An Examination of the DongHan Refracting Telescope: The Evidence Chain, Mechanism, and Comparative Explanatory Power of Zhang Heng's Kuiheng

This study re-examines the observational mechanism of the Kuiheng in Zhang Heng’s Huntianyi. Systematically comparing the mechanical-sighting-device and lens interpretations across textual, archaeological, and engineering evidence, the paper finds that the lens interpretation more coherently accounts for the Kuiheng‘s design and function. The evidence suggests that the Kuiheng was an astronomical instrument containing lens-type optical components, offering a new framework for understanding ancient Chinese optical technology.