Temple of Heaven Park

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Spot Introduction

The Temple of Heaven Park, established in the 18th year of Yongle’s reign in the Ming Dynasty (1420), was a place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshiped heaven, prayed for good harvests, and prayed for rain. The entire architectural complex is laid out in a “circular front and square back” design, symbolizing the ancient cosmological view of “round heaven and square earth.” It is the largest and most ethically significant ancient sacrificial architectural complex in China.

Covering an area of approximately 273 hectares, the Temple of Heaven Park is four times the size of the Forbidden City. The entire architectural complex is surrounded by two sets of walls, dividing it into the Inner Altar and the Outer Altar. The Inner Altar consists of main buildings such as the Circular Mound Altar, the Hall of Imperial Vault, and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, while the Outer Altar is home to auxiliary buildings like the Fasting Palace and the Shenle Administration. The complex was built strictly according to ancient rites, embodying the philosophical idea of “harmony between nature and humanity.”

The architectural art of the Temple of Heaven can be considered a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests adopts a triple-eaved circular pointed roof, standing 38 meters high with a diameter of 32 meters. Entirely constructed of wood without using a single nail, its 28 large golden phoebe columns are arranged according to astronomical calendars such as the four seasons, twelve months, and twenty-four solar terms, reflecting the ancients’ deep understanding of celestial phenomena. The Circular Mound Altar consists of three layers of white marble circular platforms, with each layer’s number of steps being a multiple of nine, symbolizing the imperial power of “the supremacy of nine and five.”

The Temple of Heaven is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a living fossil of ancient Chinese sacrificial culture. A total of 22 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties held 654 heaven worship ceremonies here. These ceremonies strictly followed ancient rites, including fasting, welcoming the gods, presenting offerings, and bidding farewell to the gods, demonstrating the ancients’ awe and reverence for heaven and earth. Nowadays, the Temple of Heaven Park is not only an important historical and cultural heritage but also a significant place for entertainment and leisure for Beijing citizens.

Spot Introduction

Every spring and autumn, the ancient cypresses in the park tower into the sky, and hundreds of flowers are contending in beauty. It is one of the best places to experience Beijing’s history and culture. As a world cultural heritage site, the Temple of Heaven attracts millions of visitors every year. Its unique architectural art and profound cultural connotation make it an important place to study ancient Chinese architecture, astronomy, calendar, and etiquette culture. Meanwhile, the Temple of Heaven is also an important symbol of Beijing’s urban culture, witnessing the historical changes of Beijing from an ancient capital to a modern metropolis.

Must-see Attractions

  1. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
  • The core of the Temple of Heaven complex
  • The largest circular single wooden structure in ancient China
  • Suggested visiting time: 40 minutes
  1. The Circular Mound Altar
  • An important site for the worship ceremony
  • A three-tiered circular altar made of white marble
  • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes
  1. Echo Wall
  • A famous acoustic spectacle
  • Experience the unique echo effect
  • Suggested visiting time: 20 minutes
  1. The Imperial Vault of Heaven
  • The place where emperors fasted and bathed
  • Unique architectural style
  • Suggested visiting time: 20 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route
  • East Gate of the Temple of Heaven → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Imperial Vault of Heaven → Circular Mound Altar → Echo Wall
  • It is recommended to enter through the east gate and exit through the west gate.
  1. Visiting Schedule
  • Morning is the time for locals to do morning exercises, allowing you to experience Beijing culture.
  • It’s best to arrive before 10 am to avoid tour groups.
  • Open all year round, each season has its characteristics.
  1. Practical Tips
  • It is recommended to hire a guide or rent an audio guide to learn about historical allusions.
  • The park is large, so wear comfortable shoes.
  • There are multiple rest areas and teahouses in the park.

Transportation Guide

  • Subway: Take Line 5 and get off at Tiantan Dongmen Station.
  • Bus: Take bus routes 6, 34, 35, 36, 39, 41, 60, or 116.
  • Self-drive: It is recommended to park at the parking lot of the East Gate of the Temple of Heaven.
  • Tour Bus 5: Can be taken from the direction of Qianmen.
  1. Snack Street at the East Gate of the Temple of Heaven
  2. Food Street at Hongqiao Market
  3. Dining Area on Yongwai Street
  4. Tea House inside the Temple of Heaven Park

Special Reminders

  1. There are more tourists during holidays, so it is recommended to travel during off-peak hours.
  2. Sun protection is essential in summer as there are limited shading facilities in the park.
  3. Additional tickets are required for important buildings such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
  4. Battery-powered sightseeing cars can be rented inside the park.
  5. You can see local residents doing morning exercises in the morning.