Introduction to the Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven, located in Beijing’s Dongcheng District, is where emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties performed ceremonies to worship heaven and pray for abundant harvests. It is the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient sacrificial complex, designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1998.
Spanning approximately 273 hectares—four times the size of the Forbidden City—the Temple of Heaven is enclosed by two altar walls, dividing it into the Inner Altar and Outer Altar. The main structures are concentrated in the Inner Altar, primarily the Circular Mound Altar and the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests, aligned along a north-south axis connected by a 360-meter-long "Divine Path."
The Temple of Heaven’s design embodies the concept of "round heaven, square earth," with circular buildings in the north symbolizing heaven and square structures in the south representing earth. The most iconic building, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, features a triple-eaved circular roof with blue glazed tiles, symbolizing the "round heaven."
Temple of Heaven Trivia
Three-Sound Stone Phenomenon: Clapping on the third stone slab in front of the Imperial Vault of Heaven produces three echoes due to sound waves reflecting multiple times off the circular wall, creating a unique acoustic effect.
Symbolic Numbers: The architecture extensively uses yang (odd) numbers, especially 9 (the largest single-digit yang number). For example, the steps and balustrades of the Circular Mound Altar are in multiples of 9, symbolizing the supremacy of heaven.
My First Temple of Heaven Experience
My first visit to the Temple of Heaven was on a crisp autumn morning. Entering through the South Gate and walking along the wide path, I caught sight of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests’ blue triple-eaved roof shimmering in the sunlight. Standing on the platform before the hall, looking back at the 360-meter Divine Path stretching to the Circular Mound Altar, I was struck by its grandeur and solemnity. The most surprising moment was at the Echo Wall—when my friend and I stood at opposite ends and whispered, we could hear each other clearly, a testament to the ingenious acoustic design of 600 years ago!
Historical Overview
The Temple of Heaven was constructed in 1420 during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, originally called the "Altar of Heaven and Earth" for combined worship. In 1530, during the Jiajing era, it was designated solely for heaven worship and renamed the "Temple of Heaven" after the Earth Altar was built in northern Beijing.
The temple’s construction reflects the Chinese philosophy of "round heaven, square earth" and "harmony between man and heaven." Over the Ming and Qing Dynasties, 22 emperors conducted 654 sacrificial ceremonies here.
After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the temple ceased to host rituals. It opened as a public park in 1918 and was designated a national key cultural relic by the State Council in 1961.
Ming Dynasty Imperial Sacrifice Ceremony
Temple of Heaven in the 1900s
Modern Temple of Heaven Park
Main Structures and Artistic Features
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests - Main Structure of the Altar of Prayer
Imperial Vault of Heaven - Housing the "Emperor of Heaven" Tablet
Circular Mound Altar - Core Site for Heaven Worship
Core Structures
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: The temple’s iconic structure, built in 1420, features a triple-eaved blue glazed tile roof. Its 28 nanmu pillars symbolize the 28 constellations.
Imperial Vault of Heaven: A single-eaved circular building with a blue tiled golden roof, housing the "Emperor of Heaven" tablet. Its surrounding Echo Wall is a global architectural acoustic marvel.
Circular Mound Altar: A three-tiered white marble platform with green ailanthus stone paving and a central circular marble (Heavenly Heart Stone), where emperors performed heaven worship ceremonies.
Architectural Art Features
- Symbolism: Circular shapes represent heaven, square shapes represent earth; blue glazed tiles symbolize the sky.
- Acoustic Design: Echo Wall (clear sound transmission), Three-Sound Stone (three echoes from one clap), Heavenly Heart Stone (sound amplification).
- Numerical Symbolism: Extensive use of 9 and its multiples (e.g., 81 fan-shaped stones) and 28 (constellations).
- Color Art: Predominantly blue, red, and white, symbolizing sky, sun, and moon.
Exploring the Acoustic Marvels
At the Echo Wall in front of the Imperial Vault of Heaven, my friend and I conducted a fun experiment. Standing by the west annex hall’s wall, I whispered "hello," and my friend at the east annex hall heard me clearly, as if I were speaking right beside him. Even more astonishing, clapping on the Three-Sound Stone in the pathway produced three distinct echoes. The guide explained this was due to sound waves reflecting off the circular wall—a 600-year-old architectural feat that left me in awe!
Travel Guide
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Peak Season (Apr 1–Oct 31): 6:00–21:00 (ticket sales stop at 20:00) Off-Season (Nov 1–Mar 31): 6:30–21:00 (ticket sales stop at 20:00) |
| Ticket Prices | Peak Season Combined Ticket: 34 CNY (entry 15 CNY + inner sites 20 CNY) Off-Season Combined Ticket: 28 CNY (entry 10 CNY + inner sites 18 CNY) Entry Only: 10–15 CNY |
| Best Seasons | Spring (Apr–May): Lush greenery, lilac blooms Autumn (Sep–Oct): Pleasant weather, golden ginkgo trees Winter Snow: Stunning snowy vistas |
Transport Tip: Take Metro Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station or Line 8 to Tianqiao Station (near West Gate).
