Written in the Stars

Just off Exit C at Jianguomen Station is Beijing's Ancient Observatory. The observatory was built in 1442 under the Ming Dynasty and by then it was given the name, 'Platform of Star-Watching'. Only until the Qing Dynasty was it called an 'observatory'. The observatory is a very significant landmark in the city as it represents an exchange of ideas between Chinese and Western thinkers around the time of the renaissance. Furthermore, the observatory can boast to be one of the oldest of its kind in the world. Give or take, you can comfortably spend about an hour at the observatory if you decide to travel to Beijing. Lastly, it should be noted that because Jianguomen is transportation hub, it is easy to reach the observatory from many of the local Beijing hotels. The highlight of this attraction is the observatory platform which passes over 17 metres in height. At the top of the platform, this is where the magic really happened! Essentially, this is where the astronomers would stargaze and apply their knowledge by utilising the marvellous pieces of equipment on display. The astronomical instruments which you will see are not just scientific gadgets, but they are finely crafted works of art fashioned from bronze. Below the platform, in the garden, there are also other instruments to be found. If anything, it is a good idea to visit the observatory just to admire the historical fusion between east and west. Constructed along the city wall, the observatory is reminiscent of a period of international innovation. The Forbidden City, the Observatory of Paris and the Royal Greenwich Observatory were all built around the same time, for instance. Indeed, the Ancient Observatory has its beginnings in a time of an international exchange of ideas. Essentially, it was a German adviser who influenced the Emperor to use western measuring and calculation methods. From then on, a number of astronomical instruments were built with some of the most notable today including the Armillary Sphere, Celestial Globe and the Azimuth Theodolite. What makes the observatory rather unique is its sense of preservation. For example, out of quite a few observatories under the old Chinese dynasties, the Ancient Observatory is only one to survive. The observatory is also very impressive considering it was able to recover many of the instruments it lost after they were looted in the past. Nevertheless, the observatory has gained recognition for its preservation achievements. For example, in 1982, the National Cultural Relics Protection Bureau recognised the observatory as a National Heritage site. Even famous people such as the ex-Prime Minister from Britain, Tony Blair, have visited the observatory! On face value, it would appear that the main purpose of the observatory would have been to assess calendar dates by staring at the cosmos. However, the observatory had many purposes such as aiding navigation for seafarers and assist with military tactics. Apart from astronomy, the observatory also exhibits a range of other measuring devices such as delightful examples of ancient clepsydras (water clocks). Whilst in the garden, there are a range of different sundials to view – its fun to check just how accurate these dials are against your watch! In any case, if the observatory interests you and you want to learn more, Beijing flights are a good first port of call. from China Travel Blog http://blog.chinatraveldepot.com

puts the internet to work for you. via task 701337