Beijing Planetarium, Astronomy education center in Zhanlanlu, China.
The Beijing Planetarium houses two main buildings with space theaters, exhibition halls, and advanced astronomical observation equipment for public use. The facility enables visitors to experience scientific demonstrations and learn about the cosmos through interactive displays.
Established in 1957, this facility was China's first large-scale planetarium and remained the only one across Asia for an extended period. This pioneering role made it a key institution for bringing astronomy education to the region.
The facility blends Chinese astronomical knowledge with modern space science, displaying both historical instruments and contemporary discoveries in its exhibition areas. Visitors can see how understanding of the heavens has evolved over time.
Access is provided through Dongwuyuan Station on Beijing Subway Line 4, making it easily reachable by public transportation. Visitors should plan for enough time to explore the various theaters and exhibition areas throughout the complex.
A Foucault pendulum in the entrance hall visibly demonstrates Earth's rotation through its continuous west-to-east swinging motion. This classic experiment shows the planet's rotation in an immediate and tangible way.
Location: Zhanlanlu Subdistrict
Inception: 1957
Website: https://bjp.org.cn/en
GPS coordinates: 39.93611,116.33056
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43
Beijing offers photographers a mix of imperial palaces, Buddhist temples, traditional hutongs, and contemporary architecture. The city combines the Great Wall at Mutianyu and the Forbidden City with modern structures like the CCTV Headquarters and Bird's Nest stadium. Historic sites such as the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace stand alongside the 798 Art Zone and Sanlitun's bars. From the Bell and Drum Towers to the National Centre for the Performing Arts, this collection includes locations across multiple districts. Nanluoguxiang Hutong and Yandaixiejie Hutong showcase traditional alleyways, while Beihai Park and Jingshan Park provide elevated viewpoints. Temples like Yonghe and Fayuan, plus the ruins of the Old Summer Palace, add to the city's architectural variety for social media content.
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