True Solar Time Examples: Beijing, Chengdu, and Urumqi
China uses the 120°E Beijing Time standard nationwide, while city longitudes differ. The same clock time therefore receives different solar corrections.
Assumptions
These teaching examples use 12:00 clock time and an equation of time of -9 minutes. The longitude term is 4×(longitude-120°) minutes.
| City | Longitude | Longitude term | Total | Solar time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 116.4°E | -14.4 min | -23.4 min | 11:37 |
| Chengdu | 104.1°E | -63.6 min | -72.6 min | 10:47 |
| Urumqi | 87.6°E | -129.6 min | -138.6 min | 09:41 |
Common errors
- Treating the equation of time as fixed.
- Reversing longitude signs.
- Applying a local-time conversion and longitude correction twice.
- Ignoring a date change.
Workflow
- Keep the recorded Beijing clock time.
- Verify city and longitude.
- Record before and after times.
- If an hour boundary is crossed, compare both charts.
Conclusion
The farther west a Chinese birthplace lies, the larger the typical backward correction from Beijing clock time.
Sources and editorial note
Written and editorially reviewed by the StarDestiny AI editorial team; last updated 2026-08-08. The guide draws on this site’s iztro 2.5.8 implementation, calendrical concepts published in the Chinese Astronomical Ephemeris, IANA Time Zone Database rules, and editorial comparison of common Zi Wei Dou Shu methods. Astrological interpretation is presented as cultural tradition, not an empirical scientific conclusion.