Temple of Heaven Park

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Spot Introduction

The Temple of Heaven Park, established in the 18th year of Ming Yongle (1420), was the site for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to worship heaven and pray for good harvests. It is also the largest existing ancient sacrificial architectural complex in China. In 1998, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List and stands as an outstanding representative of ancient Chinese architectural art.

Covering an area of 273 hectares, the Temple of Heaven is known for its rigorous layout and unique architectural style, reflecting the ancient Chinese cosmology of “round heaven and square earth.” The main buildings are symmetrically distributed along the north-south central axis, including the Circular Mound Altar, the Hall of Imperial Vault, and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Among them, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, standing 38 meters high with a diameter of 30 meters, is a magnificent three-story circular hall that represents the pinnacle of ancient Chinese architectural art.

As a royal sacrificial site, the Temple of Heaven witnessed important ceremonial activities of the Ming and Qing emperors. Every winter solstice, the emperor would hold a grand ceremony here to pray for good weather and the prosperity of the country. Today, the Temple of Heaven is not only a significant historical and cultural heritage but also an important site for studying ancient Chinese architecture, astronomy, calendar, and etiquette.

Within the park, numerous precious cultural relics and ancient trees are preserved. Structures like the Echo Wall and the Three-Sound Stone demonstrate the wisdom of ancient craftsmen, while over 3,000 cypress trees aged 500 years or more form a unique “Ancient Cypresses of the Temple of Heaven” landscape. Every spring, the park hosts a grand Worshiping Heaven Cultural Festival, allowing visitors to experience ancient sacrificial culture firsthand.

History

  • Establishment Date: The 18th year of Yongle Emperor in Ming Dynasty (1420)
  • History of Use:
    • Ming Dynasty: 1420-1644, serving 12 emperors
    • Qing Dynasty: 1644-1911, serving 10 emperors
    • Opened to the public in 1918, becoming a park
  • Significant Events:
    • Major renovation and expansion in 1530
    • Large-scale repairs during the Qianlong period in 1751
    • Listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1998

Architectural Features

  1. Overall Layout

    • Planning Concepts:

      • “Front circle, back square” layout, symbolizing “round sky and square earth”
      • The north-south axis is 1743 meters long, covering an area of 273 hectares
      • The inner and outer altar cities are separated, reflecting a hierarchical concept

    • Architectural Characteristics:

      • Numerical symbolism: three-tiered platform base, reverence for the number nine
      • Acoustical wonders: Echo Wall, Three-Sound Stone
      • Architectural craftsmanship: beamless hall, mortise and tenon structure

  2. Architectural Art

    • Use of Color:

      • Blue glazed tiles: symbolizing the sky
      • Red bricks of the steps: implying auspiciousness
      • Golden decorations: highlighting imperial power

    • Decorative Features:

      • Dragon and phoenix patterns
      • Auspicious cloud patterns
      • Caisson ceiling design

  3. Cultural Connotation

    • Sacrificial Culture:

      • Winter Solstice Heaven Worship
      • Prayer for a good harvest in the first month of the lunar year
      • Sacrificial etiquette

    • Astronomy and Calendar:

      • 24 solar terms
      • Observation of the sun’s shadow
      • Ancient calendar methods

Must-Visit Attractions

  1. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Triple Heaven)
    • Architectural Features:
      • 38 meters high, 30 meters in diameter
      • Three-story circular hall, symbolizing heaven, earth, and humanity
      • 28 giant columns, representing the 28 constellations
      • Beamless hall design

景点介绍

A Miracle in Architectural History

  • Highlights:

    • Dragon pattern on the central pillar
    • Caisson ceiling decoration
    • Acoustic effect

  • Visiting Suggestions:

    • Suggested visiting time: 60-90 minutes
    • Best time for photos: 9-11 am
    • Special experience: Experience the echo effect

  1. The Circular Mound Altar

    • Architectural Features:

      • A three-tiered circular altar
      • Worship of the number nine: each tier is a multiple of nine
      • Echo Wall: Unique acoustic design

    • Cultural Connotation:

      • Winter solstice ceremony site
      • Embodiment of the harmony between nature and humanity
      • Application of ancient astronomy and calendar

    • Visiting Suggestions:

      • Suggested visiting time: 45-60 minutes
      • Experience the Echo Wall effect
      • Observe the paving pattern of the stones

  2. The Hall of Imperial Heaven

    • Historical Functions:

      • Emperor’s fasting place
      • Preparation site before sacrificial rites
      • Important collection of classics

    • Architectural Features:

      • Double-eaved gable roof
      • Restoration of internal furnishings
      • Display of ancient furniture

    • Visiting Tips:

      • Suggested visiting time: 30-45 minutes
      • Learn about the emperor’s fasting life
      • Appreciate the art of ancient furniture

