China · Xicheng District, Beijing

Imperial Ancestral Temple
1. Historical Background and Location
The Imperial Ancestral Temple in Beijing was first built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, nearly 500 years ago. It is located on Fuchengmen Inner Street in Xicheng District. Along with the Imperial Ancestral Temple (Taimiao) and the Confucian Temple, it is considered one of the three major imperial temples of Ming and Qing Beijing.

2. Enshrined Emperors
The Imperial Ancestral Temple enshrines 188 emperors from ancient China, ranging from the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors to the Ming Dynasty. These emperors were all considered to have made significant contributions to society. Over the centuries, China has seen four to five hundred emperors, and the selection criteria for enshrinement have changed several times, reflecting the different historical perspectives, views on ethnicity, and ruling philosophies of the Ming and Qing emperors.

3. Architectural Features
The main structures of the Imperial Ancestral Temple are largely preserved from the Ming Dynasty. The main hall, the Jingde Chongsheng Hall, is nine bays wide and five bays deep, covered with yellow glazed tiles and decorated with golden dragons and xie-style painting, representing the highest level of ancient architecture. In addition, the temple features a 32-meter-long red screen wall, a dismounting stele, and other ancient structures, all imbued with a rich historical and cultural heritage.

4. Sacrificial Activities
From the eleventh year of the Jiajing reign in the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty, a span of 380 years, a total of 662 sacrificial ceremonies were held in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, demonstrating the importance the imperial court placed on this site.

5. Transportation
The Imperial Ancestral Temple is located near the Baitasi East Station in Xicheng District, Beijing. It is easily accessible by various public transportation options, including Subway Line 2, and bus routes 3, 103, 42, and many others. The Imperial Ancestral Temple, with its rich history and cultural significance, is well worth a visit.

6. Recommended Reasons to Visit
Beijing's winter jasmine is already in bloom, and magnolias are soon to follow. With February orchids, cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, crabapple blossoms, pear blossoms, tulips, and more, Beijing will soon be transformed into a sea of flowers, making it the most beautiful time of year to visit. Beijing boasts a large number of famous ancient buildings, including many temples. For those who appreciate ancient architecture, mid-spring is an ideal time to visit Beijing to enjoy the flowers and explore the historical sites.

Post by cloying_brianna | Mar 8, 2025