Temple of Heaven: An Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing

The Temple of Heaven (天坛; Tián Tán) is a must-visit historical site located in the Dongcheng district of Beijing, China. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an iconic representation of traditional Chinese architecture and offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese religion and astronomy.

History

Construction of the Temple of Heaven began in 1420 during the reign of Emperor Yongle (Yongle 永樂) and was completed by his successor, Emperor Xuande (Xuande 宣德) in 1426. It served as a place where the emperor would conduct annual rituals to pray for a good harvest. The complex underwent several renovations over the centuries, with the most significant restoration taking place during the Qing Dynasty in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Architecture

The Temple of Heaven covers an area of approximately 2.73 square kilometers (1.05 sq mi) and includes three main complexes: the Altar of Heaven (天坛; Tián Tán), the Imperial Vault of Heaven (皇積 Palace; Hóngqì Gōng), and the Temple of Earth (地壇; Dì Pàn).

Altar of Heaven

The Altar of Heaven is the largest and most ornate structure within the complex. It consists of three main halls connected by ramps: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿; Qí Nián Diàn), the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar (圀台; Yǐ Tái).

• Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: This is the most prominent building in the complex, with a unique double eave design. The roof ridge is 38 meters (125 ft) high and covered in blue glazed tiles adorned with intricate patterns. Inside, there are three large wooden altars where the emperor would offer sacrifices to Heaven.
• Imperial Vault of Heaven: This octagonal structure is smaller than the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and serves as a connecting point between the two buildings. The vault has a complex geometric design with multiple eaves, ramps, and bridges.
• Circular Mound Altar: The circular mound altar is located at the center of the Temple of Heaven. It is surrounded by a tall stone wall and serves as the focal point for the rituals performed during the winter solstice.

Imperial Vault of Heaven

The Imperial Vault of Heaven (皇積 Palace; Hóngqì Gōng) is located northwest of the Altar of Heaven and was used to store sacred objects and instruments used in the rituals at the Temple of Heaven. The building features a unique cylindrical design, with a tapering spiral staircase that spirals upwards for 36 turns.

Temple of Earth

The Temple of Earth (地壇; Dì Pàn) is located southeast of the Altar of Heaven and serves as a counterpart to the Altar of Heaven. It was used for agricultural rituals, such as praying for good weather conditions during planting and harvest seasons. The Temple of Earth complex includes three main buildings: the Terrace of Heavenly Purity (天廳; Tiān Xīng), the Imperial Ancestral Temple (承德宮; Chéngdè Gōng), and the Temple of Underworld (地府; Dì Fǔ).

Visiting Tips

• The Temple of Heaven is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free, but there may be additional charges for some attractions or performances within the complex.
• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved in exploring the entire complex.
• The Temple of Heaven can get quite crowded during peak tourist seasons, so try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
• Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting the temple. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not recommended.
• There are food vendors and restaurants around the Temple of Heaven, but it’s also a good idea to bring snacks and water for your visit.
• Guided tours can be arranged through various travel agencies or independently. Consider hiring a local guide if you want to gain a deeper understanding of the temple’s history and significance.