  3. Shenle Agency

    • Cultural Values:

      • Ancient sacrificial music center
      • Musical instrument collection display
      • Ritual and music cultural heritage

    • Exhibition Contents:

      • Display of ancient musical instruments
      • Demonstration of sacrificial music
      • Introduction to ritual and music culture

    • Visiting Tips:

      • Suggested visiting time: 30-40 minutes
      • Enjoy musical instrument performances
      • Understand the ancient ritual and music system

  4. The Sacred Way

    • Architectural Features:

      • A 360-meter stone path
      • Raised royal path in the middle
      • Exquisite stone balustrades on both sides

    • Cultural Significance:

      • The road for the emperor to the altar
      • Embodiment of the hierarchical system
      • Display of ancient architectural art

    • Visiting Suggestions:

      • Suggested visiting time: 20-30 minutes
      • Experience the emperor’s sacrificial route
      • Appreciate the art of stone carving

参观建议

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route
    • Classic Route (3 hours):
      • East Gate of the Temple of Heaven → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Hall of Imperial Heaven → Circular Mound Altar → Shenle Agency
      • Visit in the order of sacrificial ceremonies.

景点介绍

Visiting Suggestions

  • Suitable for first-time visitors
  • Deep experience route (4-5 hours):
    • East Gate of the Temple of Heaven → Exhibition Area of the Abstinence Palace → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Imperial Vault of Heaven → Circular Mound Altar → Divine Music Administration → Long Corridor
    • Includes more exhibition areas for a deeper understanding of the Temple of Heaven culture
    • Suitable for historical and cultural enthusiasts

Visiting Schedule

  • Peak season (April-October):

    • Best visiting time: 8:00-10:00 or 15:00-17:00
    • Avoid the high temperature period at noon
    • It is recommended to arrive 1 hour early on weekends and holidays

  • Off-season (November-March):

    • Suggested visiting time: 9:00-15:00
    • The viewing effect is best when the weather is sunny
    • You can watch the elderly doing morning exercises on weekend mornings

Photography Suggestions

  • Best positions:

    • South side of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: Shoot the panoramic view of the building
    • Top of the Circular Mound Altar: Overlook the park landscape
    • Long Corridor: Photograph morning exercise scenes

  • Shooting time:

    • Morning: The light is soft, suitable for humanistic photography
    • Evening: The sunset glow and the silhouette of the building are beautiful

  • Equipment suggestions:

    • Wide-angle lens: For panoramic views of buildings
    • Telephoto lens: For architectural details
    • Tripod: For use in low-light environments

Practical Tips

  • Explanation services:

    • Official tour guide: 150 yuan/group (1.5 hours)
    • Audio guide: 20 yuan/device
    • Mobile APP: Free audio explanation

  • Touring equipment:

    • Comfortable and non-slip walking shoes
    • Sunshade or umbrella
    • Drinking water and snacks
    • Camera and power bank

Transportation Guide

  1. Metro access

  • TianTan East Gate Station on Line 5:

    • Exit A, 5-minute walk
    • Operating hours: 5:30-22:30

  • Guangqumennei Station on Line 7:

    • Exit C.

景点介绍

参观建议

Walking 15 minutes

  • Operating Hours: 5:30-22:30
  1. By Bus

  • Tiantan East Gate Station:

    • Bus Lines 6, 34, 35, 36, 106, 110, 687, 707
    • Operating Hours: 5:30-22:00
    • Fare: 2 yuan (cash)/1 yuan (card)

  • Tiantan West Gate Station:

    • Bus Lines 2, 15, 17, 20, 69, 71, 120
    • Operating Hours: 6:00-21:30
    • It is recommended to enter through the East Gate as the West Gate has less foot traffic.
  1. By Car

  • Navigation Address: No.1 Tiantan East Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing

  • Parking:

    • East Gate Parking: 200 spaces
    • West Gate Parking: 100 spaces
    • Parking Fee: 10 yuan/hour

  • Driving Directions:

    • East Second Ring Road: head south from Guangqumen Bridge
    • South Second Ring Road: head east from Yongdingmen Bridge
    • It is recommended to avoid morning and evening peak hours.
  1. Transportation within the Park

  • Electric Sightseeing Car:

    • Fare: 10 yuan/person
    • Operating Hours: 8:30-16:30
    • Multiple stops are available

  • Wheelchair Rental:

    • Location: East Gate Visitor Service Center
    • Deposit: 500 yuan
    • Free of charge

Nearby Food Recommendations

  1. Tiantan East Gate Snack Street

  • Traditional Snacks:

