Tourism GuideTemple of Heaven
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings in China where emperors prayed for good harvests
Key Information
UNESCO World Heritage Site
1998
Construction Period
1406-1420
Architectural Style
Ming Dynasty Imperial Architecture
Total Area
273 hectares
Main Buildings
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests Imperial Vault of Heaven Circular Mound Altar
Best Time to Visit
April to October
Special Features
Acoustic Design Symbolic Architecture Feng Shui Principles
Cultural Significance
Ancient Chinese Cosmology Imperial Sacrificial Rituals
The Temple of Heaven is an imperial complex of religious buildings situated in southeastern Beijing constructed from 1406 to 1420 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. This magnificent architectural masterpiece served as the sacred place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvests. Covering an area of 273 hectares about four times larger than the Forbidden City the complex exemplifies the cosmological principles of ancient China with its circular and square shapes representing Heaven and Earth respectively. The entire complex is divided into two main parts the Inner Altar and Outer Altar with the main buildings including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar. The architectural design and layout reflect the ancient Chinese belief in the harmony between Heaven and Earth and the relationship between humans and the universe. The Temple of Heaven is renowned for its precise mathematical calculations acoustic properties and symbolic architecture that demonstrate the advanced scientific and philosophical understanding of ancient Chinese civilization.
Things to Do
- Visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests a magnificent triple-gabled circular building built without a single nail
- Walk along the Vermilion Steps Bridge a 360-meter long raised walkway connecting the main structures
- Experience the Echo Wall at the Imperial Vault of Heaven where whispers travel clearly along the circular wall
- Stand at the center of the Circular Mound Altar where your voice resonates powerfully due to acoustic design
- Observe local Beijing residents practicing tai chi qigong and traditional exercises in the morning
- Explore the Long Corridor where ancient musicians would prepare for ceremonies
- Visit the Seven Star Stones representing the seven peaks of Taishan Mountain
- Attend traditional music performances at the Divine Music Administration
- Photograph the intricate blue roof tiles representing Heaven
- Learn about ancient Chinese astronomy and cosmology through the architectural symbolism