The mural "Chinese Astronomical History" is seen at Jianguomen station in Beijing on July 17, 2024. /IC

The mural "Chinese Astronomical History" is seen at Jianguomen station in Beijing on July 17, 2024. /IC

A train passes the "Four Great Inventions" mural at Jianguomen station in Beijing on July 17, 2024. /IC

A train passes the "Four Great Inventions" mural at Jianguomen station in Beijing on July 17, 2024. /IC

A train passes the "Chinese Astronomical History" mural at Jianguomen station in Beijing on July 17, 2024. /IC

A train passes the "Chinese Astronomical History" mural at Jianguomen station in Beijing on July 17, 2024. /IC

The mural "Four Great Inventions" is seen at Jianguomen station in Beijing on July 17, 2024. /IC

The mural "Four Great Inventions" is seen at Jianguomen station in Beijing on July 17, 2024. /IC

Mosaic tile murals depicting the history of Chinese astronomy and the "Four Great Inventions" have adorned the walls of Jianguomen subway station in Beijing for nearly 40 years, giving generations of commuters a glimpse of the country's scientific and world-changing achievements.

Made up of 3,000 ceramic tiles, the "Chinese Astronomical History" mural reflects the 5,000 years of studying the skies. Not far from the station is the Beijing Ancient Observatory, first built in the 15th century.

Meanwhile, the "Four Great Inventions" mural depicts the development of paper, gunpowder, printing and the compass.

These eye-catching murals are among the public art installations that began to appear in Beijing's metro stations from the 1980s onwards. Today, commuters are able to enjoy these underground art galleries at several stops in the city's transport network.