World Heritage One Day Tour

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven (Tiantan), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Beijing, is a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture (built 1406-1420). It served as the sacred complex where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed solemn annual rituals to pray for good harvests and divine blessing for the empire. Its architectural symbolism reflects the ancient Chinese cosmological belief that heaven is round and earth is square. This is perfectly embodied by the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a magnificent triple-gabled circular pavilion standing on a triple-tiered marble terrace, and the Circular Mound Altar, an open-air platform for prayers to Heaven. The entire layout, with its precise axial alignment, use of colors (blue tiles representing heaven), and acoustical designs (like the Echo Wall), demonstrates a profound harmony between human ritual and the cosmic order. More than just beautiful buildings, the Temple of Heaven is a profound cultural landscape representing the philosophical and spiritual core of traditional China.

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Beijing, is China's largest and most exquisitely preserved imperial garden. Initially constructed in 1750, it served as a luxurious retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat. The landscape masterfully blends natural scenery with artificial hills, pavilions, and halls. Its centerpiece is Kunming Lake, dominated by the majestic Longevity Hill. The Long Corridor, a covered walkway adorned with thousands of intricate paintings, winds along the lake's northern shore. At the hill's summit, the Tower of Buddhist Incense offers panoramic views. The garden is a philosophical masterpiece, designed according to Chinese aesthetics to harmonize human artistry with nature. It embodies the traditional concept of recreating miniature landscapes, symbolizing a perfected world for imperial contemplation and leisure, representing the pinnacle of Chinese garden design.