Observation Platform in Dengfeng, Zhengzhou

Why is Observation Platform in Dengfeng?

Built in the early Yuan Dynasty, the observatory is the oldest existing Astronomical Observatory in China and also a famous Astronomical Observatory building in the world. Guo Shoujing once observed the position of 28 stars and some other stars here, and compiled the most advanced calendar at that time - Shoushi Calendar. The establishment of the Astronomical Observatory represents the great achievements of astronomy in China at that time.

Where is Observation Platform in Dengfeng?

Within Zhougong Temple, Gaocheng Town, 12km southeast of the Zhengzhou City, Henan Province. It is one of the eight scenic spots in Songshan scenic spot, a national AAAAA tourist attraction in Mount Songshan.

How to Get to Observation Platform in Dengfeng?

Travel with China Dragon Tours (top recommended)

If you want to get rid of hustle of transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Observation Platform in Dengfeng with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on travel.

Independent Travel

For independent travelers you can

Tourists can Take the coach to Dengfeng at the coach station opposite Zhengzhou railway station.

About Observation Platform in Dengfeng

History

The observatory was built from the first year of the Yuan Dynasty to the 13th year of the Yuan Dynasty (1276 A.D.), with a history of 700 years. It is an existing intact Observatory in China. It is a better astronomical science building in the world. The emperor asked Guo Shoujing to create new astronomical instruments, then organized astronomical geodesy of unprecedented scale, and established observatories and observatories in 27 places across the country. Dengfeng Observatory was the central observatory at that time

Architecture

Dengfeng Observation Platform is a masonry mixed building structure, which consists of two parts: the platform surrounded by a spiral treadway and the stone guise paved from the groove of the north wall of the platform to the north. The platform is in the shape of a square covering bucket, and the four walls are made of special bricks.

Four Seasons Delineation

The traditional dividing seasons of solar terms in China: "winter solstice", "summer solstice", "spring equinox" and "autumn equinox" are defined by Zhou Dynasty's Ji Dan through field observation at the observation station, so that the four seasons of "spring", "summer", "autumn" and "winter" can be defined,

Useful Travel Tips

1. Tourists can visit the platform together with the Mount Songshan.
2. It is advised to take your own food and water while visiting.