1. General Introduction
   • The Temple of Heaven is a significant ancient site for emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties to worship Heaven and pray for a good harvest2. It is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture and a testament to the country's profound cultural heritage.
   • It was first built in 1420 and has a long history of over 600 years. In 1998, it was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO2
2. Location and Access
   • The Temple of Heaven is located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, east of the Yongdingmennei Street. It is accessible by various means of transportation. You can take the subway (such as Line 5), and there are also many bus routes that lead to the area.

      3、What to See

• • Prayer Hall for Good Harvests (Qiniandian): It is the main building in the northern part of the Temple of Heaven and a magnificent structure. The hall is built on a white marble platform and features a triple-eaved circular roof with blue glazed tiles, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth. Inside the hall, there are 28 huge pillars with profound symbolic meanings related to the Chinese traditional concept of time and the universe2.
  • Circular Mound Altar (Yuanqiu): Located in the southern part, it is a large circular platform made of stone. It is the place where the ancient emperors held the ceremony of worshipping Heaven. The design of the altar embodies the ancient Chinese concept of "heaven is round and the earth is square"24.
  • Imperial Vault of Heaven (Huangqiongyu): Adjacent to the Circular Mound Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven is known for its excellent acoustic effects, such as the Echo Wall and the Three Echo Stones. The dome-shaped structure is a wonder of ancient architecture4.
  • Danbi Bridge: It connects the Prayer Hall for Good Harvests in the north and the Circular Mound Altar in the south. The bridge is 360 meters long and is lined with ancient cypress trees on both sides, creating a solemn and beautiful scenery2.
  • Altar for Abstinence (Zhaigong): It is a place where the emperor fasted and prepared for the sacrificial ceremony. The architecture is simple yet elegant, showing the solemnity of the sacrificial activities.

     4、Tips for Visiting

• • Time Management: It is advisable to allocate at least half a day to visit the Temple of Heaven to fully appreciate its grandeur. You can start from the southern part (Circular Mound Altar) and then move to the northern part (Prayer Hall for Good Harvests).
  • Guided Tours: You can choose to hire a professional guide or use an audio guide to better understand the historical and cultural background of each building. This will enhance your visit experience.
  • Weather Preparation: Check the weather forecast before your visit and bring appropriate clothing and sun protection or rain gear as needed.
  • Respect for Cultural Heritage: When visiting, respect the cultural relics and follow the regulations of the scenic area to jointly protect this precious cultural heritage.