In the heart of Beijing, the capital of China, there is another World Heritage Site besides the Forbidden City. That is the "Temple of Heaven: the Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing." As a place where ancient Chinese emperors once offered prayers to Heaven, the Temple of Heaven offers a deeply historical sightseeing experience and is a must-visit attraction in Beijing.
The Temple of Heaven, an altar where Chinese emperors offered their wishes, is an undeniably powerful spiritual site and a popular tourist destination. Not only for its spiritual significance, but also for its magnificent architecture, many visitors are drawn here. This time, we will feature the fascinating World Heritage Site in Beijing, China—"The Temple of Heaven"!
Temple of Heaven: The imperial sacrificial altar in Beijing
The World Heritage Site in Beijing, "The Temple of Heaven: the Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing," is a site of long-standing history, said to have been built in 1420 by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty. Originally known as the Temple of Heaven and Earth, it was a place for offering prayers to both Heaven and Earth. However, it was later divided into the Temple of Heaven and the Temple of Earth, with the current Temple of Heaven being a site dedicated exclusively to Heaven.
This special reverence toward Heaven stems from long-held Chinese beliefs. In traditional Chinese thought, Heaven was considered to govern all things and was an object of worship. Thus, prayers were offered to it. As Heaven was believed to control the weather, the Temple of Heaven was used for rites praying for good harvests.
The Temple of Heaven mainly consists of the “Circular Mound Altar,” the “Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests,” and the “Imperial Vault of Heaven,” each playing a vital role in ceremonial rites.
Name: Temple of Heaven: The Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing
Address: No. 7, Tiantan East Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Official/related site URL: http://www.cnta-osaka.jp/heritage/imperial-sacrificial-altar-in-beijing
Access to the Temple of Heaven: The imperial sacrificial altar in Beijing
To get to the World Heritage Site “Temple of Heaven: the Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing,” start by taking the subway from Beijing Capital International Airport. The Airport Express Line has stations at Terminals 2 and 3. Enter central Beijing and transfer at “Dongzhimen” Station to Line 2. Then transfer again at “Chongwenmen” to Line 5 and get off at “Tiantandongmen” (Temple of Heaven East Gate).
From Exit A2 of the “Tiantandongmen” Station, it’s about a one-minute walk to the Temple of Heaven Park, where the site is located.
Recommended Highlight ①: Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
If you visit the World Heritage Site “Temple of Heaven” in Beijing, you absolutely must see the “Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests”! This is the central structure of the Temple of Heaven and captivates visitors not only as a Beijing landmark, but as a symbolic architectural masterpiece of all China.
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests was a sacred place where prayers for bountiful harvests were offered. Its charm lies in its stunning architectural beauty! The three-tiered circular roof stands out as a unique feature, and the beautifully mystical blue-glazed tiles give it a striking appearance.
At the center are four pillars called “Dragon Well Pillars,” representing the four seasons. Surrounding them are twelve pillars symbolizing the twelve months. This shows a deep relationship between Heaven and the calendar, and the hall’s structure itself reflects the concept of “a place for praying for the peace of the year.” When visiting this popular spot in the Temple of Heaven, be sure to observe these details closely!
Recommended Highlight ②: Circular Mound Altar
The “Circular Mound Altar” is one of the most important sites within the Temple of Heaven. This is where the emperor would offer prayers to Heaven and conduct ceremonies to worship it.
The Circular Mound Altar is made of three-tiered circular platforms of white marble and has no roof, to hear the voice of Heaven. Thinking that ancient emperors once heard the voice of Heaven here evokes a romantic sense of awe. As such a sacred place, it is hard not to feel some kind of power here. Knowing the historical and philosophical background of China beforehand will make your visit to this World Heritage Site even more memorable.
Recommended Highlight ③: Imperial Vault of Heaven
The Imperial Vault of Heaven at the Temple of Heaven is where the ancestral tablets used in the Circular Mound Altar rituals were stored. Of course, the Imperial Vault of Heaven is a mystical location, but what’s especially noteworthy is the circular wall surrounding it. Inside this wall, even the smallest voice echoes and can be heard from the opposite side. It may be hard to notice when there are many tourists, but be sure to try it out when it’s quiet.
You might have a one-of-a-kind experience unique to the Temple of Heaven—a World Heritage Site that connects you to Heaven.
◎ Summary
We’ve introduced some recommended highlights of the World Heritage Site “Temple of Heaven: the Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing”! As it was once a sacred place where emperors offered prayers, commoners were once forbidden to enter. But today, tourists can also pray there and get a glimpse of what it felt like to be an emperor. Additionally, Temple of Heaven Park offers many more attractions beyond those featured here. Explore according to the time you have for sightseeing.
Thinking about how so many emperors once prayed here for the peace of the nation, you feel as though prayers have accumulated over time. Touching even a small piece of China's vast history makes your journey through its World Heritage Sites even more enriching.