The Ancient Observatory: A Historical Gem in Beijing

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Overview

Nestled in Beijing, the Ancient Observatory, or Guguanxiangtai, is a fascinating historical site that dates back to the Ming Dynasty when it was built in 1442. This remarkable observatory, one of the earliest royal observatories, predates the famous Greenwich Observatory in the UK. Enhanced during the Qing Dynasty, the facility features advanced astronomical equipment brought by Jesuit missionaries in 1644. Standing at 17.6 meters tall and covering an area of 10,000m², the observatory includes eight antique bronze astronomical instruments, such as a Celestial Globe and Altazimuth, showcasing the evolution of astronomical study. Visitors can explore a courtyard filled with historic buildings and exhibits, including ancient sundials, calendars, and artifacts related to significant astronomical phenomena. The observatory's legacy continues as it operates as the Astronomical Instrument Museum, offering a glimpse into the celestial studies that shaped our understanding of the universe.

Photo of Ancient Observatory
Opening hours
  • Sunday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Monday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday 09:00 - 17:00

Open 24/7

Contact Info
  • AddressChina, Bei Jing Shi, Dong Cheng Qu, 东裱褙胡同2号 邮政编码: 100005
  • Phone+86 10 6524 2202

Reviews

James Anderson
United Kingdom
4
Definitely worth visiting! It's affordable, and if you're into science and cosmology, this attraction deserves five stars. The history and displayed equipment are excellent, and it takes about 2-3 hours to see everything.
David Johnson
United States
4
Great place for a stroll, especially along the Tonghui River and Qingfeng Park. The large bronze instruments on the observation deck are quite impressive, reflecting the grandeur of the Qing Dynasty.
Wang Li
China
4
This small museum in Beijing showcases the history of China's astronomy development. The contribution of Jesuit missionaries in this field should be recognized as well.
Charlie Smith
Canada
4
While many areas are closed due to COVID, this is a really enjoyable park with charming spots to discover.
Michael Zhang
China
4
A fascinating place to see ancient observatory instruments that date back more than 300 years.