Sundial, Beijing
Facts and practical information
A sundial is a horological device that tells the time of day when there is sunlight by the apparent position of the Sun in the sky. In the narrowest sense of the word, it consists of a flat plate and a gnomon, which casts a shadow onto the dial. As the Sun appears to move across the sky, the shadow aligns with different hour-lines, which are marked on the dial to indicate the time of day. The style is the time-telling edge of the gnomon, though a single point or nodus may be used. The gnomon casts a broad shadow; the shadow of the style shows the time. The gnomon may be a rod, wire, or elaborately decorated metal casting. The style must be parallel to the axis of the Earth's rotation for the sundial to be accurate throughout the year. The style's angle from horizontal is equal to the sundial's geographical latitude. ()
东城区 (紫金程)Beijing
Sundial – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)
Nearby attractions include: Forbidden City, Wangfujing, Jingshan Park, Palace of Heavenly Purity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which popular attractions are close to Sundial?
How to get to Sundial by public transport?
Bus
- 西华门 • Lines: 5 (8 min walk)
- 北海南站 • Lines: 5 (9 min walk)
Metro
- Tian'anmen East • Lines: 1 (18 min walk)
- Jinyu Hutong • Lines: 8 (21 min walk)