Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park)

The Temple of Heaven was constructed in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, the same period as the Forbidden City. For nearly 500 years, emperors from both Ming and Qing dynasties came here twice a year—at the winter solstice to pray for good weather and at the start of summer to pray for abundant harvests. These ceremonies were crucial to the emperor's role as the 'Son of Heaven,' mediating between the earthly and divine realms. The most important ritual, the Heaven Worship Ceremony, took place at the winter solstice on the Circular Mound Altar. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, the temple ceased its religious functions and opened to the public in 1918.

The Temple of Heaven embodies ancient Chinese philosophy and cosmology. Its design reflects the belief that Heaven is round and Earth is square—evident in the circular buildings set within a square park. The number 9, considered the most auspicious yang number, appears throughout: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has 9 pillars arranged in three rings, the Circular Mound Altar consists of 9 concentric rings of stones, and many structures feature 9 or multiples of 9 in their dimensions. The imperial blue tiles symbolize Heaven, while the absence of walls in the main structures allowed communication between the emperor and the divine.

The temple complex consists of two main groups of buildings connected by a 360-meter-long elevated walkway called the Danbi Bridge (Red Stairway Bridge). The southern section features the Circular Mound Altar and Imperial Vault of Heaven, where the emperor worshiped Heaven. The northern section contains the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a triple-gabled circular building with a striking blue-tiled roof. Built entirely of wood without a single nail, it stands 38 meters tall and 30 meters in diameter.