Beijing Astronomical Observatory

The Beijing Astronomical Observatory stands at an elevation of 960 meters, featuring eight bronze astronomical instruments mounted on a black brick platform.

Founded in 1442 during the Ming Dynasty, the observatory predates the Greenwich Observatory by two centuries and maintains continuous astronomical observations to this day.

The observatory displays Chinese astronomical achievements through exhibits of ancient instruments, including armillary spheres and celestial globes that combine Eastern and Western design elements.

The facility operates from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, remaining closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, with an entrance fee of 10 yuan.

Eight large bronze instruments from the Qing Dynasty remain functional for astronomical observations, featuring dragon carvings and precise mathematical calculations.

Location: Beijing

Inception: 1958

Official opening: 1958

Elevation above the sea: 960 m

Website: http://english.nao.cas.cn/

Website: http://english.nao.cas.cn

GPS coordinates: 40.39561,117.57578

Latest update: March 31, 2025 05:13