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Dengfeng Observatory is located in Gaocheng Town, 13 kilometers southeast of Dengfeng City, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province. It is one of the eight scenic spots in Songshan Scenic Area, a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction, a part of the historical building complex of Tiandi Zhongshi, a World Cultural Heritage, and one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units.
In the 13th year of the Zhiyuan Period (1276 AD), the Yuan Dynasty astronomer Guo Shoujing founded the Dengfeng Observatory. It is the oldest existing and best-preserved observatory in my country, one of the earliest astronomical buildings in the world, and one of the most famous astronomical science buildings in the world. It reflects the outstanding achievements of ancient Chinese scientists in astronomy and has high value in the world history of astronomy and architecture.
On March 4, 1961, it was announced by the State Council as one of the first batch of key cultural relics protection units at the national level. On August 1, 2010, the Tiandizhong Historical Building Complex located in and around the heart of Songshan Mountain (Shaolin Temple (Permanent Residence, Chuzu Temple, and Pagoda Forest), the Three Palaces of the Eastern Han Dynasty (Taishi Palace, Shaoshi Palace, and Qimu Palace), Zhongyue Temple, Songyue Temple Pagoda, Huishan Temple, Songyang Academy, and Observatory) was listed as a World Cultural Heritage.
Temperate monsoon climate; the Observatory is the oldest existing observatory in my country and a world-renowned astronomical science building, suitable for travel in all seasons.
Yangyi, Emperor Yao Hall, Gaobiao, Bullet Scars, Zhougong Temple, Screen Wall, Ancient Well, Xingtan, Yangcheng Ruins Museum;
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
40 yuan/person
8:30-18:00
The Observatory in Zhengzhou has a historical significance in the development of Chinese astronomy. It is part of China's early scientific efforts to observe and understand the cosmos. The observatory hosts important astronomical instruments and educational exhibits about space exploration.
The Observatory is located in Zhengzhou, Henan. It can be accessed by taxi or bus from the city center. Public transportation options like buses are commonly available, and taxis are a convenient option for tourists.
The observatory is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are in the morning or early afternoon when the weather is favorable, and the observatory is less crowded.
The entrance fee is generally around 20-40 RMB. Tickets can be purchased directly at the observatory, or in advance through local ticketing websites or at nearby tourist offices.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak seasons or weekends. Booking a day or two in advance is sufficient.
A visit to the observatory typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on how long you spend exploring the exhibits and attending any special activities or stargazing sessions.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English and other languages may be available, though it's best to inquire in advance or upon arrival.
The best viewpoint is the observation deck, which offers stunning views of the city. It's an excellent spot for photography, especially during clear days or evenings with a sunset view.
Start with the historical section to understand the evolution of astronomical tools. Then, move on to the interactive exhibits. Finish with the observation deck to enjoy the panoramic views of Zhengzhou.
Night visits are generally not available, but the observatory sometimes holds special stargazing events and talks, especially during significant astronomical occurrences like eclipses or meteor showers.
The observatory can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The best times to visit are during weekdays, particularly in the morning when it is less crowded.
The observatory is accessible for elderly visitors and children. There are ramps for disabled visitors to ensure easy access to the observation deck and other key areas.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used and likely available for tickets and in-store purchases.
There are no large restaurants inside the observatory, but nearby areas have a variety of local restaurants and cafes serving traditional Chinese food and snacks.
Vegetarian options are commonly available at local restaurants nearby. Halal food is less common but may be found in some restaurants in Zhengzhou.
There are a variety of hotels nearby, ranging from budget options to mid-range accommodations. Zhengzhou city center has more upscale hotel options, just a short taxi ride away.
There are small souvenir shops near the observatory selling items like telescopes, astronomy-related books, local crafts, and other mementos related to space and science.
Taxis are the best option for continuing the trip after visiting the observatory. Public buses and subway lines can also be used to reach other parts of Zhengzhou or nearby attractions.
