Temple of Heaven (Tian tan)
- Address:Tiantan Road, Beijing
- Admission:Free
Cultural Experience, Holy Place, Religious Experience, Temple
11:49 AM Friday, May 25
Clear. Chilly.
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A Ming temple, Temple of Heaven or Tian tan was built by the Yongle Emperor, who also built the Forbidden City, as a stage for the important rituals performed by the emperor, or Son of Heaven. Chief among these were the supplication to the heavens for a good harvest and the Winter Solstice ceremony, which was supposed to ensure a favorable year for the entire kingdom.
In those days it was believed that heaven was round and earth was square, so the architecture of the buildings (round, set on square bases) and the layout of the park (squared off at the Temple of the Earth end, rounded at the Temple of Heaven end) reflect this belief.
The buildings are rich in symbolic detail - variations on the number nine, which represented the emperor; coloured glazes which represent heaven and earth; and pillars which represent the months of the year, the seasons and time. There are also echo stones where you can stand to hear your voice reverberate, and a circular echo wall which carries your whisper to the far side of the circle.
The park is a popular place for morning tai-chi.
Latest Reviews All Temple of Heaven (Tian tan) Reviews »
A very full day and the guide was exceptional. Lunch was fantastic good and plenty of it. Loved all the places we stopped at.
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As a solo female traveller, it was great to be in a group with other American and see these amazing sights. Beijing is a massive city and it can be a challenge getting around, so being on a tour group was certainly a great choice. The sights and info and guide were great and the lunch was very good. The visits to the Jade, Silk etc factories can get old after you have gone more than ocne, but the information and intro is very interesting. Highly recommend the tour and Viator.
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Excellent tour. With foreign tourists down over 80% since 2008, this tour through Viator was like a private tour for 6 + driver + English speaking guide. Guide was very informative and knowledgeable. With just 6 of us in the tour, we could ask a lot of questions to learn more of the city and culture. Lunch was excellent with lots to eat.
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You can reach the Temple of Heaven on buses 39, 106, 110, or by underground rail - get off at Chongwnemen, Qianmen or Tiantandongmen.
