Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is an historic and sprawling complex located in southern Beijing. It was first built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty. Lying south of Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City, the park's circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has become as much a symbol of the city as any celebrated landmark in the world. The Temple of Heaven was a sacred place in the minds of the ancient Chinese people. They believed that it was the place to convey wishes to heaven.

This near-perfect example of Ming architecture is set in a 267-hectare park, with entry provided through four gates stationed at each point of the compass. Emperors visited the temple area to offer sacrifices and pray for good harvests during the winter months.

Viewed from above, the temples here are round, but rest upon square bases. This pattern is no coincidence, the ancient Chinese believed that heaven was round while the earth was square.

The crowning glory of the park, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests was also first built in 1420. It is a cone-shaped wooden structure with triple eaves and a gilded ball on the top, a symbol of the supreme power of the emperor. The roof of the building is covered with dark blue glazed tiles to represent the colour of the sky. This special Chinese style building is splendid in its external appearance, but its inner frame is also distinctive. The circular wooden structure is wholly made of wood without the use of a single nail or cement. The entire structure is supported by 28 massive wooden pillars, which symbolise 28 constellations in the sky.

In 1998, it was listed as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) World Cultural Heritage Site.

Wandering this brilliant and mysterious paradise, you'll find yourself at the heart of a place where old and new Beijing meets head on. The reverence and respect for the past will truly gladden your heart as your love affair with Beijing continues to unfold.

 

Main Attractions

Yuanqiutan (The Circular Mound Altar)

Danbiqiao (Vermilion Steps Bridge)

Huangqiongyu (Imperial Vault of Heaven)

Qiniandian (Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest)  

 

A1, Tiantan Beilu, Chongwen District 

+86 10 6702 8866       6 a.m.? p.m.  

15 yuan (April 1-October 31); 10 yuan (November 1-March 31)  

Chongwenmen Station, Buses: 6, 34, 35, 36, 43, 60, 106, 116