Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory

Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory
Simplified Chinese登封观星台
Literal meaningGaocheng Astronomical Observatory
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinDēngfēng guānxīngtái
Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official nameHistoric Monuments of Dengfeng in "The Center of Heaven and Earth"
Includes
  1. Taishi Que Gates, Zhongue Temple
  2. Shaoshi Que Gates
  3. Qimu Que Gates
  4. Songye Temple Pagoda
  5. Architectural Complex of Shaolin Temple
  6. Huishan Temple
  7. Songyang Academy of Classical Learning
  8. Observatory
CriteriaCultural: (iii)(vi)
Reference1305rev
Inscription2010 (34th Session)
Area825 ha (2,040 acres)
Buffer zone3,438.1 ha (8,496 acres)

Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, also known as the Dengfeng Observatory, is an observatory in Duke of Zhou's shrine, Gaocheng Town, near Dengfeng in Henan province, China. This site has a long tradition of astronomical observations, from the time of the Western Zhou up to the early Yuan dynasty. There is also a gnomon used for the Da Yan calendar in 729 AD and the great observatory of the Yuan dynasty. As part of the "Dengfeng Historic Monuments of Dengfeng 'in the Center of Heaven and Earth'" the observatory was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.