Temple of Heaven: Complete Visitor's Guide

The Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site, represents the most magnificent imperial complex of ancient Chinese architecture. This sacred venue was where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed ceremonies to pray for good harvests and seek divine blessings.

Key Attractions

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿)

• Magnificent triple-gabled circular building
• Unique three-color glazed tiles: blue (heaven), yellow (emperor), green (earth)
• The only surviving Ming-style great hall in China
• Impressive 38-meter height structure

Imperial Vault of Heaven (皇穹宇)

• Sacred storage for ceremonial tablets
• 19.5-meter-high circular building
• Features blue tiles and golden top
• Remarkable dragon design on the ceiling

Circular Mound Altar (圜丘)

• Ancient sacrificial altar
• Designed with the symbolic number nine
• Three-tiered marble platform
• Perfect acoustics design

Echo Wall

• Famous circular wall surrounding the Imperial Vault
• Known for its acoustic properties
• Historical sound-reflecting capabilities

Recommended Routes

1-Hour Route

South Gate Entry (Recommended)

1. Enter South Gate
2. Circular Mound Altar
3. Echo Wall
4. Nine-Dragon Cypress
5. Danbi Bridge
6. Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
7. Exit via North Gate

2-Hour Route

1. South Gate Entry
2. Circular Mound Altar
3. Echo Wall
4. Nine-Dragon Cypress
5. Danbi Bridge
6. Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
7. Divine Music Administration
8. Palace of Abstinence
9. Exit via West Gate

4-Hour Complete Tour

1. East Gate Entry
2. Seven-Star Stones
3. Divine Kitchen
4. Long Corridor
5. Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
6. Imperial Vault of Heaven
7. Echo Wall
8. Circular Mound Altar
9. Palace of Abstinence
10. Rose Garden
11. Flower Garden
12. Double-Ring Longevity Pavilion
13. Exit via West Gate

Opening Hours & Admission

Peak Season (April 1 - October 31)

• Park: 6:00 - 22:00 (Last entry 21:00)
• Buildings: 8:00 - 18:00 (Last entry 17:30)
• Admission: ¥15 (Park only), ¥34 (Combined ticket)

Off-Season (November 1 - March 31)

• Park: 6:30 - 22:00 (Last entry 21:00)
• Buildings: 8:00 - 18:00 (Last entry 17:30)
• Admission: ¥10 (Park only), ¥28 (Combined ticket)

Special Discounts

• Free admission for visitors under 18 and over 60
• Half-price for students with valid ID
• Combined ticket recommended (includes all major sites)

Transportation Guide

East Gate

• Subway: Line 5 to Tiantan East Gate Station (Exit A2)
• Bus: Routes 6, 34, 35, 36, 39, 41, 43, 60, 72, 116, 128, 525, 599, 684
  • Get off at Fahuasi Station
• Additional Bus: Routes 54, 957, 958
  • Get off at Temple of Heaven Sports Center Station

South Gate

• Bus: Routes 36, 53, 62, 122, 525, 958, Special 11, Special 12
  • Get off at Temple of Heaven South Gate

West Gate

• Subway: Line 8 to Tianqiao Station (Exit C)
• Bus: Routes 2, 20, 36, 53, 71, 72, 90, 93, 120, 622, BRT1, Special 11
  • Get off at Temple of Heaven West Gate

North Gate

• Bus: Routes 6, 34, 35, 36, 72, 106, 110
  • Get off at Temple of Heaven North Gate

Essential Tips

1. Best Time to Visit

   • Early morning for fewer crowds
   • Avoid Mondays (buildings closed)
   • Spring and autumn for best weather

2. Photography Spots

   • Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (north side)
   • Circular Mound Altar (morning light)
   • Long Corridor (architectural details)
   • Seven-Star Stones (unique formations)

3. Visitor Recommendations

   • Purchase combined ticket for full experience
   • South to North route follows imperial procession path
   • Allow minimum 2 hours for main attractions
   • Wear comfortable walking shoes

4. Cultural Significance

   • Center for imperial worship ceremonies
   • Represents connection between Earth and Heaven
   • Exemplary Chinese architectural principles
   • Historical importance in agricultural prayers