The Essence of Ancient Chinese Astronomy: A Temporary Exhibition "Land Under the Heaven" Launched by Shanghai Astronomy Museum

In order to better display the achievements and characteristics of astronomy in ancient China, Shanghai Astronomy Museum launched an original exhibition "Land Under the Heaven — Starry Sky and the Nation in the Eyes of Ancient Chinese People" on March 15, 2025. Starting from the unique relationship between "heaven, earth and man" of ancient China, the exhibition shows the ancient people's understanding and application of the starry sky and the relationship between astronomy and Chinese traditional culture by carefully sorting out the important characteristics of ancient China astronomy system through model exhibits, scene reproduction, art installation and multimedia.

The exhibition is divided into five parts: "Etiquette," "Pole," "Observation," "Instrument" and "Calendar." To be specific, "Etiquette" expounds the close relationship between the most important etiquette cultural characteristics and astronomy in ancient China; "Pole" displays the characteristics of ancient astronomy centered on the North Pole and the ancient starry sky system on this basis; "Observation" shows the rich astronomical observation records in ancient China; "Instrument" exhibits the instruments used in ancient astronomical observation; and "Calendar" shows the calendar and time system of China inherited over thousands of years.

The exhibition covers an area of about 800 square meters and contains the essence of astronomy in ancient China. There is free access to its venue in the temporary exhibition hall on the B1 floor of Shanghai Astronomy Museum, but tickets for the museum are required. The exhibition lasts From March 15 to June 1, 2025.