Temple of Heaven

Sight 1

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

祈年殿

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. This hall is the iconic structure of the Temple of Heaven, built during the Ming Dynasty as a place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for bountiful harvests. Its distinctive circular design features a triple-tiered eaves with a conical roof, covered in blue glazed tiles that symbolize the heavens, making it a masterpiece of ancient Chinese wooden architecture. Inside, there is not a single beam; instead, the structure is supported by 28 nanmu columns, symbolizing the four seasons, twelve months, and twelve double-hours, showcasing exquisite architectural ingenuity and cosmological vision. As a shining jewel on the central axis of Beijing, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is not only a World Cultural Heritage site but also a perfect fusion of ancient sacrificial rituals and architectural art, well worth a close and appreciative visit.

Sight 2

Circular Mound Altar

圜丘坛

The Circular Mound Altar (Huanqiu Tan). This was the site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed the winter solstice ritual to worship Heaven. The altar comprises three tiers of white marble, symbolizing the ancient belief that Heaven is round and Earth is square. At the center of the upper terrace lies the Heart of Heaven Stone — when you stand on it and speak, your voice resonates with an echo, a marvel of ancient architectural acoustics. The surrounding Lingxing Gates and the Burning Furnace enclose the space, lending the entire complex an air of solemn grandeur. Ascending the altar and gazing into the distance, you can make out the silhouettes of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and feel the majestic, mysterious splendor of imperial Heaven-worship ceremonies in ancient times.

Sight 3

Imperial Vault of Heaven (Echo Wall)

皇穹宇（回音壁）

The Imperial Vault of Heaven (Echo Wall). The Imperial Vault of Heaven is a circular hall where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the tablet of the Supreme Deity of Heaven. Located along the north-south axis of the Temple of Heaven, it is renowned for its exquisite wooden caisson ceiling and glazed tiles. The circular wall surrounding it is the famous Echo Wall. Thanks to its smooth and even surface, sound waves can travel along the wall through continuous reflection, creating a remarkable acoustic phenomenon that visitors are eager to experience. This site not only showcases ancient architectural craftsmanship but also embodies the cosmological concept of "round Heaven and square Earth," offering a glimpse into the mysteries of imperial sacrificial rituals.

Sight 4

Hall of Abstinence

斋宫

The Hall of Abstinence is a site within the Temple of Heaven where emperors fasted and bathed before offering sacrifices to heaven. Located on the western side of the Temple of Heaven, it was first built during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty. Surrounded by tranquil scenery and ancient towering trees, its main structure, the Beamless Hall, is supported entirely by brick and stone arches without a single wooden beam—a distinctive architectural feat that showcases the ingenuity of Ming-era construction. The complex comprises a main hall, sleeping quarters, a bell tower, and more, all arranged with rigor and solemn grandeur. Visitors here can sense the deep reverence of ancient emperors in their sacrificial rites and admire the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Chinese architecture.

Sight 5

Divine Music Administration

神乐署