The Temple of Heaven (Tiantan)served as the sacred site where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to Heaven and prayed for abundant harvests. Its layout and construction embody the pinnacle of architectural skill and artistic achievement in imperial China. Today, Tiantan Park spans 201 hectares, encompassing not only its iconic historic structures, such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar, but also a variety of scenic features, including long corridors, the Seven-Star Stones, and centuries-old cypress groves.

Tourist Map

Main Scenic Spots

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Qiniandian)

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Qiniandian) was the dedicated venue where emperors held the Spring Prayer Ceremony in the first lunar month, offering prayers for abundant grain harvests. Rising 38.2 meters high and measuring 24.2 meters in diameter, the hall is crowned with a striking triple-tiered roof of glazed tiles: blue symbolizing Heaven, yellow representing Earth, and green signifying all living things. Inside, the bays are arranged to reflect the four seasons, the twelve months, the twelve traditional hours, and the constellations of the celestial sphere, embodying the cosmological harmony central to ancient Chinese belief.

Circular Mound Altar (Huanqiu)

The steps, terraces, stone platforms, and balustrades of the Circular Mound Altar (Huanqiu) are all arranged in sets of nine or multiples of nine. In traditional Chinese cosmology, nine was revered as the highest and most powerful number, symbolizing the supremacy of Heaven. By repeating this number throughout the design, the altar powerfully conveys Heaven’s exalted status. Each year on the Winter Solstice, emperors came to this sacred site to conduct the solemn “Heaven Worship Ceremony”, the most important ritual of the imperial calendar. For this reason, the structure is also commonly known as the Altar of Heaven.

The Imperial Vault of Heaven (Huangqiongyu)

The Imperial Vault of Heaven (Huangqiongyu) is a refined circular hall rising 19.5 meters high with a diameter of 15.6 meters. Built with a precise and elegant timber-arch structure, it is both intricate in craftsmanship and solemn in appearance. The hall is roofed with blue glazed tiles and crowned with a golden finial, demonstrating meticulous craftsmanship and solemn dignity. Inside, the ceiling features a stunning golden dragon caisson, set against a palette of cool greens and blues. At its center lies a large golden coiled dragon motif, making the interior a true masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture.

Opening Time

Park Gate

Opening Time： 6:00 to 21:00(Apr. 1 to Oct. 31), 6:30 to 21:00 (Nov. 1 to Mar. 31)

Closing Time：22:00

Through Ticket for 3 Scenic Spots: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests,the Echo Wall and the Circular Mound Altar

Opening Time：8:00 to 17:30(Apr. 1 to Oct. 31), 8:00 to 16:30(Nov. 1 to Mar. 31) (From Tuesday Through Sunday)

Closing Time：18:00(Apr. 1 to Oct. 31), 17:00(Nov. 1 to Mar. 31) 

Automatic guide

place：Four gates of the park

time： 8:15 to 18:00(Apr. 1 to Oct. 31), 8:30 to 17:00(Nov. 1 to Mar. 31)

language：Chinese、English、French、Spanish 、German、Russian 、Japanese、Korean、 Portuguese 、Italian and so on．

charge：Rent： RMB ￥40；Deposit：RMB ￥50

Tour Guide

place：The tourist service center at the south gate of the park

time：8:00 to 15:00

language：Chinese、English

charge：According to the number of people

Attention：Guided require advance reservations 2 days Tel：010-67025289.