1. Why Visit the Temple of Heaven?

2. History and Layout of the Temple of Heaven

a. Historical Significance

b. Architectural Layout

• Northern Circular Symbolism: The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿) stands in the circular northern section, representing heaven.
• Southern Square Symbolism: The Circular Mound Altar (圜丘坛) lies in the square southern section, symbolizing earth.
• Axis of Power: A 360-meter Sacred Path (丹陛桥) connects the two altars, forming a 1.2-kilometer north-south axis flanked by ancient cypress trees.

3. Itinerary and Key Attractions

a. Suggested Route (3–4 hours)

b. Must-See Sights

• Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: A triple-eaved, blue-tiled marvel symbolizing the seasons, months, and celestial stars. Its 28 pillars represent 4 seasons, 12 months, 12 traditional hours (1 traditional hour= 2 hours), and 28 celestial constellations.
• Circular Mound Altar: A three-tiered marble terrace with 9 layers of stones (representing the heavens). Note: Avoid standing on the central “Heavenly Heart Stone” (天心石), reserved for ceremonial use.
• Echo Wall: Whisper into the wall to experience its acoustic magic.
    Danbi Bridge: Walk the elevated path once reserved for emperors.
    Central path: Reserved for the “Jade Emperor” (皇天上帝).
    East path: Emperors only.
    West path: Officials and princes.

4. Unique Experiences

a. Evening Illumination

5. Travel Tips

a. Tickets and Hours

• Apr–Oct: ¥15 (park), ¥34 (combo);
• Nov–Mar: ¥10 (park), ¥28 (combo).
• Apr–Oct Opening hour:

• Nov–Mar Opening hour:
    Park 6:30 AM–22:00 PM , last entry 21:00 PM;
    Attrations 8:00 AM- 17:00 PM, last entry 16:30 PM;
    (Attractions close every Monday).

b. Automatic guide

• Place：Four gates of the park
• Time： 8:15 to 18:00(Apr. 1 to Oct. 31), 8:30 to 17:00(Nov. 1 to Mar. 31)
• Language：Chinese、English、French、Spanish 、German、Russian 、Japanese、Korean、 Portuguese 、Italian and so on．
• Charge：Rent： RMB ￥40；Deposit：RMB ￥50

c. Service center

• Temple of Heaven Park currently has three visitor service centers: the North Gate Visitor Service Center, Danbi Bridge Visitor Service Center, and South Gate Tour Guide Office.
• These centers primarily provide tourists with reception services such as consultation, guided tours, and complaint handling, along with free amenities including drinking water, wheelchair access, first-aid kits, sewing kits, and nursing rooms. (Guide service requires reservations 2 days in advance. Tel：010-67025289.)

d. Nearby Attractions

• Hongqiao Pearl Market (1 km, 15-min walk): Bargain for pearls and souvenirs.
• Tianqiao Performing Arts Center (2 km, 10-min taxi): Traditional Chinese opera shows.

e. Distance to Other Landmarks

• Forbidden City (8 km): Take Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station (20 mins).
• Summer Palace (25 km): Taxi (¥80–¥100) or Metro Line 4 to Beigongmen Station.

6. Accommodation and Transportation

a. Beijing Hotels Near Temple of Heaven

• Luxury (15–20 mins walk):
  • The Imperial Mansion (¥1,500–¥3,000/night).
  • Grand Metropark Hotel (¥1,200–¥2,500/night).
• Mid-Range (10–15 mins walk):
  • Tiantan Hotel (¥600–¥1,000/night).
  • Orange Hotel (¥400–¥800/night).
• Budget (20–25 mins walk):
  • 7 Days Inn (¥200–¥400/nig ht).
  • Hanting Express (¥150–¥300/night).

b. Getting There

• Metro: Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station (Exit A).
• Bus: Routes 36, 120, or 958 to Tiantan Nanmen.
• Taxi: Show “天坛东门” (East Gate) to drivers.

c. Photo Hotspots

• Hall of Prayer Reflection: Capture the night view from the west wall of the hall.

7. Final Thoughts