Temple of Heaven（2）｜Places in Beijing where one can converse with deities

The Temple of Heaven, originally the Temple of Heaven and Earth, is located on the east side of Yongdingmen Street in Beijing’s Dongcheng District. It was the site where Ming and Qing emperors worshipped heaven, prayed for bountiful harvests, and sought rain. It is China’s largest surviving ancient sacrificial architectural complex.

Built in 1420 (18th year of Yongle reign, Ming Dynasty), it was renamed the Temple of Heaven in 1530. Enclosed by two concentric walls, the main structures lie within the inner altar, divided into northern and southern sections.

Key buildings include the Circular Mound Altar (south), the Altar of Prayer for Grain with the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (north), and the Abstinence Palace (west). These are connected by the 360-meter-long Danbi Bridge.

The Temple of Heaven possesses great historical, scientific, and artistic value. It was designated a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1961.