Temple of Heaven only Group Tours

Meet at the East Gate of the Temple of Heaven (at 9:00 AM or 1:30 PM)

Please make your way to the East Gate of the Temple of Heaven at the appointed time. The guide will welcome you by holding a sign with “ Catherine Lu Tours” logo on it. You're advised to arrive 10 minutes in advance.

How to get to the East Gate of the Temple of Heaven?

• By subway: Take subway line 5 and get off at Tiantandongmen Station (Temple of Heaven East Gate Station). Exit from Exit A2 and walk about 100 meters.

• By taxi: Please show the driver “请带我去天坛东门" to the driver. Or, please simply enter your destination “天坛东门” on Didi App to hail a car.

History and Local Life Experience at the Temple of Heaven (about 1.5 hours)

Follow your guide to enter from the East Gate after meeting up. Thanks to its cultural and history richness and architectural brilliance, the Temple of Heaven was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. During your 1.5 hours' visit here today, your professional guide will vividly introduce its history, architectural decoration and design.

Constructed in 1420 in the Ming Dynasty, the Temple of Heaven was once the main royal site for emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasty praying for good harvest and rain and giving thanks for the harvest. The vast complex occupies an area of over 273 hectares in total, which is about 3.7 times of the size of the Forbidden City.

Its entire layout of the complex is divided into two section: the square southern section and northern circular section, which symbolizes the "heaven is round and the earth is square" belief in China's ancient times.

Expect to closely admire all its key structures, like the Circular Mound Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, etc.

• The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿): The place to pray for good harvest in early spring. Features a triple-eaved circular hall with blue glazed tiles and 28 massive nanmu wood pillars.

• The Circular Mound Altar (圜丘坛): The site for worshipping heaven on the winter solstice. It is a three-tiered circular altar made of white marble.

• The Imperial Vault of Heaven (皇穹宇): The ceremonial tablets for the rituals were stored here. It is a circular dome building with smooth wall creating the Echo Wall phenomenon.

• The Hall of Abstinence (斋宫): The place for emperors to rest and fast before the rituals. The architecture is more modest but still with precise layout.

• The Seven-Star Stones (七星石): Located at the southeast of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, it features seven giant stones which symbolize the Big Dipper constellation.

More than historical structures and their rich symbolism, the Temple of Heaven has became a popular public park for locals to enjoy their leisure time. While visiting the architecture, you can also encouter local's daily life as they entertain themselves by singing, dancing, gymnastics, Tai Chi and many other exercises. Feel free to join them if you like.

After the visit, say goodbye to your guide and enjoy the rest of the day yourself.