LAST MINUTE BEST TRAVEL DEALS: Temple of Heaven

China Hours Temple of Heaven Park Beijing (Pekin) Facts

Temple of Heaven History Facts

The Temple of Heaven (in Chinese: 天壇; in pinyin: Tiāntán) in China is an imperial complex of religious buildings located in the southeastern part of central Beijing (Pekin), Chongwen District. Built in Ming Dynasty and renovated during the rein of Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong, the Temple of Heaven is one of the best masterpiece of ancient architecture.

The complex covers an area of 2.73 million square metres, extending in the east-west axis 1,700 metres and in the south-north axis 1,600. A small-scale portion of the premises is occupied by halls and altars, leaving majority of the space for vegetation. The dark green foliage decorates the compound, painting it in noble tinges.

Fact 1 - Who Built The Temple of Heaven in Beijing

Traveling back to Ming Dynasty, the temple complex was built from 1406 to 1420 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, who was also responsible for the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing (Pekin). The complex was extended and renamed Temple of Heaven during the reign of the Jiajing Emperor in the 16th century.

Fact 2 - Why Was The Temple of Heaven Built

The building complex was built and visited by The Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest.

Fact 3 - Why is The Temple of Heaven Important to The Ming Emperor

A bad harvest could be translated as The Emperor fall from Heaven's favor and threaten the stability of his reign.

Fact 4 - What is The Temple of Heaven Made Out of

The Temple of Heaven is made out of two altars, namely, the Circular Mound Alter of Heaven and the Altar of Prayer for Harvest. The walls are make with two rectangles, one within the other.

The outer wall can get through only from the west, through the Circular Mound Altar Gate and Altar of Prayer Gate. Four gates are opened in the inner wall in four directions. Within the compound there are altars and meditation hall. The unique features of the Temple of Heaven, apart from the Circular Mound Altar and the Altar of Prayer, are the Meditation Hall and Imperial Music Studio.

Fact 5 - Temple of Heaven Architecture Explanation

Temple of Heaven Architecture Explanation

The Temple of Heaven architecture is considered the one of the best achievement of traditional Chinese architecture. Its layout symbolizes the belief that heaven is round and earth square. The three buildings are built in a straight line. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has three concentric circles of massive wood columns symbolizing the four seasons, 12 months, and 12 daily hours. In a remarkable effort of engineering, the columns supported the three roof levels and, in succession, a huge square brace (earth), circular architrave (heaven), and vast interior cupola. The Imperial Vault of Heaven is a smaller circular building built without crossbeams. Its dome is supported by complicated spanning work. The Circular Mound Altar is a triple-tiered white stone terrace enclosed by two sets of walls that are square outside and round inside.

Lastly, watch this couple of minutes Temple of Heaven video Youtube for more facts: