While working at Chabot Space and Science Center, I had the opportunity to participate in the development of an exhibition that focused on ancient Chinese astronomy techniques and instruments. As part of a team, I went to China as a photographer to document as much as possible about all things astronomy. These images are mostly about the tourist aspects of my trip.
Beijing
Beijing offers a mix of historical wonders, cultural experiences, and modern attractions. It's a city where ancient history meets vibrant modernity, all in one!
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is an iconic symbol of China's imperial history and architectural brilliance. It served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912 and stands as the largest ancient palace complex in the world. Spanning 180 acres, it is surrounded by a 10-meter-high wall and a wide moat.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Forbidden City is a treasure trove of Chinese art and also a testament to the power and prestige of the emperors who once ruled from within its walls.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a magnificent historical and architectural marvel, embodying the grandeur of Ming and Qing dynasty craftsmanship and China's traditional cosmology. Built in 1420 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, it served as a sacrificial altar where emperors performed ceremonies to pray for good harvests and maintain harmony between heaven and earth.
Its layout is designed to reflect traditional Chinese cosmological principles: the north side is semicircular to represent heaven, while the south side is rectangular, symbolizing earth.
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a circular structure with a triple-gabled roof is built entirely of wood and without nails. It is adorned with vibrant blue tiles symbolizing the heavens.
The Imperial Vault of Heaven is also circular and famous for its "Echo Wall," where sound waves travel across the curved wall with remarkable clarity.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, the Temple of Heaven is a cultural treasure.
Summer Palace
Originally constructed in 1750 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, the palace was designed as a retreat to escape Beijing's summer heat. Its centerpiece is Kunming Lake, an expansive man-made lake that covers about three-quarters of the site, offering serene views and reflecting the surrounding structures.
Ancient Observatory
This observatory dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368), with its construction initiated in 1442 during the Ming Dynasty and expanded in the Qing Dynasty. It is one of the oldest observatories in the world, showcasing centuries of astronomical innovation.
Perched atop a 15-meter-high brick platform, the observatory houses an array of large bronze astronomical instruments, many of which were used during the Ming and Qing dynasties to study the heavens.
Under the guidance of Jesuit missionaries during the Qing Dynasty, European-style instruments were introduced, reflecting the exchange of knowledge between cultures.
Nanjing
The Chinese Academy of Sciences operates Purple Mountain Observatory which is a major astronomical research institution located on the Purple Mountain (Zijinshan) in Nanjing, China.
It conducts research in areas such as astrophysics, solar physics, planetary science, and cosmology. The site originally focused on traditional optical observations but has since expanded its work to include radio and high-energy astrophysics.
The site is home to several ancient astronomical devices that reflect China's long history in astronomy. These devices highlight the ingenuity and artistry of ancient Chinese astronomers.
Armillary Sphere
Originally designed by Zhang Heng during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 CE), this device was used to determine the positions of stars. The version displayed here is a replica from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644); a scientific tool and a work of art.
Celestial Globe
The celestial globe, was used to map the positions of stars and celestial objects as they appear in the sky. It is a three-dimensional representation of the heavens, showcasing constellations and the movement of celestial bodies.
The celestial globe here is a replica from the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), crafted with intricate detail. It features a network of engraved lines representing celestial coordinates, such as the ecliptic and equator, which were essential for tracking the movement of stars and planets. This tool was not only a scientific instrument but also a testament to the artistic and technical skills of its creators.