The Temple of Heaven in the southern part of Beijing is China’s largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings. It is a huge complex that can take you even a day if you want to waddle through it all. It is a place that should be among the top 5 things to see in Beijing. If you haven’t visited while there, it’s like you haven’t been in Beijing at all.

A little bit of history first

Built from 1406 to 1420 under the reign of the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty (around the same time the Forbidden City was built).
It was the venue for annual ceremonies of prayer for good harvest.
The temple complex was initially built in 1420.
During the reign of the Qianlong Emperor the Temple of Heaven underwent large-scale renovation.
In 1918, the temple complex area was turned into a park and opened to the public.

There is much more to read on the history, but these are the basic facts enough for the start.

Thanks tot he fact that it is a huge complex the crowds get isolated, so you wan’t feel squeezed in. Not like some other places we visited. Nevertheless, there still will be a bunch of people waddling around so be prepared. And as usual, can’t stop recommending to go in the early hours.

It is a popular hangout spot also for the locals, which you can find them there playing cards, dancing and doing other activities.

As the complex is really large, the people are not as crowded, yet there are many up there.

Accessibility

The Temple of Heaven is located south of the Forbidden City. To get to the temple you can use the bus or subway.

Bus

South Gate: Take bus 36, 53, 122, 525, 958, Te 3, Te 11, Te 12, or Yuntong 102 to Tiantan Nanmen Station.
West Gate: Take bus 2, 17, 20, 36, 53, 71, 72, 93, 120, 622, Brt 1 or Te 11, and get off at Tiantan Ximen Station.
North Gate: Take bus 6, 34, 35, 36, 72, 106, or 110, and get off at Tiantan Beimen Station.

Subway

Take Subway Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station; leave from Exit A and you’ll find the East Gate of the Park.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

APRIL – OCTOBER

North, East, South and West Gates: 06:00 – 22:00
Main attractions inside: 08:00 – 17:30

NOVEMBER – MARCH

North, East, South and West Gates: 06:30 – 22:00
Main attractions inside: 08:00 -17:00

Admission

There is the possibility to buy tickets upfront online, but also right at the place, as we did.

Also note you will need two tickets to gat to the top. This was different in the past where one ticket got you all.

We bought one ticket at the main entrance gate and then half way through another ticket booth appeared and we had to buy another ticket to move forward, if we did not want to stay in the park area only. It is possible to buy also a combo ticket and your worries will be over.

General ticket for adults, children, etc.: 10-15 CNY
Penguins: free entry

The ticket fees vary based on the month of the season and what you want to see.

Ticket Type	Apr. – Oct.	Nov. – Mar.
Entrance Fee	CNY 15	CNY 10
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Circular Mound Altar & Echo Wall	CNY 20	CNY 20
Combo Ticket (including the entrance fee & above attractions)	CNY 34	CNY 2

Let’s waddle in

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

The Hall of Prayers is the biggest eye catcher when you waddle up. It was was built in 1420, which makes it the earliest building of the Temple of Heaven complex. What is interesting though is, that it is one of the world’s largest medieval wooden structures, 38 meters (125 ft) tall and 36 meters (118 ft) wide, built completely without nails.

The Hall of Great Sacrifice was the original name when it was still also of a rectangular shape, but in 1545 it was remodelled to a circular one and the three-tiered roof is supported by 28 large pillars.