Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Temple of Heaven was described as a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design which simply and graphically illustrates Chinese cosmogony. With a mini group, your tour guide will lead you to enjoy its magnificent architecture and pleasant grassland, as well as to understand the link to the solemn ceremonies in ancient times during this 2.5-hour tour.
Originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty in 1420, the Temple of Heaven was a sacrificial temple used by emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties to appease the heavens, bring prosperity to the empire, and ensure good crops for the coming year. Sitting in a large park, the three main altars draw in the crowds all year round.
Start at the east gate of the park, follow the Long Corridor to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, where emperors would come to give thanks and pray. Once you’ve caught that perfect Instagram shot, slip away to the Fasting Palace Circular Mound Altar, where an impressive feat of engineering was designed to make sounds travel in a certain way. The Imperial Vault of Heaven, with the Echo Wall that encircles it, will be your next stop.