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Completed in 1420 during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty, the Temple of Heaven was expanded and renovated during the Jiajing and Qianlong reigns of the Qing Dynasty. Its magnificent architecture and solemn and awe-inspiring setting create a truly magnificent and awe-inspiring building. The Temple of Heaven embodies the architectural techniques of the Ming and Qing dynasties and is a treasured ancient Chinese architectural gem.
It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. It is the largest extant ancient architectural complex for offering sacrifices to heaven, and was the site for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for good harvests. The altar is circular in the north and square in the south, symbolizing the "round sky and square earth."
Best season to visit:
The Temple of Heaven has different scenery in each season
Spring is like a painting carefully crafted by nature, and the Temple of Heaven is like a sea of flowers, which complement the ancient buildings and outline the splendor of spring.
The Temple of Heaven is a cool oasis in summer. The trees in the park are lush and leafy, and the layers of branches and leaves are intertwined together to form patches of dense green shade, which shields you from the scorching sun and brings you a touch of coolness.
In autumn, the trees in the park are dressed in colorful autumn clothes, with golden and fiery red interwoven, allowing you to stroll leisurely and enjoy the fun of the trip.
During winter, a snowfall transforms the Temple of Heaven into a dreamlike world of ice and snow. The pure white flakes drift down, creating a solemn and majestic scene against the backdrop of the red walls and white snow, creating a uniquely tranquil and profound charm.
Recommended tours:
There are three main tour routes to the Temple of Heaven:
Quick tour highlights: Enter through the East Gate - Seven Star Stone - Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests - Danbi Bridge - Imperial Vault of Heaven - Echo Wall - Circular Mound Altar - Exit through the South Gate
In-depth experience: Enter through the East Gate - Slaughterhouse Pavilion - God's Kitchen - Seven-Star Stone - Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests - Danbi Bridge - Imperial Vault of Heaven - Echo Wall - Circular Mound Altar - Shenle Office - Zhai Palace - Exit through the South Gate
Leisure Tour: Enter through the North Gate - Double Ring Longevity Pavilion - Hundred Flower Pavilion - Fangsheng Pavilion - Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests - Danbi Bridge - Imperial Vault of Heaven - Echo Wall - Circular Mound Altar - Zhai Palace - Shenle Office - Exit through the West Gate
Recommended play time: half a day
Peak season (April 1st - October 31st)
Combined ticket: 34 yuan/person.
Ticket price: 15 yuan/.
Off-season (November 1st - March 31st of the following year)
Combined ticket: 28 yuan/person, also includes the entrance fee to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, Circular Mound and other scenic spots.
Ticket price: 10 yuan/person, only valid for entering the Temple of Heaven Park.
Peak season (April 1st - October 31st):
Ticket sales and admissions will begin at 8:00.
Ticket sales stop at 17:30.
Attractions close at 18:00.
Low season (November 1st - March 31st of the following year):
Ticket sales and opening for visitors start at 8:30
16:30 Ticket sales stop,
17:00 Attractions closed.
The Temple of Heaven was built in the 15th century during the Ming Dynasty and was used by emperors to offer sacrifices to the heavens for good harvests. It is a masterpiece of architecture, symbolizing the connection between earth and heaven. The site holds cultural and spiritual importance, representing a place of imperial ritual and cosmic harmony. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Beijing's most iconic landmarks.
The Temple of Heaven is located in the southeastern part of Beijing, in Chongwen District. You can reach it by taking the Beijing Subway Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station (Temple of Heaven East Gate). Buses and taxis are also available for direct access to the park's gates.
The Temple of Heaven is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is early morning when the park is less crowded, and you can observe local people practicing Tai Chi and other traditional activities. The park is also lovely to visit during spring or autumn when the weather is more comfortable.
The general entrance fee for the Temple of Heaven is around 15 RMB. For access to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and other specific buildings, the fee may increase to about 34 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through the official website or through major travel platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory for individual visitors. However, during peak tourist seasons (such as Chinese New Year or National Day), it is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. Booking a few days in advance is typically sufficient.
To fully explore the Temple of Heaven and its surroundings, you should allocate 2-3 hours. This allows enough time to visit the main buildings, walk around the park, and enjoy the scenic views.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and English. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Japanese, and others, and can be rented at the entrance.
The best photography spots are around the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, particularly during sunrise or sunset when the light is softer. The surrounding park, with its large trees and traditional Chinese architecture, also offers great photo opportunities. The Echo Wall provides an interesting angle for photos due to its acoustic features.
Start by entering the East Gate, then walk to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. From there, head towards the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar. Afterward, stroll through the surrounding park to enjoy the landscape and the Echo Wall. Finish your visit by exploring the various pavilions and the stunning gardens around the complex.
The Temple of Heaven does not typically offer night visits, but it is beautifully lit in the evening, making it a great spot for evening photography. There are no light shows, but the park itself is often used for cultural performances and events during the daytime.
The Temple of Heaven is generally busy, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning on weekdays. Visiting during the off-peak seasons, such as winter, can also offer a quieter experience.
There are public toilets throughout the park. You can find food and beverage stands offering snacks and drinks inside the park. There are also rest areas and several souvenir shops where visitors can purchase memorabilia from their visit.
The Temple of Heaven is accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with paved paths and ramps for easy mobility. Children can enjoy the park's open spaces and the many cultural activities happening in the area. The park offers a safe environment for families and groups of all ages.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted at the Temple of Heaven. Credit cards are also accepted at most ticket counters and stores. It is still a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or for areas that might not accept mobile payments.
Inside the park, you’ll find food stalls offering traditional snacks, drinks, and light meals. For a wider variety, there are several restaurants located near the Temple of Heaven, offering both Chinese and international cuisines.
There are vegetarian and vegan food options available at the restaurants around the park, and many offer traditional Chinese vegetarian dishes. Halal options may be more limited but can be found in certain nearby restaurants specializing in halal cuisine.
There are souvenir shops within the park selling traditional Chinese goods such as silk products, tea sets, and handicrafts. Many visitors buy small statues, postcards, and Temple of Heaven-themed items as keepsakes.
