Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven
4.5
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsParksReligious SitesGovernment Buildings
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Built in 1420 with a total area of 270 acres, this is the largest building for religious worship in China, which was originally used by the Ming and Qing emperors to pay homage to Heaven and to pray for a year of rich harvest.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- mic_leowSingapore, Singapore619 contributionsBeautiful place!The snowfilled street leading up to the temple of Heaven make the place even more beautiful. Place was filled with tourists and even locals in rented costumes to take photos everywhere. The entrance to enter the Temple of Heaven was crowded and once inside be awe by the majestic view of the temple sitting right up the pavilion top. Lots of photo opportunity and so magical in winter especially the snow covered places!Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 27, 2023
- KodoDrummerBuenos Aires, Argentina70,626 contributionsThe Emperor's Temple. Stunning, even on my 5th visitBeautiful artistry, especially without all the tools and engineering knowledge of today. It sits within a temple complex, which is located in a large park. Lots of signage to explain the history and past usage of the various structures.Visited January 2024Traveled soloWritten March 4, 2024
- 4grlsmomPewaukee, Wisconsin289 contributionsAn enjoyable park full of historyWe opted for the Temple of Heaven over the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square after a friend in Beijing said he liked it, and we'd seen the other sites on prior visits. The Temple of Heaven is very large - it is a surprisingly big area, but it has a very relaxing vibe. I think Beijing overall has a more historic feel versus a city like Shanghai, and sometimes that feels a bit oppressive to me. But the Temple of Heaven has such a tranquil feel. You smell pine as you walk among the trees, and people are just chill, walking the park, some doing Tai Chi and taking in the history. The east gate is near the Tiantandongman metro stop (across from the Pearl Market), and there was no line to get tickets. Bring your passport, over age 60 is free, even for foreigners.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 5, 2024
- Christian MCopenhagen, Denmark6,167 contributionsA Small Taj Mahal MomentThe name alone – Temple of Heaven – evokes associations with an ancient imperial era of grandeur. However, the poetry is somewhat diminished when you're trudging around the vast site in 35-degree heat among thousands of Chinese visitors, many in rented costumes to capture the perfect photos. But when we turned onto the square in front of the Hall of Prayers, we experienced something similar to when we first saw the Taj Mahal. A thrill of joy over a beauty that spans centuries and still touches the viewer today. The Temple of Heaven is a must-visit when you're in Beijing, but the daily life in the hutongs will likely leave a more profound human impression.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 10, 2024
- Ltravel88United States121 contributionsTemple of Heaven - Hall of Prayer for Good HarvestWe arrived late in the day and only saw the grand attraction at the Temple of Heaven, the magnificent Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. The pictures I'd seen online didn't reflect just how elegant it was in person. Its engineering without nails is awe-inspiring and the perfect blue tiles representing the sky made it a sight to behold. Leaving the grounds of the temple we walked along a forest, with rows and rows of trees- it truly gave you a sense of how enormous it was.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 29, 2024
- Alessio0575Monza, Italy188 contributionsMajor attraction in BeijingThis is one of the major spot to be visited in Beijing. It is place at the centre of a magnificent and green park, probably an attraction itself which gives more scenery to the Temple. The main building is a circular structure at the centre of a terrace like square made of white marble. As usual very long queues to get in and it is strongly suggested to get a ticket in advance - -for foreigners, there are agencies purchasing ticket on your behalf and the passport eventually become the ticket. At the end of the visit to the temple and the surrounding buildings, i suggest to take a walk in the part, perfectly maintained...Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 3, 2024
- Steven NgSingapore, Singapore88 contributionsAwesome experience at Temple of HeavenLanded at Da Xing Airport in Beijing at 7am, we still managed to squeeze an afternoon tour to Temple of Heaven (天坛). This tour was led by tour guide Lina, who explained the ceremony the emperor needs to do to ensure that China had enough rain for the year. Btw the Emperor also got a farm within the Forbidden City, so that he experienced farming as example to the rest of his kingdom. The heaven is always represented by circle and earth is represented by a square. That why ancient Chinese coin is circle with a square hole in the middle. In terms of colour, Heaven is represented by blue, Emperor is represented by yellow, the earth is represented by green. This explains the different colour of the roof in Temple of heaven, the Forbidden City & normal people houses. Do recommend to get a guide for the tour to Temple of Heaven & Forbidden City. There are really a lot of information, a good local guide can provide (unless you understand mandarin & got access to Little Red Book (China version of TikTok)).Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 9, 2024
