Temple of Heaven - Brilliant UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site

Located in the central area of Beijing City and also a part of the New World Heritage Site - Beijing Central Axis, Temple of Heaven is one of the most brilliant ancient architectures in China and also an outstanding masterpiece of classic imperial buildings throughout Chinese history. The site was firstly built in 1420, the 18th reign year of Emperor Yongle (永乐皇帝), then expanded and reconstructed by the subsequent emperors of both Ming and Qing dynasties, and had served as the holy place for emperors to pay homage to Heaven and to pray for a year of rich harvest.

The Temple of Heaven is the best place in Beijing to explore traditional royal sacrificial culture of ancient China. In ancient China, the emperors attached great importance to the sacrifice to the Heaven because they were believed to be the son of Heaven and they ruled the county on behalf of Heaven. To show their respect and gratefulness to Heaven, the emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties moved from Forbidden City to encamp in the Temple of Heaven with their retunes twice a year. The emperor would pray to Heaven for good harvests on the altar. Compared with all other sacrificial sites in the world, the Temple of Heaven is the largest not only in size and scale, but also the forms and traditions.

Architectural Art, Layout & Geomantic Omen

The Temple of Heaven is featured in precise structure, peculiar design, and magnificent decoration. Covering more than 267 hectares (660 acres), the Temple of Heaven is the general reference of Huanqiu Altar (圜丘) and Qigu Altar(祈谷) which are located separately at an axle path from south to north - Danbi Bridge (丹陛桥). The most important building of Huanqiu Altar is Huangqiongyu Hall (皇穹宇). Qigu Altar has Qinian Hall (祈年殿), Huangqian Hall (皇乾殿) and Qinian Gate (祈年门), etc.

Ancient Chinese mythology believed that Heaven is round and the Earth is square, which is fully embodied in the design of Temple Heaven. Two long-sketching cordons of wall surrounded the temple complex. The southern outer wall was circular like a taller semi-circular representing Heaven. The northern wall is shorter and rectangular, and stands for the Earth. Both the Huanqiu Altar and Qigu Altar are round, and stand on two square yards.

The brilliant artisans of Qing Dynasty built supernatural sites - Echo Wall, Three Echo Stone, and Conversation Stone according to the science of acoustics.

What to See in Temple of Heaven

Important Buildings & Sights

Qinian Hall (Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests) is the most magnificent building in the Temple of Heaven. It is a wooden triple-gable circular pavilion which is 38 meters high with a three-level marble stone base. The ancient emperors prayed for good harvests here. There are 28 pillars propping up the hall. The inner 4 pillars are large, and stand for four seasons. The middle 12 pillars represent the twelve months. The outer 12 pillars indicate 12 periods of a day.

Huangqiongyu Hall (Imperial Vault of Heaven) is smaller with only one circular gable and one level of marble stone base compared with Qinian Hall. It is the place to enshrine the worshiping tablets of Gods. Inside the hall are pillars and vaults decorated with beautiful paintings and carvings. Outside is a circular wall - Echo Wall which can transmit sounds over long distances.

Huanqiu Altar (Circular Mound Altar) is an empty circular platform with three levels of marble stones. Vivid dragons were carved on the stones to stand for the emperors. The number nine stands for power as well as the emperors in ancient China. You will surprisedly find the balusters and steps are either the sacred number nine or its multiples. In ancient time, the emperors burn the offerings for Heaven in a stove on the platform.

Not only is it magnificent architecture and rich history and culture, but the Temple of Heaven also attracts many tourists with its beautiful night view. After nightfall, the Temple of Heaven complex and grounds are illuminated with exquisite lights, revealing a mesmerizing night view. Ancient buildings, cloisters and trees are outlined by brilliant lights, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and mystery. Stroll through the Temple of Heaven at night and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the buildings illuminated by the lights. At night, the Temple of Heaven is less crowded and offers a quieter and more private sightseeing experience.

Note: Temple of Heaven is divided into two parts - the public park area and the tourist area. The public area is open from early morning to later night, but the tourist area including Qinian Hall, Echo Wall, Huanqiu Altar, etc. are closed at night. The Temple of Heaven is only lit on Fridays, Saturdays, and on the evenings of major festivals.

Temple of Heaven is four times the size of the Forbidden City, but its building area is only 5%, and the rest is covered by trees. There are over 3,000 ancient trees that are more than hundreds years old, as well as cute squirrels and a wide variety of birds. Not just about the good ecological environment, the public area now also serves as an entertaining and morning exercise place for locals. People living near usually like to take exercise or take part in folk activities in the park, such as running, cycling, playing Tai Chi, etc. You can spare some time to stroll leisurely in the park to get involved in the interesting activities, or just experience the peaceful atmosphere of local people’s living.

☛ More Valuable Beijing Tours including Temple of Heaven

There are four gates for entering and exiting the Temple of Heaven. For a smooth and pleasant visit, travelers are suggested to start the exploration from the South Gate. Entering the gate, you will first visit the Huanqiu Altar and its surroundings, such as Huangqiongyu Hall, Echo Wall, Kitchen for Sacrifice, etc. Then walk through the solemn path of Danbi Bridge, and get to the iconic Qinian Hall. After explore the surrounding sites including Huangqian Hall, then continue your trip to the west of Qigu Altar to see the Flower Garden. On the south of the garden is the Fasting Palace (斋宫) where the emperor stayed during sacrificial ceremonies. After the sightseeing, leave the site from the West Gate.

Recommended visiting route (about 2 ~ 3 hours): South Gate - Circular Mound Altar - Echo Wall - Imperial Vault of Heaven - Danbi Bridge - Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests - Imperial Hall of Heaven - Flower Garden - Fasting Palace - Divine Music Administration (神乐署) - West Gate

The Temple of Heaven is located in the central area of Beijing City and on the Beijing Central Axis, which is also the attraction-gathering region. The famous Forbidden City (Palace Museum) and Tiananmen Square are conveniently situated at the northwest of Temple of Heaven within short walking distance.

• about 5 km (about 20 minutes by car) from Tiananmen Square
• about 5.5 km (about 30 minutes by car) from Forbidden City
• about 10 km (about 40 minutes by car) from Lama Temple
• about 30 km (about 1 hour by car) from Summer Palace
• about 80 km (about 2.5 hours by car) from Mutianyu Great Wall

Although the Temple of Heaven is located in the center of the Beijing city, you may encounter troublesome traffic jam or language barriers along your way to there. If you want to get rid of the hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a Temple of Heaven tour package that covers sightseeing, dining, lodging, and transfer from us. As part of our valuable Beijing tour packages, our skilled driver and experienced guide will pick you up wherever you are in Beijing including the airport, train stations, and busy scenic areas, etc. It's time-saving and much more safe and you will be escorted all the way to the Temple of Heaven with comfortable travelling experience and professional travelling guidance. If you need any help, please feel free to contact us >>

To explore Beijin's highlights, such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall (with Mutianyu as the top recommendation), the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the Beijing Hutongs - plan for about 4 days, including arrival and departure.

☛ 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package

If you have extra days, consider hiking the scenic Jinshanling Great Wall, enjoying the stunning night views of Simatai Great Wall, or visiting other sections like Huanghuacheng, Gubeikou, and Juyongguan.

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Families with children should not miss Universal Beijing Resort, while museum enthusiasts should visit the National Museum of China, home to the nation's most valuable treasures.

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As a major transportation hub, Beijing offers easy access to other top destinations in China by flight or train, such as Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, and Tibet. China Discovery provides a variety of tour packages from Beijing, or we can customize an itinerary to suit your preferences.

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