Beijing Photo Gallery - Ancient Observatory

Founded in 1442 during the Ming Dynasty, this royal observatory in eastern Beijing now stands along the city walls that run along today's 2nd ring road. At the time, astronomy had enormous influence on governance. Interpreting what happens in the skies was key to holding onto power. The Jesuits had advanced scientific knowledge of the skies and one was appointed to the government and designed this set of astronomical instruments in the 17th century.

The stuff on the ground floor are reproductions though.