The Temple of Heaven is an ancient religious complex located in Beijing city of China. Built in 1420 by the one of the famous Chinese emperors, Ming Dynasty under the reign of the Yongle Emperor. Often known as Tiantan in China, the Temple of Heaven is a popular place where the emperor serves and performs rituals, annual ceremonies and sacrifices to Heaven for prosperity, good harvests and is divine to his people.
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History of Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven underwent a lot of renovations over a period of its history starting from its construction. Moreover, the Temple was ruled by the 2 major kingdoms (Ming and Qing) making it one of the Architectural marvellous UNESCO World Heritage sites in China.
When we talk about its history we should go back to 1368 to 1644, where the Ming dynasty was in rule. Its foundations and majority temple architectures were established during this period. From, 1406 to 1420, Yongle Emperor built this temple, a person who also contributed to building “Forbidden City” in Beijing.
Key point for construction of this temple is to stand as the central role in the spiritual landscape that emphasized the emperor’s role as mediator between Heaven and Earth. In ancient times, people believed that the Emperor of China was considered a Son of Heaven, who administered earthly matters on behalf of and representing heavenly authority.
After the Ming dynasty collapsed, the Quing dynasty came to power in China. During the Quing dynasty, the Temple of Heaven extended to the Circular Mount Atlar. Temple also expanded and renovated from 1644 to 1912 during the Quing dynasty.
After the Qing dynasty, the temple was severely affected by its architecture due to war and internal conflicts like fire and disasters. Understanding its value and significance, the Chinese government decided in 1918, this Temple would be turned into a public park and open to the general public.
Due to its cultural significance, architectural marvellous, important ceremonial centre, religious site and legacy of the Chinese kingdom, Temple of Heaven was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
Architectures of Temple of Heaven, China
Temple of Heaven is really a mesmerising architectural marvellous witnessing one of the perfect symbols of Chinese emperor legacy. Starting from its Main structure, located in the Hall of Prayer exclusively used for good harvests. It is the key building under the temple which is a circular structure symbolising heaven. Hall of Prayer is 125 ft tall and 118 ft diameter with 38 meter high wooden pillars.
Along with Hall of Prayers, Circular Mound Altar, which is a square building with 28 meter wide and 360 meter long rick lane. Circular Mound covers 3 layers of marble stones decorated by the dragon paintings and sculptures. Called the Heart of heaven, each 3 circular represents Heaven, earth and humanity.
Despite 2 major buildings, the temple is surrounded by the Echo wall and triple sound stone. 193 meters of circular curved surface where a person can stand in the opposite direction of another to get his voice or echo’s. However 3 distinct echoes when a person stands on the centre of the stone and claps.
Emperors also succeed in order to construct the Imperial Vault of Heaven and Fasting Palace. Founded in 1530, vault of heaven is a smaller circular form, located under Circular Mound Altar. Visitors can spot West Annex Hall and East Annex Hall under this building.
Each of these buildings are constructed and contributed by different dynasties and emperors symbolising the number of pillars, color, dimensions in the structures. Every architecture showcases the meaning of Chinese philosophy and legacy under Chinese kingdom, with symbols of modern ancient building techniques.
Not just architecture, the Temple of Heaven is also blessed by the surrounding natural settings like a large park, and Gardens which have perfectly planted trees and beautiful pathways that drive us into our spiritual ambition.
Temple of Heaven Tickets
Ticket price in Temple of Heaven is primarily based on the season when and place where you are visiting.
|
Type of Tickets |
Age |
Price in Yen |
|
Combo Ticket (During peak season from April to Oct). |
Adults aged 25+ years. |
CNY 34 |
|
Combo Tickets (During peak Season from April to Oct). |
Minor aged below 25 to 18 years. |
CNY 17 |
|
Admission Ticket (Peak season from April to Oct.). |
Adults aged 25+ years. |
CNY 15 |
|
Admission Ticket (Peak season from April to Oct.) |
Minor aged below 25 to 18 years. |
CNY 08 |
– If you want to explore an entire temple complex like Echo wall, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Mound Altar, we recommend you to buy “Full Access Tickets”.
– Book your tickets in advance (better 7 days before) on its official website, to avoid queues and traffic.
What Religion is the Temple of Heaven?
The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is all about Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism religions. Temple is closely associated with 15th century Taoist temples which strongly believe in Heaven worship and beliefs.
Why is the Temple of Heaven Important Today?
Even today such architecturally incredible temples symbolize imperial beliefs and prayers for good harvest. Site explains how ancient people strongly believe in the relationship between heaven and earth and how emperors play a significant role in that.
What is the Temple of Heaven Used for Today?
It is important for today’s generation how people maintained their legacy over a period of time along with architectures, buildings and cultures. Moreover this temple stands as a symbol of ancient beliefs and faith in connection between earth and heaven. After getting recognition by the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place used for tourism and the most preserved Chinese ancient site.
Is the Temple of Heaven Free?
No, Visitors those who are willing to explore its inside and outside architecture of Temple of Heaven, have to pay some of the prescribed fee from its official website or during entry to the temple.
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