The Ancient Observatory (Gu guanxiangtai) is a fascinating and curious place to visit. The Observatory today looks slightly surreal tucked away beside the Jianguomen Flyover, high rise blocks and the Jianguomen subway station! Its an unusual site and a great place to take a break when you need a change from the apparently endless temples and palaces in the city.

Kublai Khan built the first Observatory on this site. The Muslims and the Jesuits both adapted the building to suit their own needs and tastes and the present Observatory was finished in 1446. The function of the observatory was to aid sea navigators and encourage the development of astrological predictions. Today, the most interesting objects are the Ming dynasty astronomical instruments. The museum is home to other astrological oddities. The gardens are nice for a stroll and a welcome spot of greenery in this area. The Observatory is internationally recognized too, for its achievements in encouraging scientific and cultural exchanges between the East and West.

Open: Wednesday-Sunday 9-11 am and 1-4 pm
To get to the Observatory: Take the subway to Jianguomen station.