Temple of Heaven Beijing Free Walking Tour

Meeting at Metro line5 Tiantandongmen station(or Temple of Heaven East gate station) Exit A2.

In Chinese天坛东门 if you would like to take taxi to the meeting point.

Please bring Chinese yuan cash or Alipay and passport with you to buy tickets.

Temple of Heaven doesn't need to book ticket in advance you can buy ticket from ticket office on the day of the tour.

During the visit, we will learn a lot about the history of the Ming and Qing Dynasty, the stories behind the Temple of Heaven, and why the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty moved the capital to Beijing? After relocating the capital to Beijing, the Temple of Heaven and Earth was built, which was later converted into the Temple of Heaven and three other altars were constructed (what are they?). Walking into the Temple of Heaven, you will find many ancient trees. Why are there more trees in the Temple of Heaven than in the Forbidden City? What is the function of the trees in the Temple of Heaven? Why are there almost no trees in the Forbidden City? What is the connection between the 9999.5 rooms in the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven? What season does the emperor hold a sacrificial ceremony at the Temple of Heaven every year? Why does the emperor have to go to the Temple of Heaven three days before the ceremony starts? During the ceremony, three types of animals are killed to offer sacrifices. What are they? Why are the colors of Ming Dynasty architecture yellow, red, green, and blue? What is the meaning behind these colors? Most of the buildings in the Ming Dynasty were square shaped. Why is the Temple of Heaven a circular building? What is the relationship between the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the twenty-eight constellations? During this trip, we will gradually learn about the history behind the architecture of the Temple of Heaven and so on.

The Temple of Heaven Park, Tiantan in Chinese, is located in the Dongcheng District, Beijing. It is the largest and most representative existing masterpiece among China's ancient sacrificial buildings.

Originally, the Temple of Heaven was the place where emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) held the Heaven Worship Ceremony. First built in 1420, the 18th year of the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), the Temple of Heaven was enlarged and rebuilt during the reigns of the Ming emperor Jiajing and the Qing emperor Qianlong.

In 1988, it was opened to the public as a park, showing ancient philosophy, history and religion. Its grand architectural style and profound cultural connotation give an insight into the practices of the ancient Eastern civilization.


NOTE:  1.Take passport with you
             2. Bring cash or Alipay to buy ticket

Free tours don't have a set price, each person tips the guide at the end of the tour. Based on the cost of living in Beijing the recommended tip is 150-200 Chinese yuan per person or 20-30 USD per person depending on your satisfaction. You will decide how much the tip is after you value the tour.