The Ancient Observatory, situated at the southeast corner of Beijing's Jianguomen Bridge, was initially built circa 1442, during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Its rich history spans more than five hundred years, making it one of the most historically interesting observatories in the world. During the Ming Dynasty it was known as the 'Platform of Star-Watching', but its name was later changed to 'Observatory' during the Qing Dynasty (1616-1911). After the Revolution of 1911, the title became 'Central Observatory'. The observatory was renovated in the early 1980s and reopened to the public in 1983. Today, the observatory has become the 'Beijing Ancient Astronomical Instruments Display Hall', an affiliate of the Beijing Observatory.
In total, the observatory covers an area of 1,000 square meters (about 0.25 acre). It is divided into two parts, the platform and the affiliated building. The platform is 17.79 meters (about 58.4 feet) high, 24 meters (about 78.7 feet) long and 20 meters (about 65.6 feet) wide. Eight bronzed astronomical instruments stand on this platform, all of which are ornately carved, having been well preserved since the time of the Qing Dynasty. They are huge but exquisitely carved. The design of the instruments reflects both the influence of Oriental craftsmanship and European Renaissance understanding of measurements and physics. Under the 
platform stands a group of affiliated buildings, built with simple elegance. Beijing Ancient Observatory is a milestone in Chinese architecture, marking a cultural exchange between the Orient and the West. It is not only a place to observe the heaven but a unique historical treasure.
If you are an amateur astronomer or a fan of stargazing, you can take a turn looking at the starry sky through the ancient observatory, maybe you will catch a glimpse of a meteor or your constellation.
| Admission Fee: | CNY 10 |
| Opening Hours: | 09:00 to 18:00 (summer); 09:00 to 16:30 (winter) |
| Recommended Time for a Visit: | 40 minutes |
| Subway: | Subway Line 1, Subway Line 2: get off at Jianguomen Station and get out of the station from Exit C (southwest exit). |
| Bus Route: | Take bus no. 1, 特2, 10, 20, 29, 37, 39, 52, 120, 122, 403, 420, 728, 802 or 938 and get off at Beijing Railway Station East. |
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Travelers' Voices on Ancient Observatory
1.
Sep. 16,2009 22:05 Reply
Ms.Jade said:
Is there any subway at Ancient Observatory?
Sep. 17,2009 00:55
Mr.Eric replied:
you could take subway line 1 OR line 2 and get off at Jianguomen Station. Walking out of Exit C, you will find the Ancient Observatory on the southern side.
Sep. 17,2009 02:21
Mr.Shirley replied:
Yes, you can take subway line 1 or 2, stop at Jianguomen Station. The Ancient Observatory is in the nearby.
Sep. 17,2009 02:27
Ms.Shirley replied:
Sorry, i forget to tell you that when you arrive at the Jianguomen Station, please walk out of from the Exit C, then you can walk to the site.
2.
Mar. 18,2009 00:40 Reply
Mrs.Wickedwitch(Beijing) said:
It's actually not free any more. I just went last week, and had to pay 10 kuai for a ticket, with a student id.
3.
Feb. 22,2009 13:07 Reply
Mr.ilikepie(Romania) said:
i loved the observatory. it was fabulous.
4.
Feb. 11,2009 20:42 Reply
Mr.Wannabe(china) said:
The Ancient Observatory has been open free of charge since 2008. Nearly 500 national museums and memorial halls were open free of charge according to the policy favored by central government.However, museums in common with many historic buildings and sites were not be entirely free of charge. The policy allows for entrance fees in respect of certain special exhibitions held in those free museums. In Beijing, a group of museums including the Guozijian (the Imperial Academy), Dajue Temple and the Ancient Observatory have been included the list of free museums. Meanwhile, the Palace Museum, China National Museum and Beijing Capital Museum continue to charge entrance fees.