Meta description: A trip to Beijing is not a complete trip without witnessing the amazing Temple of Heaven. Enjoy a guided tour of the Temple of Heaven with Sandhills Travel, soon!
If you think the Temple of Heaven is just a temple, you can be forgiven for being misled. The Temple of Heaven is not just one of Beijing’s most loved tourist spots and a group of iconic structures that have been a part of Chinese culture for generations, but it is also a huge public park.
The temple and its outdoor oasis are not to be missed on your trip to Beijing, and you can do it in style with Sandhills Travel. We offer personalised and professional guided tours of The Temple of Heaven to make sure you have the best day possible.
A Brief History of the Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven was ordered to be constructed in the 15h Century during the Ming Dynasty. Interestingly, its initial name was not The Temple of Heaven. It was not until the 16th Century that Emperor Jiajing decided to name it the Temple of Heaven after also creating temples named after the Earth, Sun and Moon elsewhere in Beijing.
Since its construction, various Emperors have contributed to its maintenance and development. In 1998, The Temple of Heaven was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its magnificent landscape and architectural brilliance.
The Architecture and The Garden
The park covers an estimated 660 acres and is used by the public daily. The park is a beautiful open space and often the centre of social activity, choirs, choral shows, presentations and play areas for children and families. Entrance to the park is usually permitted between 6am and 10pm, but tickets stop being sold approximately 90 minutes before the park closes.
The temple complex covers just under three square kilometres. The Hall of Prayer is the main temple and the one used by emperors (who were considered sons of the heavens) to pray for a good harvest season. This original structure was impressively made of wood without nails, but was burned down after a lightning strike in 1889. Today, it is still a marvellous tri-level structure made with beautiful marble.
The other two structures on the complex are the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar. Both structures boast meticulous and intricate designs that tie in with Chinese culture.
To learn the full story of the Temple of Heaven, it is best to get up and see it for yourself. But always choose a guided tour to understand its majestic story, development and unique details. Sandhills travel is waiting to host your trip to the Temple of Heaven!