The Beijing Ancient Observatory was first built in the 7th year of the Zhengtong reign of the Ming Dynasty (1442 AD). As one of the oldest observatories in the world, it served as the imperial astronomical observatory during the Ming and Qing dynasties. For nearly 500 years, from the early years of the Zhengtong reign to 1929, the Ancient Observatory conducted astronomical observations, making it the oldest existing observatory in the world with the longest continuous observation record.

The west side of the observatory features an auxiliary complex comprising the Ziwei Hall (紫微殿), the Sundial Garden (晷景堂), and east and west wing rooms. The Ziwei Hall and the two wing rooms host the exhibition on ancient Chinese astronomy, which showcases the achievements of traditional Chinese astronomy and its exchanges with the West.

Address: No. 2 Biaobei Hutong, Jianguomen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

(Source: Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau)