This place of worship has long been central to Chinese spirituality, visited by emperors for over 500 years to guarantee good harvests.
The Temple of Heaven is a spectacular example of imperial Chinese architecture located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing. Dating back to the fifteenth century, it was visited by generations of Chinese emperors offering prayers and sacrifice in hope of a good harvest.As with many public buildings, the temple contains layers of symbolism. Its square southern segment and curving northern section reflect the relationship between the heavens and earth, a theme central to Chinese spirituality. Sharp-eyed visitors may notice that the stones on the terraces are laid out in groups of nine – a significant number in Eastern philosophy.The building fell into disrepair following the sack of Beijing during the Opium Wars in 1850 and its occupation by the Eight Nation Alliance during the Boxer Rebellion at the turn of the twentieth century. These occupations desecrated the sacred space of the Temple and it was left abandoned until 1918, when the complex was opened to the general public for the first time.Even larger than the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven encompasses 92 buildings and 600 ancient chambers. It houses priceless imperial artefacts dating right back to the Yongle Emperor who founded the complex and preserves centuries of Chinese heritage in its very walls.Keen walkers should set aside a few hours to follow the traditional ceremonial route walked by emperors for hundreds of years. If you follow the paved pathway from the southern Zhaoheng Gate, you will find yourself at the base of the Circular Mound Altar which rises towards the in tiered sections. Walk a little further and you will reach the ornate pavilion known as the Imperial Vault of Heaven. The sumptuous golden dragon at the centre of its impressive ceiling is an awe-inspiring sight. Listen in amazement at the pavilion’s Echo Wall as a whispered word on one side of the structure is heard clearly on the opposite side.The easiest way to reach the Temple of Heaven is by subway. Exit A of Tiantandongmen Station will take you straight to the East Gate.
