Temple of Heaven

The complex comprises three main structures: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests standing 125 feet (38 meters) high on a three-tiered marble terrace, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar made of concentric marble rings. Cypress and pine trees line the elevated Danbi Bridge connecting ceremonial buildings across 1,200 feet (360 meters). Carvings of dragons and phoenixes adorn wooden pillars and gilded ceilings throughout the complex.

Emperor Yongle commissioned the complex in 1420 during the relocation of the capital from Nanjing to Beijing. Originally dedicated to both Heaven and Earth, it was redesigned in 1530 when a separate temple for Earth sacrifices was created. Qing emperors continued the ceremonies until 1911, restoring the main hall after an 1889 fire. The grounds opened to the public in 1918 and received World Heritage status in 1998.

The complex served exclusively for imperial rituals and remained closed to ordinary citizens for over 500 years. Ceremonies took place twice annually during winter and summer solstices, when emperors prayed as Sons of Heaven for harmony between celestial and earthly realms. The three-tiered Circular Mound Altar symbolizes the connection between mortal rulers and cosmic forces through its ritual geometry.

The east gate on Tiantan Road provides direct access to the Hall of Prayer via subway line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen station. Audio guides are available in multiple languages at the main information desk. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the site spans over 670 acres (270 hectares). Local residents practice tai chi and traditional music in the park areas between 8:00 and 10:00 in the morning.

The Circular Mound Altar contains 360 balustrade plates on its upper tier and 720 on the middle tier, corresponding to days and months in the lunar calendar. The count of all stones follows multiples of nine, the highest yang number in Chinese thought. Four pillars at the center of the Hall of Prayer represent the seasons, while twelve outer pillars symbolize the months.

Location: Tiantan Subdistrict

Architectural style: Chinese architecture

Opening Hours: Dinsdag-Zondag 08:00-16:30

Website: https://tiantanpark.com

GPS coordinates: 39.88220,116.40660

Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:41