Beijing Temple of Heaven|What secrets of the 600-year-old Temple of Heaven do you know? Hidden check-in points are here
❤Reason for recommendation: The Temple of Heaven, originally named the Altar of Heaven and Earth, is located on the east side of Yongdingmen Inner Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing. It was built in the 18th year of Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1420) and was the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties worshipped heaven, prayed for grain and rain.
The Temple of Heaven is the general term for the Altar of Heaven and the Altar of Praying for Grain. There are two altar walls, forming an inner and outer altar. The altar wall is square in the south and round in the north, symbolizing the round sky and square earth. The main buildings are in the inner altar, with the Altar of Heaven in the south and the Altar of Praying for Grain in the north. The two altars are on the same north-south axis, separated by a wall. The main buildings in the Altar of Heaven include the Altar of Heaven and the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the main buildings in the Altar of Praying for Grain include the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Hall of Heaven, and the Gate of Prayer for Good Harvests.
🌟Highlights:
Altar of Heaven: The Altar of Heaven is the place where the ceremony of worshipping heaven is held. The Altar of Heaven is divided into three levels, each with nine steps on all four sides. Each level is surrounded by a white marble railing, and the number of railings is either nine or a multiple of nine, symbolizing the number of days.
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a magnificent wooden structure, built in the 18th year of Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1420), originally named 'Great Sacrificial Hall', a rectangular hall used for worshipping heaven and earth. In the 24th year of Jiajing (1545), it was changed to a three-tiered round hall, with the roof covered with blue, yellow, and green glazed tiles, symbolizing heaven, earth, and all things.
Imperial Vault of Heaven: The Imperial Vault of Heaven is the place where the gods of the Altar of Heaven are worshipped and where the sacrificial tablets are kept. It was built in the ninth year of Jiajing in the Ming Dynasty (1530), originally named the Temple of Supreme God, and was renamed the Imperial Vault of Heaven in the seventeenth year of Jiajing (1538).
Fasting Palace: The Fasting Palace is the place where the emperor fasted before the ceremony of worshipping heaven. It is located in the southwest of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, surrounded by two imperial ditches and ancient cypress trees.
Personal travel notes: The architectural design of the Temple of Heaven is exquisite and majestic, giving a solemn and solemn feeling. The Temple of Heaven is an important carrier of ancient Chinese worship of heaven culture, with a deep historical and cultural heritage. At the Temple of Heaven, you can feel a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, which makes people feel happy.
🗓Itinerary:
1. Morning: Enter from the south gate of the Temple of Heaven, first visit the Altar of Heaven, appreciate its unique architectural style and worship of heaven culture.
2. Noon: Taste Beijing's special delicacies at a restaurant near the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
3. Afternoon: Visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and learn about its history and cultural background.
4. Evening: Rest near the Imperial Vault of Heaven and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Temple of Heaven at sunset.
Recommended route arrangement:
1. South Gate Entrance→Altar of Heaven→Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests→Imperial Vault of Heaven→Echo Wall→Fasting Palace→North Divine Kitchen→North Slaughter Pavilion→Exit East Gate.
2. East Gate Entrance→North Slaughter Pavilion→North Divine Kitchen→Fasting Palace→Echo Wall→Altar of Heaven→Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests→Imperial Vault of Heaven→Exit South Gate.
🎫Tickets:
1. Peak season (April 1-October 31): 15 yuan
2. Off-season (November 1-next year March 31): 10 yuan
3. Joint ticket (including main entrance ticket, Music Department, Fasting Palace, Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Altar of Heaven, Echo Wall): 34 yuan
4. Scenic spot ticket (including Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Altar of Heaven, Echo Wall): 20 yuan
🈺Business hours:
1. Peak season (April 1-October 31): 06:00-21:00
2. Off-season (November 1-next year March 31): 06:30-21:00
📝Attention tips:
1. The Temple of Heaven is large, it is recommended to plan your travel route in advance to better visit the attractions.
2. There are many cultural relics and ancient buildings in the Temple of Heaven. Please observe the relevant regulations when visiting, do not touch or damage the cultural relics.
3. The temperature is high in summer, it is recommended to bring sun protection products and drinking water.
4. There are many steps and slopes in the Temple of Heaven, please be careful when walking.
📍Detailed address: East side of Yongdingmen Inner Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
🚗Self-driving:
1. Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway→Guang'an Road→Tianqiao South Street→Tiantan Road
2. Beijing-Tibet Expressway→Jianxiang Bridge→Dewai Street→Deshengmen East Street→Andingmen West Street→Andingmen East Street→Dongzhimen South Street→East Second Ring→Tiantan East Road→Tiantan Road
🚍Bus:
1. Take subway line 5 to Tiantan East Gate Station and exit from Exit A
2. Take bus No. 6, 34, 35, 36, 72, 106, 110, Night 11, Night 17, Night 28, etc. to Tiantan North Gate
3. Take bus No. 2, 20, 36, Night 17, Night 2, etc. to Tiantan West Gate
4. Take bus No. 35, 60, 116, 128, etc. to Tiantan South Gate
5. Take bus No. 958, 53, 122, Special 11, etc. to Tiantan East Gate
🚇Subway: Take subway line 5 to Tiantan East Gate Station and exit from Exit A
On the south side of forbidden city, this temple was a place for emperor annual worship to heaven. The temple itself is the focal point, surrounding and back buildings are painted with traditional royal colors blue, gold and red. Enjoy the awe.
Tiantan Park is a must-see attraction to Beijing. The Temple of Heaven is very magnificent and atmospheric, and it is a model of Chinese architecture. Play along the central axis of Tiantan Park, basically tour the scenic spots in the scenic spot. Very worth it.
Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) - Beijing's Spiritual and ArchitecturalTiantan, also known as the Temple of Heaven, is a captivating cultural and historical landmark nestled in the heart of Beijing. My recent visit to this iconic site left me enchanted by its spiritual ambiance, architectural splendor, and profound significance in Chinese history.Upon entering the vast complex of Tiantan, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of its architecture. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its majestic triple-tiered roof and intricate wooden carvings, stands as a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans. The surrounding gardens, adorned with ancient trees and meticulously landscaped pathways, create a tranquil oasis in the midst of bustling Beijing.The spiritual significance of Tiantan adds a profound dimension to the experience. The temple complex was once a sacred site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed elaborate rituals to pray for good harvests and divine blessings. Walking in the footsteps of history and witnessing the preserved rituals and ceremonies offered a glimpse into China's rich cultural heritage.One of the highlights of my visit was observing locals practicing traditional activities such as Tai Chi, calligraphy, and music within the temple grounds. The sense of community and cultural pride was palpable, adding depth to my understanding of Chinese traditions and customs.Exploring the various halls, pavilions, and altars within Tiantan was a captivating journey through centuries of history and spiritual devotion. The Echo Wall and the Circular Mound Altar are architectural marvels that showcase the ingenuity and symbolism embedded in Chinese imperial architecture.The lush surroundings of Tiantan, especially during spring when cherry blossoms bloom, create a picturesque backdrop for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. The serene atmosphere and the blend of natural beauty w
I Love the building here. It's very overwhelming looking at the Temple of Heaven. Reasons to Recommend: You've just gotta come here and see it live in front of you. 😍
Thought the temple only has the central structure and allocated 2h for visit. Ended up spending an entire day exploring the entire park facilities, garden and snapping the temple from different angles
went there with my dad for holiday and it was indeed beautiful! less people during that time and it was good for taking pics.