Where Earth Meets Sky
Visitor Summary
Location: Southern Beijing
Built In: 1420 (Ming Dynasty)
Key Feature: The largest sacrificial complex in the world.
Purpose: Imperial prayers for good harvests.
Status: The final stop before your departure.
The Tour Pathway
Your journey concludes at the most holy of imperial sites, designed to connect the Emperor with the Divine.
Arrival: Enter the vast parkland, which is actually larger than the Forbidden City.
The Ritual Axis: Walk the sacred path used by Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Hall of Prayer: Visit the iconic circular hall with its triple-eaved blue roof.
General Introduction & History
The Altar of Heaven Construction of the Temple of Heaven began in 1420 (the 18th year of the Yongle reign) during the Ming Dynasty. It served a critical function in the Chinese imperial state: it was the exclusive location where emperors of both the Ming and Qing dynasties performed solemn rituals to honor “Supreme Heaven” and pray for abundant harvests (Wu Gu Feng Deng).
Renovation & Preservation While founded in the Ming era, the complex saw significant renovations and reconstruction during the Qing Dynasty, specifically under the reigns of Emperor Qianlong and Emperor Guangxu, giving us the architectural masterpiece we see today.
Attractions & Fun Facts
1. The Architecture of Heaven & Earth
Design: In Chinese cosmology, “Heaven is round, and Earth is square.”
Symbolism: This belief dictates the architecture here. The main buildings are circular (representing Heaven) and stand on square bases (representing Earth).
2. A Prayer for Grain
Significance: The primary purpose of the temple was not just worship, but survival. The Emperor, regarded as the “Son of Heaven,” was responsible for ensuring the nation’s food supply through these prayers. A failure in the harvest was often seen as a sign that the Emperor had lost the “Mandate of Heaven”.
3. The Blue Roofs
Visual Distinction: Unlike the Forbidden City, which uses yellow tiles (symbolizing the Emperor), the Temple of Heaven uses deep blue glazed tiles. This unique color specifically symbolizes the sky/heavens.