The Temple of Heaven (Tiantan) in Beijing, also known as the Altar of Heaven, was constructed in the southern part of Beijing under the Ming Emperor Yongle in 1420. It covers a total area of 273 hectares and served as a religious and sacrificial site for the Ming and Qing emperors. Here, the emperors prayed annually to the God of Heaven for good harvests, with the last ceremony held under Emperor Yuan Shikai in 1924. The Temple of Heaven is the largest existing altar complex in China and is renowned for its architecture, often described as the most perfect example of Chinese architectural art.
Due to the north-south orientation of the site, it is recommended to enter the park through the south gate. A marble path leads through the entire complex, culminating in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. This hall was reconstructed in 1889 after a devastating fire. It is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the "Temple of Heaven," although it was not included in the actual sacrificial ceremonies. Instead, the emperor prayed here for a bountiful harvest at the beginning of spring. The roof is supported by a total of 28 wooden pillars, where the inner four symbolize the four seasons, while the two surrounding rings each with twelve pillars represent the twelve months and the twelve double hours of the day.
Every detail in this park has its own significance. The most notable design features of the Temple of Heaven include its circular shape, the color blue, and the number three – all symbols representing heaven in Chinese culture.
Visiting the surrounding parks is also highly recommended. Here, elderly locals often gather to dance, sing, or simply enjoy the fresh air.
The UNESCO inscribed the Temple of Heaven on the World Heritage List in December 1998.
