Beijing, a city where history and modernity intertwine, boasts countless desirable tourist attractions. Among them, The Temple of Heaven, as a sacred site for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to worship the heavens and pray for valleys, is not only a treasure of ancient Chinese architecture, but also an important symbol of local culture in Beijing. This article will provide you with a detailed guide to visiting the Temple of Heaven, helping you better appreciate the charm of this world cultural heritage.
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1. Introduction to Temple of Heaven attractions
1) Prayer Hall for Good Harvests
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is one of the core attractions of the Temple of Heaven, which was first built in the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1420). It is famous for its magnificent dome and exquisite coffered ceiling, symbolizing the infinite and mysterious nature of the sky. There are a total of 28 pillars in the hall, symbolizing the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, winter, the twelve months of the year, the twelve hours of the year, and the stars of the week.
2) Round Hill
The Round Hill was the place where the emperor held the Winter Solstice Sacrificial Ceremony, which was first built in the ninth year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1530). The number of stone steps, countertop stones, and stone railings on each level are all measured using "nine" and multiples of "nine" to correspond to the "Nine Heavens". Standing on the circular hill platform clapping or shouting, the sound will be exceptionally loud, which is the echo formed by the brief reflection of sound waves.
3) Huangqiongyu
Huangqiongyu was built in the ninth year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1530) and is the main hall of the Round Hill Altar Tianku. Its walls are finely constructed with regular curvature, and the walls are hard, neat, and smooth, with minimal absorption of sound, thus forming the famous acoustic miracle - the Echo Wall.
4) Danbi Bridge
Danbi Bridge is the main passage connecting the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Round Hill Altar. It was first built in the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1420). It is the oldest overpass in the ancient capital of Beijing, with a stone paved road in the middle of the bridge known as the "Divine Road", dedicated to the Emperor of Heaven; The brick road on the east side is called the "Imperial Road" and is dedicated to the emperor; The accompanying ministers and nobles can only walk on the west side of the "King Road".
2. Recommended travel routes
The layout of Temple of Heaven Park is neat, and no matter which gate you enter through, you can visit it without looking back. Here is a classic Travel Itinerary:
North Gate Entrance -Huangqian Hall -Qinnian Hall (can also visit the Divine Kitchen, Long Corridor, and Sacrificial Pavilion) -Danbi Bridge -Jiulong Cypress -Huangqiongyu -Echo Wall -Round Hill -Shenle Hall -Zhai Palace -Bell Tower -Rose Garden -Baihua Garden -West Gate (Exit Garden)
3. Transportation Guide
The Temple of Heaven Park is conveniently located with multiple bus and subway routes:
Public transportation:
Take bus routes 7, 17, 20, 35, 36, 69, 71, 105, 106, 110, 120, 692, 707, 729, Special 11, 826 to Tianqiao Station.
Take bus routes 6, 34, 35, 36, 106, 110, 687, 707 and get off at the north gate of the Temple of Heaven.
Take bus No. 2, 20, 35, 69, 71, 504, 826 to the west gate of Temple of Heaven.
Take bus No. 36, 53, 120, 122, 525, 610, 800, Special 11, 814, 958, Special 3, or Yuntong 102 to the south gate of the Temple of Heaven.
Subway:
Take Metro Line 5 and get off at Temple of Heaven East Gate Station, then exit at Exit D (Southwest Exit).
4. Ticket information
The ticket prices for Temple of Heaven Park are as follows:
Peak season (April 1st to October 31st): Joint tickets are 35 yuan/person, and admission tickets are 15 yuan/person.
Off season (November 1st to March 31st of the following year): Joint ticket 30 yuan/person, ticket 10 yuan/person.
Famous attractions such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, and Circular Hill require separate ticket purchases, and the joint ticket includes the main entrance ticket and these major attractions. Tourists can choose the appropriate ticket type according to their own needs.
5. Beijing travel suggestions
In addition to the Temple of Heaven, there are many other attractions worth visiting in Beijing, such as the forbidden city, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace. Tourists can develop a comprehensive Beijing travel plan based on their interests and schedule. At the same time, it is worth delving into the local culture of Beijing, such as tasting Beijing snacks, visiting museums, etc., to make your trip more colorful.
As one of the iconic tourist attractions in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven attracts countless tourists with its unique architectural style and profound cultural heritage. I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to the Temple of Heaven and enjoy an unforgettable Beijing tourism experience.
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