Temple of Heaven: The Green Lung of the Ancient Capital and a Leisure Resort for Citizens

The Temple of Heaven is a World Heritage Site, a national key cultural relics protection unit, a national AAAAA tourist attraction, and a national civilized scenic spot demonstration site. Located in the south of Beijing, east of Yongdingmennei Street in Dongcheng District, it covers about 2.73 million square meters. The Temple of Heaven was first built in the 18th year of Yongle (1420) during the Ming Dynasty and was rebuilt during the Qianlong and Guangxu years of the Qing Dynasty.

The Temple of Heaven, as it is known, was the location where emperors performed annual sacrifices to heaven and prayed for a bountiful harvest. Renowned for its rigorous architectural layout, unique constructions, and magnificent decorations, the Temple of Heaven covers approximately 2.7 million square meters. It is divided into the Inner Altar and the Outer Altar. In the Inner Altar, notable structures include the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Circular Mound Altar, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven. These buildings are connected by the Danhei Bridge that spans north and south. The Outer Altar, surrounded by cypress trees, encircles the Inner Altar, enhancing the complex's solemn and grand appearance. The Inner Altar features acoustically designed structures such as the Echo Wall, the Three-Tone Stones, and the Dialogue Stones, which cleverly utilize acoustic principles.

The park was established in the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1420) and was originally called the "Temple of Heaven and Earth." It was renamed the "Temple of Heaven" in the 9th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1530). On January 1, 1918, the Temple of Heaven Park was officially opened to the public and became a popular tourist destination for both Beijing residents and visitors.

The Temple of Heaven Park spans about 2.73 million square meters and is enclosed by two altar walls, divided into the Inner and Outer Altars. The Inner Altar, the park's core area, consists of four main ancient building complexes: the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Circular Mound Altar, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven. The Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests is used for springtime prayers for a good year, with its central building, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, being a landmark of Beijing. The Circular Mound Altar is where emperors performed sacrifices to heaven during the winter solstice, showcasing the essence of ancient Chinese architectural art through its ingenious design. The Imperial Vault of Heaven was where the emperor resided before the sacrifices, and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests was where sacrificial rites and music were practiced.

The architectural style of the Temple of Heaven Park is distinctive, integrating ancient Chinese philosophical thought and aesthetic concepts. The precise layout and clear spatial sequence of the park's buildings not only reflect the ancient Chinese belief of "heaven is round and earth is square" but also demonstrate the exquisite skills of ancient Chinese architects. Additionally, the Temple of Heaven Park is an exemplary use of acoustics, with structures such as the Echo Wall, the Three-Tone Stones, and the Circular Mound Altar skillfully applying acoustic principles to create unique acoustic effects.

The Temple of Heaven was constructed in the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1420), modeled after Nanjing. In the 9th year of the Jiajing reign (1530), Emperor Jiajing, influenced by his ministers' advice, decided to divide the land between heaven and earth by building a circular altar to the south of the Great Hall of Sacrifice and a square altar outside the Andingmen Gate in the northern city. In the 13th year of the Jiajing reign (1534), the Circular Mound was renamed the Altar of Heaven, and the square altar was renamed the Altar of Earth. After the abandonment of the Great Hall of Sacrifice, it was converted into the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests, which was later abolished in the 17th year of the Jiajing reign (1538). In the 19th year, Daxiang Hall was built on the altar, taking 24 years to complete. During the Qing Dynasty, in the 16th year of the Qianlong reign (1751), it was renamed the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and underwent several repairs and expansions.

Main Attractions of the Temple of Heaven Park:

• The Circular Mound Altar: This is where winter solstice worship ceremonies were held. Its main structures include the Circular Mound, the Imperial Vault, the Divine Kitchen, the Three Depots, the Pavilion of Sacrifice, and the Watching Lamp. During the Ming Dynasty, the Circular Mound was a three-tiered blue glazed round altar.
• The Imperial Vault of Heaven: Located to the north of the Circular Mound Altar, it faces north and south and features a circular wall with three doors on the south. Its main buildings include the Imperial Vault and the East and West Annexes.
• The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: This is where the ceremonies for praying for grain were held. Built in the 18th year of Ming Yongle (1420), it includes the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, the East and West Halls, the Gate of Prayer, the Divine Room, the Pavilion of Sacrifice, and a long corridor. Inside and outside the altar walls are various features such as the Clothing Platform, Danhaji Bridge, the Heavenly Gate, and the Seven Star Stone.

The Temple of Heaven Park is not only a historical and cultural treasure but also an ecologically beautiful park. It is filled with green trees and lush flowers, providing a refreshing and pleasant environment for visitors. In spring and autumn, Tiantan Park is an excellent place for flower viewing and exercise.

Overall, Tiantan Park is a comprehensive park that blends history, culture, art, and natural beauty. Whether for history enthusiasts or tourists seeking tranquility and beauty, Tiantan Park is a worthwhile destination.