Ticket Tip: Book in advance via the "Beijing Park" WeChat account or platforms like Ctrip or Meituan to avoid queues.
Visiting Tip: Purchase the combined ticket to access core areas like the Hall of Prayer, Echo Wall, and Circular Mound Altar.
Recommended Routes
- Essential Route (2 hours): East Gate → Seven-Star Stones → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Danbi Bridge → Imperial Vault of Heaven (Echo Wall) → Circular Mound Altar → South Gate
- In-Depth Route (4 hours): North Gate → Hall of Imperial Heaven → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Double-Ring Pavilion → Fasting Palace → Danbi Bridge → Imperial Vault of Heaven → Circular Mound Altar → Divine Music Administration → West Gate
- Morning Photography Route: North Gate → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (sunrise) → Imperial Vault of Heaven → Circular Mound Altar → Ancient Cypress Grove (morning exercise scenes) → Seven-Star Stones → East Gate
Crowd-Avoidance Tips
As a frequent visitor to the Temple of Heaven, I’ve found the best times are 7:00–9:00 AM or after 4:00 PM to avoid tour groups. Upon entering, most head straight to the Hall of Prayer, so start with the quieter Fasting Palace and Divine Music Administration on the west side. Return to the core areas during lunch hours when tour groups are dining. Weekday mornings in winter are the least crowded, perfect for capturing an empty Hall of Prayer panorama.
Travel Experience and Photography
Snowy Hall of Prayer
Temple of Heaven Night View
Morning Exercise in Cypress Grove
Unique Experiences
- Echo Wall Interaction: Experience the 600-year-old acoustic marvel.
- Zhonghe Shaoyue Music: Hear ancient sacrificial music performed at the Divine Music Administration.
- Morning Exercise Activities: Join locals for tai chi or calligraphy in the morning.
- Ancient Trees: Admire cypress trees over 400 years old.
- Night Tours: Enjoy light shows during specific festivals.
Photography Tips
Best Photo Spots:
- Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests Front: Captures the grandeur of the triple-eaved roof.
- Imperial Vault West Annex: Red walls contrast with the circular building.
- Danbi Bridge West Side: The bridge leads the eye to the Imperial Vault.
- Ancient Cypress Grove: Use trees as foreground frames.
- North Animal Sacrifice Pavilion: Capture the Hall of Prayer’s reflection in water.
Snowy Hall of Prayer’s Majesty
Last year during the first snowfall, I arrived at the North Gate at 7 AM. The snow had blanketed the grounds, and only a few morning exercisers were practicing tai chi. The Hall of Prayer’s triple blue roof, white marble base, and red pillars stood out vividly against the snow—a breathtakingly solemn scene. The park was nearly empty, allowing me to capture my dream shot of a "solitary Hall of Prayer."
Tips and Notes
Entry Guidelines
- Bring valid ID (passport, ID card, etc.).
- No flammable items (including lighters).
- Maintain quietness; no loud noises inside buildings.
- Do not climb cultural structures.
- Do not carve or write on ancient buildings.
Safety and Environmental Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for the large park.
- Bring sunscreen in summer and warm clothing in winter.
- Protect ancient trees; do not touch or climb.
- Dispose of trash in designated bins.
Guide Tip: Rent an audio guide (20 CNY) at the entrance or hire an official guide (100–200 CNY/hour).
Restroom Locations: West of Hall of Prayer, west of Danbi Bridge, north of Imperial Vault, west of Circular Mound Altar.
Emergency Contact: Temple of Heaven Park Management: 010-67028866.
Lessons Learned
My first visit taught me several lessons: 1) I bought only the entry ticket and couldn’t access the Hall of Prayer, requiring a re-queue for the combined ticket; 2) Wearing heels for three hours left blisters; 3) Visiting at noon meant facing peak tour group crowds. Now, I always buy the combined ticket, wear comfortable shoes, and arrive at 7 AM to avoid crowds. In winter, be cautious of icy marble steps—hold the railings!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, real-name reservations are required. Book 1–7 days in advance via the "Beijing Park" WeChat account, Temple of Heaven website, or platforms like Ctrip or Meituan. Book early for holidays.
Mornings (7:00–9:00) have the fewest visitors, especially on weekdays. Winter weekdays are also quieter. Avoid May Day, National Day, and summer holidays.
Echo Wall: Two people stand at the east and west annex hall walls, face the wall, and whisper to hear each other clearly.
Three-Sound Stone: Clap on the third stone slab in the pathway before the Imperial Vault to hear three echoes.
