Fengtai Observatory (Chinese: 凤台明堂, Phoenix Terrace Observatory) was an ancient observatory located in a spirit realm on Taoist Temple Hill in the historical downtown of Guancheng.
Legend
According to Guancheng folklore, a phoenix once visited Taoist Temple Hill, leading to the naming of “Fenglai Alley” (Phoenix Come Alley) and establishing the phoenix as Guancheng’s symbol. Fengtai Observatory is located within a spirit realm hidden in this alley.
The Dragon Ball artifact found at Fengtai Observatory belonged to Feng the Spirit Loong of the Nüwa tribe from the Old Stone Age. Qiuye suspects that the legendary “Phoenix” refers to Feng (Chinese: 凤, Phoenix of Wind), linking her identity as a Nüwa member with astronomical studies akin to those of Nüwa the genesis goddess who repaired the sky—now thought by archaeologists to relate to astronomical calendar alignment.
Qiuye hypothesizes that Feng’s Dragon Ball and her astronomical knowledge were passed down through generations of spirit animals and brought to southern China during ancient migrations of scholars and gentry amid turmoil in late Western Jin Dynasty (circa 320).
Architecture
The outer gate of Fengtai Observatory was located in a branch of Fenglai alley, and it was sealed with spells to prevent humans from entering. The main building is not adjacent to the outside road; instead, the outer gate leads through a narrow passageway between buildings to a traditional Guangdong-style house. The mural in the house’s main hall serves as the entrance to its spirit realm, only accessible with spirit power.
The spirit realm was spacious, several times larger than its actual grounds. Its central area features the observatory’s main architecture, blending Chinese and Western styles typical of the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. It houses various ancient astronomical observation facilities and a library.
Artifacts
The Fengtai Observatory had long been abandoned and fallen into disrepair.
The legendary Dragon Ball remained in the observatory, Leiting was transformed into a spirit loong after touching it. Alongside the Dragon Ball, there were ancient book fragments and inscriptions. Qiuye collected these fragments and made rubbings of the inscriptions.
The rescued artifacts have been sent to the Guancheng Spirit Animal Association clubhouse for preservation. Qiuye is currently sorting and conducting preliminary research on these materials.
Demolition
The district containing Fenglai Alley was slated for demolition as part of the city’s renewal project. When Leiting and Qiuye visited, nearby demolitions had already disrupted the spirit realm, causing various anomalies to appear. Shortly after they left, the entire district was demolished, along with the observatory and its spirit realm.
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