How to visit the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan) in Beijing? – cover the entirety of a sublime park

Referred to as Tiantan Park, the Temple of Heaven was constructed in 1420 during the 18th year of the reign of Emperor Yongle who belonged to the Ming Dynasty. Consisting of 3 parts, this shrine serves as a wonderful introduction to learn of the ancient times and traditions that are still practised today. Provided is a guide on how to make the most of your visit here.

Time your visit

The peak holiday season stretches on from the 01st of April to the 31st of October and if you do not mind rubbing shoulders with like-minded culture buffs and spending time in crowds, then go right ahead and buy your entrance tickets. On the other hand, if you are put off by long queues and many a crowd, then it is best that you arrive during the off season which commences on the 01st of November and concludes on the 31st of March.

Select the best entrance

Entrance of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing | Image via Wikimedia Commons

Though, featuring 4 different points of entry, it is highly recommended that you opt for either the east gate or the south gate. If making your way via the east gate during the early hours of the morning, then you are likely to encounter locals engaged in their daily workout routines.

 From a convenience point of view, the east gate would make the most sense given its strategic location near subway line 5. With this route, you will move through the Long Corridor, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar. With regards to the south gate, your journey will involve taking the central pathway to the Circular Mound Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest and Long Corridor before ending at the north gate or the east gate which will afford you ease of access to Hongqiao Market.

Zone in on the main elements of the shrine

Start at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest where you can stand alongside fellow travellers and imagine scenes of yesteryear that saw the emperors offer sacrifices and burn incense sticks in expectation of a bountiful harvest that would meet the needs of the general citizenry. 

Take in the jaw-dropping architecture that adorns the length and breadth of the same before moving over to the Imperial Vault of Heaven which is found towards the south of the former. With a single level of marble stone at its base, the Imperial Vault of Heaven is a single gabled circular edifice that is famed for its circular wall that is known to create outstanding acoustics. 

Thereafter, do set your sights on calling by the Circular Mound Altar which is a large, marble terrace where worshippers communed to offer prayers to the gods. 

Also, understand that since the Temple forms part of an impressive park you stand a good chance to stroll through beautiful gardens and well-paved pathways where you can pause and admire the peace and tranquility which find refuge within its borders. Worthy of mention is the Cypress Grove which offers ample space in which to meander under the shade of cypress trees, some of which have stood for the better part of 600 years. In turn, the garden stools that run the length of the Grove are ideal places to spend a few moments, either in quiet contemplation or chatting with those that matter the most to you over their experience of being inside the Tempe of Heaven.

Choose your accommodation wisely

To be seen residing in a section of Beijing well away from this attraction would invariably have you pocketing out more than what you bargained for on taxis and public transportation. Therefore, to avoid making such a mistake, it is advisable to check into a mode of accommodation from where travelling to the shrine will come off as a thing of the past. In such a scenario, consider Pan Pacific Beijing which ranks as one of the best hotels in Beijing. What’s more? You will be well placed to tour neighbouring attractions in the likes of the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China and Tiananmen Square which are as important to Chinese culture as the Temple of Heaven.