Yuan Dynasty — 元朝
Yuán Cháo · 1271–1368 CE
Key Facts
- Dynasty
- Yuan Dynasty (元朝, Yuán Cháo)
- Period
- 1271–1368 CE
- Capital
- Dadu (Beijing)
- Notable for
- Shoushi calendar (tropical year = 365.2425 days)
The Mongol-ruled Yuan dynasty introduced the Shoushi calendar (1281 CE), created by astronomer Guo Shoujing. This calendar calculated the tropical year as 365.2425 days — identical to the Gregorian calendar, but 300 years earlier. The Yuan also facilitated cross-cultural exchange, bringing Islamic astronomical instruments and techniques into Chinese practice.
Capital & Period
Key Contributions
The Yuan Dynasty made lasting contributions to Chinese zodiac, calendar, and metaphysical traditions:
- Shoushi calendar (tropical year = 365.2425 days)
- Guo Shoujing's astronomical instruments
- Cross-cultural exchange with Islamic astronomy
Frequently Asked Questions
The Yuan Dynasty (元朝, Yuán Cháo) spanned 1271–1368 CE, with its capital at Dadu (Beijing).
The Yuan Dynasty's major contributions include: Shoushi calendar (tropical year = 365.2425 days); Guo Shoujing's astronomical instruments; Cross-cultural exchange with Islamic astronomy.
Discussion
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