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.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: Jianguomen Inner Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing (北京市东城区建国门内大街)

  • History: Built in 1442 during the Ming Dynasty, the Ancient Observatory (古观象台) is one of the world’s oldest observatories. It served as the national astronomical center of the Ming and Qing dynasties, where officials observed stars, recorded celestial events, and created calendars.
  • Architecture: The observatory sits on a 14-meter-high brick platform, covering about 10,000 square meters. Its rooftop houses massive bronze instruments from the 17th and 18th centuries, blending traditional Chinese craftsmanship with Western astronomical technology introduced by Jesuit missionaries.
  • Cultural Value: It reflects the fusion of Chinese and Western science. Many instruments were designed by Jesuit missionary Ferdinand Verbiest. It is a testimony to China’s early astronomical achievements and cross-cultural scientific exchanges.
  • Other Information: Today, the observatory is a museum displaying ancient astronomical instruments, star maps, and records, making it a cultural and educational site.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: 09:00–16:30 (closed on Mondays)

  • Contact Number: +86 10 6528 9890
  • Ticket Price: Adults: ¥20
    Students/Children: ¥10
  • Best Photo Spots: The rooftop bronze instruments (e.g., armillary sphere 浑仪, celestial globe 天体仪) and the panoramic view from the platform.
  • Time Reference: 1–2 hours are enough to explore.
  • Other Information: Guided tours available; English/Chinese explanations at most exhibits.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: Beijing Jianguo Hotel (北京建国饭店) – 5★, close to Jianguomen, elegant rooms, excellent dining.
  • Mid-range: Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao (北京诺富特新侨酒店) – 4★, modern, near Chongwenmen subway, convenient for sightseeing.
  • Budget & Boutique: Beijing Drum Tower Youth Hostel (北京鼓楼青年旅舍) – affordable, with a traditional courtyard atmosphere.

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: Peking Duck (北京烤鸭), Zhajiangmian (炸酱面 – noodles with soybean paste), Douzhi (豆汁 – fermented mung bean drink).
  • Famous Spots: Quanjude Roast Duck (全聚德烤鸭店 – Qianmen or Wangfujing branches nearby)
    Li Qun Roast Duck Restaurant (利群烤鸭店 – in a hutong, authentic experience).

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Miniature bronze replicas of astronomical instruments.
  • Books/postcards on Chinese astronomy history.
  • Peking Opera masks or Beijing-themed handicrafts from nearby Wangfujing Street (王府井大街).

Transportation

  • Subway: Take Line 1 or Line 2 to Jianguomen Station (建国门站), Exit C. The observatory is about 5 minutes’ walk.
  • Bus: Bus routes 9, 43, 44, 728 stop at Jianguomennei (建国门内站).
  • Taxi: Tell driver “古观象台, 建国门内大街” (Gu Guanxiangtai, Jianguomen Inner Street).
  • Walking: From Beijing Railway Station (北京火车站), it’s about a 15-minute walk.

Nearby Attractions

  • Ritan Park (日坛公园) – 1 km, 15 min walk.
  • Beijing Ancient City Wall Ruins Park (北京明城墙遗址公园) – 800 m, 10 min walk.
  • Silk Street Market (秀水街市场) – 1.5 km, 5 min by taxi.
  • Wangfujing Street (王府井大街) – 2 km, 10 min taxi/metro ride.

Tips for Visitors

  • Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and better light for photography.
  • Bring water in summer—little shade on the rooftop.
  • Wear comfortable shoes; some stairs are steep.
  • Combine your visit with nearby Ritan Park or Silk Street for a half-day trip.
  • English explanations exist, but joining a guide adds depth.
  • Best for history, science, and culture lovers.

Recommended itineraries

  • Route 1 (Half-Day): Beijing Ancient Observatory (北京古观象台) → Ritan Park (日坛公园, 15 min walk) → Silk Street Market (秀水街市场, 5 min taxi) for food and shopping.
  • Route 2 (Full-Day): D1: Beijing Ancient Observatory → Beijing Ancient City Wall Ruins Park (10 min walk) → Wangfujing Street (metro Line 1, 2 stops) for dinner and shopping.
  • Route 3 (2-Day Cultural Tour): D1: Beijing Ancient Observatory → Forbidden City (故宫, metro Line 1, 2 stops to Tiananmen East) → Jingshan Park (景山公园, 10 min walk). D2: Temple of Heaven (天坛, metro Line 5, 2 stops) → Qianmen Street (前门大街, metro Line 2, 1 stop to Qianmen).

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.