FORMER BEIJING OBSERVATORY

Located at the east end of Chang 'an Avenue, at the periphery level, this observatory marked the end of the fortifications of the former city of Beijing. The current building dates back to 1442 and the visit is directed primarily at the astronomy ferries.

History

The first observatory was actually established a little further north of it, under the Yuan dynasty in 1279. At that time, it contained so-called high technology instruments that were developed by two Chinese researchers, Wang Xun and Guo Shoujin, and then carried out by a craftsman from Nepal. The whole set was then transferred to Nankin when the Ming installed their capital. Then, in 1420, when Yongle (of the Ming dynasty) chose Beijing as capital, he began building the said building. But, fearing the bad omen that the move of such instruments could lead to, he preferred to leave the originals in Nankin's place and made copies that he installed in that observatory in 1442.

Visit

These instruments (finally copying them) are visible in the old observatory. As well as on the outdoor terrace, at the top of the tower, the instruments designed by Jesuits in the seventeenth century. These instruments are those of Ferdinand Verbiest, a Belgian Jesuit was called to the Imperial Court which conceived six instruments to complement the astronomical installation already existing. These real works of art, created between 1669 and 1673, show many Chinese traditional details and representations, such as the dragon. Confiscated by the French and German forces during the Boxers' revolt, some parts were rendered in 1902. The others, winning in Germany, only returned to China in 1921 after the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.