World Cultural Heritage – Temple of Heaven Park

Temple of Heaven Park
Opening Hours: 06:00-22:00 (Last entry at 21:00)
Address: No. 1, Tiantan Eastli Jia, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Rating: 4.7
Recommended Reasons: A World Cultural Heritage site and a national 5A-level scenic spot, it was the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped heaven and prayed for good harvests. It is famous for its architectural layout symbolizing "round heaven and square earth" and its exquisite acoustic design. The core buildings such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Circular Mound Altar, and Echo Wall integrate ancient Chinese philosophy, mathematics, and acoustic wisdom. The 273-hectare park also preserves large areas of ancient cypress forest, perfectly combining historical culture with natural scenery.

Travel Guide
Itinerary
Main Title: In-depth Travel Guide to Temple of Heaven Park
Subtitle: Exploring the Royal Sacrificial Complex (Approx. 3-4 hours)
Attractions
Seven Star Stones: Seven giant stones placed during the Ming Jiajing period (with the addition of the Small Big Dipper in the Qing dynasty). The cracks on the blue-white stone surface show the passage of time, symbolizing the Big Dipper. It is the first stop when entering from the East Gate and can be touched for blessings.
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: The iconic building of the Temple of Heaven, with a three-tiered blue glazed tile pointed roof. Inside, 28 nanmu wood pillars symbolize the celestial bodies and the four seasons. It was the place where the emperor prayed for a good harvest in spring, with architectural details hiding astronomical mysteries.
Imperial Vault of Heaven and Echo Wall: The Imperial Vault of Heaven houses the tablets for heaven worship. The surrounding Echo Wall uses acoustic principles, allowing two people standing 60 meters apart along the wall to hear each other clearly, experiencing an ancient "acoustic miracle."
Circular Mound Altar: A circular stone platform used for winter solstice heaven worship. Standing on the central "Heavenly Heart Stone" and speaking produces a surround sound effect. The number of steps and railings are multiples of nine, reflecting the concept of "heavenly numbers."
Fasting Palace: The residence where the emperor fasted before sacrifices, featuring a blue-tiled hip roof with gilded dragon carvings. Some areas now serve as a museum displaying sacrificial historical artifacts.
Ancient Cypress Forest and Hundred Flowers Garden: The park contains Beijing’s most complete ancient tree group, especially famous for millennium-old cypress trees. The Hundred Flowers Garden and Rose Garden bloom abundantly year-round, making them great spots for leisure and flower viewing.

Notes
Ticket Advice: Purchase a combined ticket (including Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, Circular Mound Altar). Separate attractions require ticket verification.
Transportation Tips: Take Subway Line 5 to "Tiantan East Gate Station" or Line 8 to "Qiao Station." It is recommended to enter from the East or North Gate and follow the route "Seven Star Stones → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Echo Wall → Circular Mound Altar → Fasting Palace → Hundred Flowers Garden" to avoid backtracking.
Photo Tips: Take photos of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests after 16:00 when the sunset casts a soft glow on the blue tiles. Wearing traditional Hanfu with the ancient architecture as a backdrop creates a strong atmosphere.
Hidden Activities: Look for the "inverted lintel" carved details in the long corridor, adopt an ancient tree in the Hundred Flowers Garden (such as the 430-year-old Chinese scholar tree); at the West Gate exit, try the "Temple of Heaven Time" ice cream shaped like the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Mango Pomelo Sago flavor recommended).
Cultural Tips: Respect historical buildings during your visit; do not climb or touch artifacts. To experience the acoustic effect of the Echo Wall, stand sideways close to the wall (some areas have railings).

Core Highlights
Architectural Aesthetics: The "round heaven" of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests corresponds to the "square earth" of the Altar of Earth, and the geometric layout and numerical symbolism (such as multiples of nine) of the Circular Mound Altar reflect ancient cosmology.
Acoustic Miracles: The acoustic designs of the Echo Wall, Three-Sound Stones, and the Heavenly Heart Stone of the Circular Mound Altar represent a perfect combination of ancient Chinese architectural technology and science.
Nature and Culture: The large ancient cypress forest creates a tranquil atmosphere. The ginkgo trees in autumn and flowers in spring complement the ancient architecture, offering both a sense of historical depth and a relaxing experience.