Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in BeijingThe Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout and that of its individual buildings, it symbolizes the relationship between earth and heaven – the human world and God's world – which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony, and also the special role played by the emperors within that relationship.The Temple of Heaven is an axial arrangement of Circular Mound Altar to the south open to the sky with the conically roofed Imperial Vault of Heaven immediately to its north. This is linked by a raised sacred way to the circular, three-tiered, conically roofed Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests further to the north. Here at these places the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties as interlocutors between humankind and the celestial realm offered sacrifice to heaven and prayed for bumper harvests. To the west is the Hall of Abstinence where the emperor fasted after making sacrifice. The whole is surrounded by a double-walled, pine-treed enclosure. Between the inner and outer walls to the west are the Divine Music Administration hall and the building that was the Stables for Sacrificial Animals. Within the complex there are a total of 92 ancient buildings with 600 rooms. It is the most complete existing imperial sacrificial building complex in China and the world's largest existing building complex for offering sacrifice to heaven.
MoreThe Temple of Heaven is a unique altar for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Here, people worship the heavens, ask for rain, and pray for a better harvest. It is a famous ancient building in China. The Temple of Heaven is divided into two parts: the Inner Altar and the Outer Altar. Well-known structures such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest and the Echo Wall are located in the Inner Altar. While visiting the Temple of Heaven, tourists get to experience the grand praying ceremony of ancient emperors and observe the ingenious designs such as the Echo Wall and the Triple Sound Stones. The wisdom of the ancient craftsmen will not fail to impress you.
Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in BeijingThe Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout and that of its individual buildings, it symbolizes the relationship between earth and heaven – the human world and God's world – which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony, and also the special role played by the emperors within that relationship.The Temple of Heaven is an axial arrangement of Circular Mound Altar to the south open to the sky with the conically roofed Imperial Vault of Heaven immediately to its north. This is linked by a raised sacred way to the circular, three-tiered, conically roofed Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests further to the north. Here at these places the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties as interlocutors between humankind and the celestial realm offered sacrifice to heaven and prayed for bumper harvests. To the west is the Hall of Abstinence where the emperor fasted after making sacrifice. The whole is surrounded by a double-walled, pine-treed enclosure. Between the inner and outer walls to the west are the Divine Music Administration hall and the building that was the Stables for Sacrificial Animals. Within the complex there are a total of 92 ancient buildings with 600 rooms. It is the most complete existing imperial sacrificial building complex in China and the world's largest existing building complex for offering sacrifice to heaven.
The cost of the entrance ticket was cheap, and the surrounding areas with the parks are free to enter. Upon entering the actual temple area, there are many people but it is so beautiful to see!
Another not to be missed Beijing landmark. Not a very big place. It takes about 1.5 hours to finish exploring the whole place. Combine it with Summer Palace to enjoy a full day of Beijing cultural immersion. Recommended to Come here
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. 😍
Zhao Wenxuan's tour guide is particularly good, patiently explaining the whole process, and introducing the historical background of the Temple of Heaven is very professional. I also brought a picture book to understand the historical context more comprehensively. Because I brought a three-year-old child, there will be a pause in the explanation process, and the child can't listen to the whole process. It is also to appease, explain it again, and ask interesting questions for the child to answer. I came to the Temple of Heaven 10 years ago when I was traveling to see the flowers, see the scenery and take photos. This time I want to visit in depth. This way to understand the history and past is particularly good. I also admire the ancient emperors. There is a chance to experience the in-depth explanation next time, it is very necessary and worth it!