Built in 1442 (the seventh year of the Zhengtong reign of the Ming Dynasty), the Beijing Ancient Observatory boasts a history of nearly 600 years. It served as the imperial astronomical observatory during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is one of the world’s oldest observatories with the longest continuous record of astronomical observations. On its platform are displayed eight large bronze astronomical instruments crafted during the Qing Dynasty. This collection is the only complete and well-preserved set of large-scale bronze astronomical instruments in the world. These instruments incorporate traditional Chinese elements in their design and craftsmanship, while their graduated scales and mechanical structures reflect astronomical advances made in Europe after the Renaissance. As such, the Beijing Ancient Observatory not only showcases the brilliance of traditional Chinese astronomy but also stands as an important historical testimony to cultural exchanges between China and the West.

Opening Hours

Beijing Ancient Observatory

Monday; Wednesday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM)

Closed on Tuesdays (except national public holidays)

Address: No.2 Dongbiaobei Hutong, Dongcheng district, Beijing

Reservation and Service: 65265010