Restaurants include Temple of Heaven Banquet (former imperial kitchen), Temple of Heaven Eatery, and Temple of Heaven Dessert Shop (Hall of Prayer-shaped ice cream). You may bring food and water.
1) Enter via East or North Gate, closest to main sites.
2) Wheelchairs available (400 CNY deposit, free rental).
3) Electric carts available (30 CNY/person).
4) Plan a relaxed itinerary with breaks.
Local Cuisine
Beijing Roast Duck
Hotpot Mutton
Imperial Pea Flour Cake
Park Dining
- Temple of Heaven Banquet: Imperial-style decor, offering Beijing-style set meals.
- Temple of Heaven Eatery: Beijing snacks like pea flour cake, sticky rice rolls, and aiwowo.
- Hall of Prayer Ice Cream: 28 CNY, various flavors, perfect for photos.
Nearby Dining Recommendations
- Ciqikou Douzhi Shop: Near North Gate, authentic Beijing douzhi (fermented bean drink) with fried dough rings.
- Yinsan Douzhi: 10-minute walk from West Gate, traditional Beijing breakfast.
- Nanmen Hotpot: Opposite South Gate, popular traditional copper hotpot.
- Old Beijing Zhajiang Noodles (Temple of Heaven Branch): Near East Gate, try the "full topping" zhajiang noodles.
A Culinary Journey at the Temple
After touring, the Temple of Heaven Banquet was a highlight. We ordered the "Four Cold, Four Hot" set meal, featuring delicate imperial pastries and small dishes. Servers in traditional attire explained each dish’s history—the crispy roast duck and exquisite "Four Happiness" dishes were delightful. The pea flour cake was smooth and sweet, supposedly identical to Empress Dowager Cixi’s recipe. At the dessert shop, I got a Hall of Prayer-shaped ice cream; its rich matcha flavor and intricate design made it hard to eat!
Accommodation Recommendations
| Type | Hotel Name | Location | Price Reference | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Hotel | Beijing New World Hotel | 500m from East Gate | ¥900+ | Five-star, Temple of Heaven view rooms |
| Boutique Luxury | Beijing Puxuan Hotel | 1.5km from North Gate | ¥2000+ | Stylish design, rooftop terrace |
| Comfort Four-Star | Beijing Dongfang Hotel | 800m from West Gate | ¥500+ | Historic building, Republican-era charm |
| Budget Chain | Home Inn (South Gate Branch) | Opposite South Gate | ¥300+ | Convenient, cost-effective |
| Unique Guesthouse | Hutong No. 3 Courtyard | North side hutong | ¥400+ | Siheyuan, authentic Beijing experience |
Best Area: Hotels near East or North Gate are most convenient, with access to multiple metro lines.
Booking Tip: Book 2–3 weeks in advance for peak season (Apr–Oct) and holidays, especially for hotels near the temple.
Recommended Itineraries
Half-Day Essential Tour
East Gate → Seven-Star Stones → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Imperial Vault of Heaven → Circular Mound Altar → South Gate
(~3 hours, ideal for time-limited visitors)
One-Day Cultural Tour
Morning: Temple of Heaven (Hall of Prayer, Imperial Vault, Circular Mound Altar)
Afternoon: Qianmen Street (lunch) → Capital Museum → Dinner (roast duck)
(8:30–17:30, plan time carefully)
Two-Day Beijing Highlights
Day 1: Flag Raising → Chairman Mao Memorial Hall → Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City → Jingshan Park → Wangfujing dinner
Day 2: Temple of Heaven → Qianmen Street lunch → Tianqiao Arts Center → Museum of Natural History → Dinner (Beijing hotpot)
Three-Day In-Depth Cultural Tour
Day 1: Temple of Heaven → Museum of Natural History → Liulichang Cultural Street
Day 2: Forbidden City → Jingshan Park → Nanluoguxiang → Shichahai
Day 3: Badaling Great Wall → Ming Tombs
Temple of Heaven Half-Day Tour
Temple of Heaven + Qianmen One-Day Tour
Beijing Three-Day Cultural Tour
My Recommended Itinerary
For first-time Beijing visitors, I recommend the "Temple of Heaven + Qianmen" one-day tour: Arrive at East Gate by 9 AM for a 3-hour in-depth visit to the Hall of Prayer, Echo Wall, and Circular Mound Altar. Exit via South Gate for lunch at Qianmen Street’s Quanjude for authentic Beijing roast duck. In the afternoon, explore Qianmen’s traditional shops and visit the Beijing Traditional Architecture Museum. End the day atop Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower for a view of Beijing’s central axis. For those with more time, Day 1 can cover the Forbidden City, Jingshan, and Beihai Park for a royal route, Day 2 for Temple of Heaven, Qianmen, and Tianqiao for culture, and Day 3 for the Summer Palace or Great Wall.