Beijing Planetarium Introduction

The Beijing Planetarium holds the distinction of being the first large-scale planetarium in China and the Asian mainland. It is currently designated as a National First-Class Museum, a National Science Education Base, a National AAAA-Level Tourist Attraction, and a Beijing Municipal Science Popularization Base. The facility comprises two sites: the Main Complex located on West Outer Xizhimen Street in Xicheng District, which primarily showcases modern astronomical achievements, the latest progress in space exploration, and the fundamental principles as well as knowledge of astronomy; and the Beijing Ancient Observatory at Jianguomen in Dongcheng District, which is dedicated to exhibiting the development, glorious achievements of ancient Chinese astronomy, and the history of scientific and cultural exchanges between China and the West. Combined, the two sites cover a total area of 35,000 square meters with a floor space of 30,000 square meters. The original Main Complex opened to the public in 1957, and a new wing was added to the original location in 2004. This complex, including Halls A and B, now features four dedicated  Fulldome science theaters: the Celestial Theater, the Universe Theater, a 4D Theater, and a 3D Theater, along with exhibition areas such as the Cosmic Explorations Series, establishing it as a vital base for astronomical science education both in China and worldwide.

The Beijing Planetarium is committed to providing the public with rich science outreach content. Focusing on recent astronomical breakthroughs and topics of public interest, it independently designs and produces exhibitions. Notable examples include "Lunar Treasures: Lunar Samples Collected by Chang'e-5," centered on the 0.6-gram lunar soil sample returned by the probe, and  "Starlight On the Dome: A Century of Technological Innovation and Our Cosmic Journey in Planetarium History," featuring representative large planetarium projectors. Since 2004, the planetarium has independently developed nearly 20 digital science programs. These include fulldome films like "HOW DO WE KNOW THE UNIVERSE," 3D motion films like "FROM THE SPACE," and 4D surround films like "The Childhood of Our Solar System," all of which have been well-received by audiences.

Beijing Planetarium has cultivated a range of highly popular public science outreach programs, including public science lectures, "Planetarium Nights," "Star Party"and "Mobile Planetarium activities." Furthermore, by organizing astronomy olympiads for secondary school students, editing and publishing the popular astronomy AMATEUR ASTRONOMER, and facilitating public observation events, the planetarium has truly become a cradle for igniting young people's passion for science.

To advance international exchange and collaboration, the planetarium maintains close ties with domestic and international research institutions, universities, and science outreach institutions. It also actively supports the development of professional academic societies. Both the Popularization Committee of the Chinese Astronomical Society and the Planetarium Committee of the Chinese Association of Natural Science Museums are headquartered at the Beijing Planetarium. As the sole official organizer in China for the International Astronomy Olympiad, the planetarium has led Chinese teams to participate in international competitions for over two decades, winning more than 300 medals and earning global recognition for Chinese astronomy education. In 2022, the International Astronomical Union（IAU）Office of Astronomy for Education（OAE）was established at the Beijing Planetarium, further strengthening international collaboration in astronomy outreach.

With the goal of building a "world-class" national-level planetarium, the Beijing Planetarium has, through nearly 70 years of development, accumulated extensive resources in astronomical science education. It has continuously strengthened its science outreach infrastructure, public service capacity, transformation of scientific and technological resources into public education, enhancement of science communication expertise, expansion of outreach collaboration, and promotion of an innovative culture. These efforts have established its leading position and distinct advantages nationwide. As a result, the planetarium serves as a benchmark and a catalyst in the field of astronomical science education in China, making significant contributions to improving public scientific literacy.

Beijing Ancient Observatory

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.