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Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven was the place where the Emperor of the Ming and Qing dynasties would worship heaven and pray for good harvests. Built first in 1420, and then expanded and reconstructed, the Temple of Heaven is a precious example of China's ancient architectural art and the largest architectural group for worshipping heaven in the world.

Every year at the time of the winter solstice the emperor would come here to pray in a magnificent procession lasting several days. This ceremony lasted until 1914. Before the ritual, the emperor would fast in the Hall of Abstinence. Then he would offer sacrifices and prayers at the Altar of Heaven, a stone terrace of three levels. The lowest of them symbolises the Earth, the second the world of human beings, and the last, Heaven.

The most prominent building in the temple's complex is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. 38.2 metres in height and 24.2 metres in diameter, it is supported by immense pillars. The painted roof has 50.000 blue glazed tiles and a golden point.

Year Decision Comments
1998 Inscribed Reasons for inscription



Visit March 2004

Although it turned out to be a familiar picture, I didn't know anything about the Temple of Heaven before coming to Beijing. Probably because there are so many other good sights in China's capital.

The Temple of Heaven is situated in a large park, that serves as a meeting place for the city's elderly. They have their badminton spots, their tai chi, their singing and their ballroom dancing here. It's fun to watch them, an it's easy to relax yourself here too.

The temple buildings are very picturesque. It looks like they descended from heaven and were planted here to impress the people. The blue tiles on the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and of course its peculiar shape, make a wonderful sight.

More photos can be found in the Picture Gallery

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Reviews

Ian Cade (England):
Fresh off the plane I went for an early morning stroll around the Temple of Heaven and the surrounding park, which provided the best possible start to my 5 days in Beijing. I sat down with the tasty jianbing bought off a street vendor and relaxed watching the Beijingers go about their morning rituals whilst I celebrated the arrival of my little nephew Thomas. All in all the perfect way to start my trip.
The temple buildings were very impressive, I would recommend starting from the south and working your way north, as this is the traditional processional route and the structures become more impressive as you go allowing you to finish at the magnificent Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
Whilst I enjoyed the buildings the thing I most enjoyed was strolling around the park people watching. It was great seeing the old men doing water calligraphy, mass participation Tai chi, practice sword fighting and line-dancing to Europop. However the thing that most captivated me was the people who congregated en-masse to sing. It happened throughout the park but my first encounter with it was when around 1,000 people all gathered to belt out something that sounded like Opera. The sensation was incredible as people all just walked up and started singing in harmony, I had the same tingling sensation I get when I walk into the home stand of my favourite football team. I just wished I knew what they were singing as I would have loved to join in. As soon as the song finished the crowd just dispersed, it was a rather magical experience.
I really enjoyed visiting the Temple of Heaven, the buildings were very nice however seeing Beijingers entertaining themselves on their morning strolls made this a perfect introduction to the city, and these early morning happenings were a real highlight of my trip.
[Site 7: Experience 8]
Date posted: November 2011
Bill Richardson (USA):
The Temple of Heaven, one of the most important religious sites in Bejing, has long been the architectural symbol of the city. In my opinion, this is one of the most distinctive landmarks of the world.
Date posted: August 2006
Boj Capati (Philippines):
I have been to the Temple of Heaven twice. The first time I went there was a few months ago (April 2006) and I found that the main hall, (Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests) to my disappointment, was being renovated, perhaps something to do with the 2008 Olympics. When I came back, I could trace the scent of paint. The new hall was impressively fixed, although to be perfectly honest, it is a bit difficult to appreciate because it didn't seem authentic anymore.
Date posted: August 2006
Wim Haagdorens (Belgium):
The Temple of Heaven is one of those marvellous sites that provide an oasis of peace, almost in the heart of Beijing. The site is obviously of great historical importance, but do take the time to enjoy it in the way the local people do. There's the charming wooden archway of which the greatest attraction is, in my opinion, the crowd of people playing music or singing, chatting, playing cards, or simply enjoying the beauty of the architecture and nature. The temple is (fascinating) history, but at the same spot one can find the most beautiful and friendly aspects of Chinese culture well alive, simply by sitting down, listening, watching. Last time I was there, a septuagenarian invited me for a game of badminton - one kind invitation to communicate, and enjoy a couple of minutes togeter. Afterwards, I sipped my cup of green tea, and listened to someone playing the erhu. It might sound all too much like a commonplace, but let's just be very glad it still exists. Modest, but heavenly...
Date posted: April 2006
Rajeev Aloysius (Sri Lanka):
The main temple, Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, is closed for renovations, probably in time for the Beijing Olympics in 2008. The rest of the area is not impressive, but the Fasting Palace with its huge moat is worth a visit, where the emperor abstained from pleasurable pursuits including food. There is also a charmingly named Hall of Divine Music Administration.
Date posted: October 2005
Ben Pastore (USA):
Situated in serene Tiantan Park south of the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven is a classic Chinese icon, perhaps second only to the Great Wall. While there's much traditional and religious meaning behind it, I was more impressed by the artful architecture and engineering of its construction. Then again, everything "Emperor-related" was quite nice, as one would expect of someone bearing that title.
Date posted: June 2005
C H Ho (Hong Kong, China):
I visited there in 1992. There are 2 kinds of tickets at that time. The foreigner ticket was 10 times more expensive than the local ticket. I bought local ticket but I couldn't enter to the alter. Anyway, I still visit the garden outside the alter.
 
Rob Wilson (UK):
The Temple of Heaven and its surrounding park is a magical place. The temple itself is unsual and beautiful.
I would also recommend visiting the Fasting Palace section of the park. It is less restored and virtually free from visitors.
 
Chor Pharn (SINGAPORE):
You can get really close to old Beijing at the Temple of Heaven, but you have to get there early! Me and my friends were tipped that large numbers of old Chinese retirees (about 400 and above) congregate in the Temple of Heaven park's Southern Gate, opposite Hongqiao shopping complex. Go there at about 5.30 am, you can mix in with the crowds without paying, and watch them practicing swordplay, Beijing opera, tango in the old faded Ming-style corridors. It is a very magical sight.

Better still, at about 7.30am in the morning (depending on season), wait for the ticket booth to open, buy the first ticket and rush in! You will have the entire Temple of Heaven complex to yourself, and we got a taste of what it was like for the Emperor, the sacred silence, the sanctity of the site, all to yourself before the crowds start coming in minutes later. It's worth it, but my best memories are still that sprightly middle aged man and his young dance parter prancing the foxtrot along the ancient corridors, surrounded by streaming rays of morning light. Magic!
 


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