    • Da Lian Huo Shao (a kind of pancake with stuffed meat): A Beijing specialty, 10-15 yuan/serving
    • Dou Zhi (fermented bean drink): Traditional flavor, 5 yuan/bowl
    • Chao Gan (stir-fried liver and intestines): Made by an old and famous shop, 15-20 yuan/serving

  • Recommended Shops:

    • Tiantan East Gate Da Lian Huo Shao: 30 years in business, 20 yuan per person
      Address: A2 Tiantan East Road
    • Lao Ma Dou Zhi Shop: Traditional taste, 10 yuan per person
      Address: 18 Tiantan East Road
  1. Yongwai Street Food

  • Time-honored Brands:

    • Tiantan Hotel: Beijing-style home cooking, 100-150 yuan per person
      Address: A1 Yongwai Street
    • Yongwai Dumpling Restaurant: Traditional handmade dumplings, 40-60 yuan per person
      Address: 89 Yongwai Street

  • Specialty Restaurants:

    • Old Beijing Shuan Rou (hot pot): Lamb hot pot, 120 yuan per person
    • Si Ji Min Fu: Roast duck restaurant, 150 yuan per person
    • Tiantan Xiaoguan: Farm-style cuisine.

景点介绍

人均80元

  1. Dining Options Inside the Temple of Heaven Park

    • Snack Bar at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests:

      • Location: West side of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
      • Specialties: Light meals, noodles
      • Price: 30-50 yuan per person

    • Tea House Inside the Park:

      • Location: Near the Long Corridor
      • Specialties: Tea and snacks
      • Price: 50-80 yuan per person

  2. Featured Recommendations

    • Breakfast:

      • Yongwai Soybean Milk: Freshly ground soybean milk, 5 yuan/bowl
      • Temple of Heaven Bun Shop: Various buns, 2-3 yuan/piece

    • Lunch:

      • Temple of Heaven Restaurant: Reasonable prices, clean and hygienic
      • Yongwai Noodle Shop: Special noodle dishes, rich variety

    • Snacks:
      *驴打滚 (Lv Da Gun, a traditional Chinese dessert made of glutinous rice roll coated with bean flour): Traditional pastry, 8 yuan/serving

      • 艾窝窝 (Ai Wo Wo, a traditional Beijing snack made of sticky rice filled with various sweet fillings): Special snack, 6 yuan/piece
      • 糖炒栗子 (Tang Chao Li Zi, chestnuts roasted with sugar): Seasonal delicacy, 15 yuan/jin

Special Reminders

  1. Opening Hours

    • Peak Season (April 1 - October 31):

      • Park Opens: 6:00-22:00
      • Attractions Open: 8:00-17:30
      • Ticket Sales: 8:00-16:30

    • Off-peak Season (November 1 - March 31 of the following year):

      • Park Opens: 6:30-22:00
      • Attractions Open: 8:00-17:00
      • Ticket Sales: 8:00-16:00

  2. Ticket Information

    • Combined Ticket Prices:

      • Peak Season: 35 yuan (includes all attractions)
      • Off-peak Season: 30 yuan (includes all attractions)
      • Student Ticket: Half price (valid ID required)

    • Park Entrance Ticket:

      • Peak Season: 15 yuan (attractions not included)
      • Off-peak Season: 10 yuan (attractions not included)
      • Free for seniors (valid ID required)

  3. Safety During Your Visit

    • Weather Protection:
      • Summer: Heatstroke prevention, sun protection
      • Winter: Anti-slip, warmth preservation
      • Rainy Days: Wet and slippery steps.

景点介绍

需小心

  • 安全须知：
    • Take care of your belongings
    • Pay attention to the steps on the ground
    • Follow the scenic area regulations

文物保护

  • 拍照规范：

    • Flash photography is prohibited
    • No photography in specific areas
    • Selfie sticks are not allowed

  • 文明参观：

    • Do not touch the cultural relics
    • Keep quiet
    • Follow the signage guidance

其他服务

  • 寄存服务：

    • Location: East Gate, West Gate
    • Free storage for large luggage
    • Please carry valuables with you

  • 医疗服务：

    • Infirmary: East Gate Visitor Center
    • Provides basic medical services

  • 失物招领：

    • Location: Visitor Service Center
    • Phone: 010-67027820

特殊人群服务

  • 无障碍设施：

    • Barrier-free access
    • Accessible toilets
    • Wheelchair rental service

  • 老年人服务：

    • Rest area settings
    • Medical emergency stations
    • Dedicated access

参观建议

  1. It is recommended to visit in the morning or evening
  2. Be mindful of protecting cultural relics and historic sites
  3. Climbing ancient buildings is prohibited
  4. Maintain a quiet and solemn atmosphere
  5. Bring sun protection
  6. Check opening times beforehand
  7. It is advisable to hire a professional guide
  8. Ideal for photographic creation,