Tours and holidays with added interest
Temple of Heaven
- Name in Chinese characters: 天坛
- Name in Pinyin: Tiāntán
The Temple of Heaven is one of a group of four Daoist temples in Beijing dating back to the early days of the Ming Dynasty; the other three being temples for the Earth, Sun and Moon.
Since each Emperor was considered to be the 'Son of Heaven' this temple was considered the correct place for the Emperor to communicate with Heaven and request special favours for the population; the main ritual being prayers for a good harvest. It was believed that the Emperor needed to be in a pure state to prepare for this ritual and therefore abstained from meat and other earthly pleasures for days before the main event. His performance also had to be perfect, with every stumble considered an indication of disfavour to follow.
The Temple of Heaven was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1998.
Attractions For Visitors
There are separate tickets for different parts of the temple complex. Most visitors will want the through ticket that allows access to all areas. The price varies slightly with season. All prices are clearly indicated in English at the ticket offices.
Most visitors start at the south gate and work their way north, exiting at the east gate. Following this route the main sites, in order, are:
The Circular Mound Altar: these three layers of white marble with auspicious numbers of steps, stones, rings and other details mark the spot where the Emperor would perform sacrifices on the winter solstice. The centre of this platform was considered the Heart of Heaven;
The Imperial Vault Of Heaven: This single-gabled circular building was used to store memorial tablets to the heavenly deities. The building is surrounded by a circular wall that has become popular because of its supposed property of magnifying and reflecting sound. If ever there was a quiet time here it might be possible to test the truth of this assertion but, since everyone else is doing the same, it is actually hard to make out any one sound;
The Palace Of Abstinence: as noted above, the Emperor was expected to abstain from certain pleasures before performing rituals. By moving into this palace he was able to demonstrate that he was indeed following the proper steps. Not all Emperors cared for such restraint;
Vermilion Steps Bridge: this long raised platform served as the main thoroughfare for processions. The Emperor was expected to change robes along the way and then pass through the magnificent gates for the final rituals in the hall described below. The first view of this through those gates is remarkable; and
The Hall Of Prayer For Good Harvests: this structure is one of the most perfect ever made, anywhere. Its proportions are outstanding and the fact that it is constructed without a single nail is only a matter for purists. Reaching this point signifies the end of most visits, and the east gate is easily found to the right.
The actual site, the one for which you need an entrance ticket, is surrounded by grounds that were once part of the temple complex but which are now a public park. This holds its own interest being a very popular place for local residents to gather and indulge in their favourite pastimes; kite-flying, mahjong and tai'chi are just some of the activities you are likely to see as you wander around.
-
-
Please rate this option
Please rate our write-up.
Was this interesting?
-
Get Recommendations
- Now showing:
- Something A Bit Different
- Brave New China
This country is much more than its enormous past. There is a new China emerging and it is exciting. Join us and be amongst the first to look into the future.From £ 1,990 - Minority Rapport
Guizhou Province has always been remote. It is now becoming easier to travel there so be amongst the first to discover the rich cultural legacy of this isolation before it too moves into the modern world.From £ 1,895 - East Coast Explorer
Hop down the coast from Shanghai to Guangzhou stopping off at the many sites of interest en-routeFrom £ 2,250 - China In Bloom
This journey includes visits to many delightful gardens as well as other, more regular sites. We include some expert talks where appropriate.From £ 1,950
- Browse our complete range of tours
24/7 Sales Support:
UK +44 (0)844 567 0953
USA +1-877-526-3979
Top Routes
- Silk Roads: The way west, through Central Asia and as far as Rome
- Yangtse Three Gorges: Cruise in comfort through spectacular mountain scenery
- In Their Footsteps: Travel ideas from the world of literature
- Long March: The tactical withdrawal of Communist forces to the north
More
key routes
Top Sites
- Forbidden City: Home of Emperors throughout the Ming & Qing Dynasties
- Great Wall Of China: Symbolic barrier between the Chinese and the north
- Terracotta Warriors: The underground army protecting the First Emperor's tomb
- Panda Centre: Breeding and research in Chengdu. Ideal for visitors
More
sites
Top Events
- National Day: A 7-day public holiday to mark the founding of the PRC
- Dragon Boat Festival: Tradional boat races in memory of a drowned poet
- Kashgar Sunday Market: Reputed to be the biggest livestock market in Central Asia
- Mid Autumn Festival: A family celebration in appreciation of the glorious moon
More
events
© Copyright China Journeys Limited
Registered in England and Wales No. 07014791
Registered Office: 2nd Floor, Newby House, 309 Chase Road, London, N14 6JS
24/7 Sales support telephone: +44 (0)844 567 0953
Your Financial Protection
The air holiday packages and flights shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 10236. Please see our booking conditions for more information.
ATOL Protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.
Current Comments
6 comments so far (post your own)Oliver
There are many reasons for visiting museums. It could even be the Chinese museums driving up prices as they attempt to repatriate items
Posted by China Journeys on Thu 3 May, 2012
Prices of Chinese antiques in the UK auction rooms are rising rapidly - there appears to be a general revival of interest in Chinese history.A good museum tends to put this in perspective.
Posted by OliverBD on Thu 3 May, 2012
Hi Johnston
Much would depend upon your approach but if you took a kite along it is likely that others would soon show an interest. With the ice broken you don't know what fun you could have, especially as most Chinese adore children.
Posted by China Journeys on Sat 24 Mar, 2012
The site area is said to be much larger than the Forbidden City. My two young children would enjoy seeing the kite-flying and other activities - would it be possible to participate?
Posted by Johnston on Sat 24 Mar, 2012
Hi Eve
You could manage all by visiting the Summer Palace after Tiananmen square and the Forbidden City on your second day. That depends though - we recognise you may have plans to visit Chairman Mao's Mausoleum or the National Museum in the square, and then that day would already be pretty full.
If you stick with your plans and have to choose then the Temple of Heaven would be our preferred option. It is closer to the city centre, and so more convenient for you to reach by public transport, and is also easier to wander by yourself without a guide. The main route is a straight line.
We would recommend you try and slot in one or two lesser-known sites just so that you see another side of Beijing. You may want to think about somewhere such as the Ancient Observatory or Yonghe Gong Lama Monastery.
Posted by China Journeys on Sun 12 Feb, 2012
I only have two and a half days in Beijing. I have already decided on one day at the Great Wall and another in Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Which is better for the last half day. The Summer Palace or the Temple of Heaven?
Posted by Eve on Sun 12 Feb, 2012