Beijing's Ancient Observatory is one of the astronomical wonders of the world. It is also home to two ancient carved maps and 150 types of calendar calculators and clocks, including water clocks, reflecting humanity's interest in the passing of time.
Although the building itself was designed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the study of the stars has a much longer history in China, which the Observatory and its various rooms document. As you approach Jianguo Gate you see eight celestial instruments - including a celestial globe, dragon quadrant, elliptical armilla and azimuth theodolite - on the roof of the medieval building dating from 1442, in marked contrast to the high-rise modern Beijing behind it.
The two ancient star maps are the Suzhou stone-carved map with 1434 stars, dating from the Song dynasty (1247), and the ceiling astronomical map from Longfu Temple. It is claimed that Halley's comet was first observed and recorded here.
With its own rich history of Chinese and foreign characters - Muslims and Jesuits have at different times been its custodians - the Observatory is a fascinating place to visit and its peaceful garden offers respite from the hustle and bustle of ever-changing contemporary Beijing.