Chinapedia | Largest Ancient Worship Complex in China: Temple of Heaven

Built in the 18th year of the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1406-1420), the Temple of Heaven is a place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worship heaven and pray for good harvest. It is the largest ancient worship complex in China.

The altar is round in the north and square in the south, which implies that "the heaven is round and the earth is square". There are two walls around the altar, dividing the whole altar into two parts: the inner altar and the outer altar.

The inner altar is divided into the north and the south parts by a wall. In the north is the Hall of Prayer for the Good Harvest (Qinian Dian), which is used for praying for a good year in spring. The south is the Circular Mound Altar (Huanqiu Tan), which is dedicated to the worship on the "Winter Solstice".

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest (Qinian Dian)

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a circular building, thirty-six meters in diameter and thirty-eight meters high. The exterior has triple eaves and a pointed top that has been gilded. Each double-eave is covered with blue glazed titles. The coffered ceiling of the dome has a nine-dragon design.

Circular Mound Altar (Huanqiu Tan)

The Circular Mound Altar, a relic of the Qianlong era (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty, is a circular three-level platform. There are four sets of steps, one for each of the cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. Each set of steps has nine steps (number nine in ancient China has the meaning of supremacy).

The Temple of Heaven is both an architectural expression of time and space and a perfect combination of building technology and art. It is a must-see attraction for tourists who travel to Beijing.

Tourists can purchase tickets seven days before their visits. Tickets are sold through the WeChat mini program or the ticket booth at the entrance. A Chinese phone number is required when purchasing tickets through the WeChat mini program. Tourists can also purchase tickets at the ticket booth (IDs are required). 

The Mingyuan Restaurant is located inside the park near the West Gate. There is a type of dessert in the shape of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests! During high seasons, the restaurant is always packed with tourists. So if you want to try the special desserts, you can join the waiting list before you start your visit.

Many people have no idea of how beautiful the altars are when the lights are on. The lights are only turned on Friday, Saturday and during Chinese national holidays.

(English editor: Ella Qu)

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