Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven 天坛

Beijing's most beautiful temple
World Heritage Site
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
Huge grounds

The Temple of Heaven (Tiantan) is a massive park/temple complex that contains what is perhaps Beijing's most beautiful building: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

The park containing the Temple of Heaven is very large and you will need several hours to walk it.

It features a series of Taoist buildings and was visited by all of the Ming and Qing emperors. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a round building with a blue-tiled roof (pictured below).

History

Qinian Dian, as it is known in Chinese, was completed in 1420 and is one of the best-known symbols of Chinese imperial architecture. The current structure was built in 1890, after the original was burnt to the ground after being hit by lightning.

Temple of Heaven with red wall, Beijing. — The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed building

Temple of Heaven, Beijing. — The Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China

The Temple of Heaven is 125 feet high and 98 feet in diameter - and does not contain a single nail. The Temple of Heaven is located in the northern end of the park.

Moving south, you come to the Imperial Vault of Heaven (Huang Qiong Yu), which is a smaller version of the above. It was built to store ceremonial tablets, and is surrounded by the Echo Wall. Unfortunately, there is now a railing in front of the wall, which makes testing it out difficult.

Just beyond the Imperial Vault is the Circular Altar. This is a marble structure with three levels. It was completed in 1530, and in the past was where a bull was sacrificed and then set on fire to appease the gods.

Between the Circular Altar and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and off to the right if you are walking from north to south is the Hall of Abstinence (Zhaigong). It is a bit removed from the main sights and a bit low key. It is surrounded by moats, and was where emperors fasted, hence its alternative name of the "Fasting Palace."

Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China. — Surely one of the most beautiful buildings in the world - Beijing's Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven Access

The nearest subway station to the Temple of Heaven is Tiantan East Station on Line 5.

Temple of Heaven is also about one mile south of Chong wen Men subway station, which in good weather is a 25-minute walk.

Buses are also a possibility. Beijing buses #6, #34, #35, #36, #72, #106 and #110 all go to the North Gate. Buses #2, #17, #35, #36, #53, #69, #71, #72, #93, #120, #504 and #622 go to the West Gate. Buses #36, #53, #120, #122, #525 and #958 go to the North Gate.

The park gates are open from 6.30 am - 10 pm.

The sights however are only open from 8.30 am - 5.30 pm. Admission to the park costs 15 yuan April 1-October 31 or 10 yuan November 1-March 31. A ticket that will get you in the park and all of the sights costs 35 yuan April 1-October 31 or 30 yuan November 1-March 31.