Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven (Tiāntán), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, is China’s most sacred imperial sacrificial complex. Built in 1420 under Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, it served as the ritual ground for emperors to pray for good harvests and communicate with heaven for 500 years. Covering 2.73 million square meters—four times larger than the Forbidden City—its circular mounds, blue-tiled roofs, and acoustically engineered structures symbolize the ancient Chinese belief in the "Mandate of Heaven." Unlike earthly palaces, its design emphasizes humility, with no residential buildings, reflecting imperial submission to cosmic order.
Historical Overview
Construction began in 1406 alongside the Forbidden City but was completed in 1420 as the "Altar of Heaven and Earth." Renamed the Temple of Heaven in 1530, it hosted 654 ceremonies under 22 Ming and Qing emperors. Emperors fasted for three days before rituals, walking barefoot to the altars to show piety. In 1889, a lightning strike destroyed the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, prompting a 16-year reconstruction. The 1911 Xinhai Revolution ended imperial sacrifices, and in 1918, it opened as a public park. During the 1970s, Mao Zedong’s "Let a Hundred Flowers Bloom" policy saw it host mass calisthenics, blending tradition with modernity.
Structural Layout
The temple follows a "two-ring, three-tier" layout, aligning with celestial principles:
Outer Enclosure: The "Earthly Realm," with the South Gate (Chengzhen Men) and Seven-Star Stone Group (symbolizing constellations).
Inner Enclosure: The "Heavenly Realm," featuring three iconic structures:
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Qiniandian): A triple-eaved, 38-meter-tall circular hall with no nails, supported by 28 massive columns representing the 28 lunar mansions.
Imperial Vault of Heaven (Huangqiongyu): A smaller blue-tiled dome storing sacrificial tablets, connected to the Echo Wall (Huiyinbi) for whisper communication.
Circular Mound Altar (Yuanqintai): A three-tiered white marble platform with 9, 81, or 729 stones (multiples of 9, the supreme yang number).
Major Attractions
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: A masterpiece of wooden architecture with dragon-and-phoenix carvings and a 12-meter-wide coiled-dragon ceiling.
Circular Mound Altar: The "Sound Miracle Stone" here amplifies claps sevenfold; 9 radial paths symbolize the emperor’s exclusivity.
Divine Music Administration (Shenyueju): A 19th-century ritual music school preserving 600+ ancient instruments and scores.
Echo Wall (Huiyinbi): A 193-meter-long semicircular wall that transmits whispers 30 meters away.
Triple-Sound Stones (Sanshiting): Three stones on the Circular Mound Altar that produce unique echoes when struck.
Seven-Star Stone Array (Qixingshi): Seven limestone boulders arranged like the Big Dipper, used for astrological alignments.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (2–3 hours):
South Gate (Chengzhen Men) → Circular Mound Altar → Imperial Vault of Heaven (Echo Wall) → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Divine Music Administration → Nine-Dragon Cypress → North Gate (Beigong Men)
Highlights: Core ritual sites, acoustic wonders, and the park’s iconic blue-roofed hall.
Extended Route (4–5 hours):
South Gate → Circular Mound Altar → Imperial Vault of Heaven → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Divine Music Administration → Abstinence Palace (Zhaigong) → Flower Bed Walkway → Danbi Bridge → North Gate
Highlights: Addition of the emperor’s pre-ritual fasting palace and seasonal flower displays.
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
South Gate → Circular Mound Altar → Imperial Vault of Heaven → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Divine Music Administration → Abstinence Palace → Western Celestial Gate (Xitian Men) → Moon-Watching Pavilion (Guanyue Tai) → Eastern Celestial Gate (Dongtian Men) → Seven-Star Stone Array → North Gate
Highlights: In-depth exploration of astrological markers, moon-viewing pavilions, and hidden gardens.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official “Temple of Heaven” WeChat mini-program or website (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Purchase at South, East, or West Gates (cash/mobile payment accepted).
Prices:
Combined Ticket (Peak Season April–October): ¥34 (adults), ¥17 (students/seniors).
Combined Ticket (Off-Season November–March): ¥28 (adults), ¥14 (students/seniors).
Extras:
Divine Music Administration: ¥10.
Abstinence Palace: ¥20.
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Transportation
By Subway:
Line 5: Tiantandongmen Station (Exit A), walk 5 minutes to East Gate.
Line 8: Tiantanqimen Station (Exit C), walk 10 minutes to South Gate.
By Bus: Routes 6, 34, 35, 36, or 106 to Tiantan Dongmen Stop (East Gate).
By Taxi: Direct to South Gate (for altars) or East Gate (for halls).
Departure: Exit via North Gate for subways (Line 5/8) or East Gate for buses.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 9 AM–11 AM; visit early (6 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays (especially Mondays, when some pavilions close) are quieter.
Weather: Spring (March–May) for peony blooms; autumn (September–October) for crisp air and kite-flying.
Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (long walks on marble paths).
Bring a water bottle (limited vending machines).
Photography allowed (no drones or flash in halls).
Prohibited items: Outside food, smoking, and loudspeakers.
