ANCIENT OBSERVATORY

Another place to explore the sights of this sprawling city is from the roof of the building of the Ancient Observatory which was originally built in 1442. It is as much as museum as it is an observatory. The Great Khan had founded an observatory close to this sight in the 13th century. Studies of the heavens had begun thousands of years prior in China.

During the imperial years Islamic scientists and Jesuit missionaries were in charge of the facility. There are many original instruments which were originally installed by the Jesuits.

On the ground level an English explanation of the main exhibits is available. There is a mixture of original and reproduction instruments throughout but are so noted.

It is located at the southeast corner of Second Ring Road and Jian Guo Men Wai Street.