The Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a masterpiece of Chinese ritual architecture, a serene complex of temples, altars and halls set within a vast park in Beijing, where the emperors, as Sons of Heaven, came each year to pray for good harvests. Its crowning glory is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a beautiful triple-eaved circular tower of deep blue tiles built entirely without nails, a UNESCO icon set among ancient cypress groves.

History

The temple complex was first built in 1420 under the Yongle Emperor, who also built the Forbidden City, and was later enlarged and rebuilt under the Jiajing and Qianlong emperors: in 1534 the former Altar of Heaven and Earth was renamed the Temple of Heaven, and the present layout was largely in place by 1749. Anglo-French forces occupied it during the Second Opium War, and in 1900 the Eight-Nation Alliance made it their temporary command in Peking for a year; after the fall of the Qing it was left unmanaged and several halls collapsed. In 1918 it was turned into a park and opened to the public for the first time, and in 1998 it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site (Wikipedia, Temple of Heaven).

What's there

• The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests - the beautiful blue-tiled circular tower.
• The Circular Mound Altar - the marble altar of heaven.
• The Echo Wall - the curved wall that carries whispers.
• The park life - the locals practising tai chi, dance and music.

When to go

Spring and autumn for the mildest weather; go early in the morning, when the surrounding park comes alive with locals practising tai chi, dancing, singing and playing games, a delightful and authentic scene.

Before you go

The park is a highlight in itself, especially early morning when Beijingers gather to exercise and socialise, so come for the atmosphere as much as the monuments. The temple buildings are viewed from outside rather than entered fully. It is calmer and greener than the Forbidden City, a pleasant contrast.

Nearby

The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the hutongs are elsewhere in Beijing.

Key facts