomical undertakings.

By Xiaoli |

In the past, the ancient observatory was the highest point in Beijing, but now it has become a frog in a well.

But you can take a look at it, it’s right at the subway exit, and it still has some characteristics.