Live Your Best Lives
Visit the National Time Service Center to explore the world of precision timekeeping and its role in global navigation. Take a tour to understand how atomic clocks work and their significance in scientific research.
The National Time Service Center is located in Lintong District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province. Its predecessor was the Shaanxi Astronomical Observatory. It was approved for construction in 1966 by the State Science and Technology Commission. In 1970, the shortwave time service station was approved by Premier Zhou Enlai for trial broadcast. In 1981, it was approved by the State Council to officially broadcast standard time and frequency signals. In the early 1970s, in order to meet my country's needs for high-precision time and frequency signals, the State Council approved the construction of a longwave time service station (BPL) at the Shaanxi Astronomical Observatory. In 1986, it passed the national technical appraisal organized by the State Science and Technology Commission and officially broadcast standard time and standard frequency signals.
Best time to travel: All year round
Recommended play time: 1 day
none
All day, reservation required
The National Time Service Center is a key research facility under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It focuses on the development of precise timekeeping systems, including atomic clocks, which are essential for navigation, telecommunications, and scientific measurements.
The National Time Service Center is located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China. You can reach the center by taxi or private car. The center is located outside the city center, so taking a taxi is the most convenient option.
The center is open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The best time to visit is during weekdays when there are fewer tourists and a more detailed tour can be offered.
Entrance is generally free, but visitors must book a tour in advance. Tickets can be reserved online or by calling the center directly.
Yes, it is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for group tours. A few days to a week in advance is ideal.
It will take around 1-2 hours to explore the center and participate in the guided tour. The focus is on timekeeping technologies, so the visit is relatively short but educational.
The main highlights include the atomic clock demonstration, the exhibition on the history of timekeeping, and the labs where time synchronization experiments take place.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tours may offer English language support. Audio guides are generally not available, but English-speaking guides can be requested in advance.
The best photography opportunities are within the exhibition halls, especially near the large timekeeping devices and models of atomic clocks.
Start with an overview of the history of timekeeping, followed by the interactive exhibits on atomic clocks, then visit the labs for a deeper understanding of their function.
Night visits or light shows are not available at the National Time Service Center. However, special tours or events may be organized on occasion, especially for educational groups.
The center is not usually crowded, but it may see more visitors during weekends or national holidays. Visiting on weekdays, especially early in the morning, is recommended for a quieter experience.
Basic facilities such as restrooms and drinking water are available. However, there are no large shops or food vendors inside the center, so it's best to bring snacks or meals with you.
The center is generally accessible for elderly and children. However, the walking paths and exhibit halls may not be fully wheelchair accessible, so it's advisable to check ahead if you have specific mobility needs.
Cash is rarely used, and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. Credit cards are not typically accepted for ticket purchases.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the center, but there are many dining options in Xi'an city center, including local Shaanxi cuisine and international options.
In Xi'an, many restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and halal food, particularly around the Muslim Quarter and in local eateries.
There are several hotels in the Xi'an city center, including the Grand Park Xi'an and the Sheraton Xi'an. Accommodations closer to the site can be found, but options are limited.
Nearby attractions include the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Terracotta Army, all of which are easily combined in a day trip.
There are no souvenir shops inside the center, but souvenirs related to timekeeping and the Chinese Academy of Sciences can be found in the city’s gift shops.
Taxis and buses are the best options for continuing your trip. The Xi'an city center and train station are easily accessible from the site.