- Stefano RMilan, Italy88 contributionsHighly emotional placeIf you plan to visit the main historical attractions of Beijing this is a must see. Although the Forbidden City has amazing and impressive temples, this place has something magic. I just recommend to go in low season to have a full experience.Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten September 12, 2024
- Ben KingLondon, United Kingdom175 contributionsMarvellous5/5 hands down for this one. The architecture is out of this world, from the temple of heaven to the fasting palace. You can easily get lost in the grandeur of this place, as you learn about the history of each building and its significance. It’s incredibly well-kept and everyone is very respectful. It seemed like some locals were praying at one of the sights.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 12, 2024
- ShannonSuva, Fiji1,177 contributionsPossible Under an HourIf you're on a tight timeframe, the main temple structure is the only most notable thing within the grounds as other areas can be skipped. Most of the sites are covered with gardens so if you do have time on your hands you could easily spend hours here, ideal for picnics. There aren't many restaurants in the park but prices were reasonable. There's a connection to the metro on both the East and West gates, highly recommended, and no need to pre-book tickets nor use passport for entry.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
12,211 reviews
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79
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28
TonyTimeShare
Dallas, TX437 contributions
Jan 2020
I spent the morning exploring the area around the Temple of Heaven in January. There are other temples in the large park and I suggest you opt for the multi-attraction ticket. It's only 28RMB or about $4. It gets you into the Temple of Heaven and two others.
The park area around the temples is very tranquil and a nice respite from the busy city. Tree lined pathways abound. You can see people doing tai chi, playing card games along the long corridor and practicing dance near the north gate. A very pleasant way to spend some time looking at temples and enjoying the peace and tranquility of the park.
The park area around the temples is very tranquil and a nice respite from the busy city. Tree lined pathways abound. You can see people doing tai chi, playing card games along the long corridor and practicing dance near the north gate. A very pleasant way to spend some time looking at temples and enjoying the peace and tranquility of the park.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyle Ciulla
Beijing, China347 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
When I first came to Beijing, everyone was recommending this sight to me. They say when Chinese people travel to the capital, they travel here. I can see why, surreal building and great park. Reminder that everywhere you go in China you have to pay for the park fee and then inside you pay for the monument fee. But well worth it, I highly recommended the temple of heaven!
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaulSiow
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia2,696 contributions
Apr 2019
We took the subway to visit this attraction and found it to be very accessible. It is a big complex, but not as big as the forbidden city. Entrance fee is reasonable around 35 yuan, but free for seniors like most of China's parks. Needed 1-2 hours to walk about. Took many photos.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven Ng
Singapore, Singapore88 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Landed at Da Xing Airport in Beijing at 7am, we still managed to squeeze an afternoon tour to Temple of Heaven (天坛). This tour was led by tour guide Lina, who explained the ceremony the emperor needs to do to ensure that China had enough rain for the year. Btw the Emperor also got a farm within the Forbidden City, so that he experienced farming as example to the rest of his kingdom.
The heaven is always represented by circle and earth is represented by a square. That why ancient Chinese coin is circle with a square hole in the middle.
In terms of colour, Heaven is represented by blue, Emperor is represented by yellow, the earth is represented by green. This explains the different colour of the roof in Temple of heaven, the Forbidden City & normal people houses.
Do recommend to get a guide for the tour to Temple of Heaven & Forbidden City. There are really a lot of information, a good local guide can provide (unless you understand mandarin & got access to Little Red Book (China version of TikTok)).
The heaven is always represented by circle and earth is represented by a square. That why ancient Chinese coin is circle with a square hole in the middle.
In terms of colour, Heaven is represented by blue, Emperor is represented by yellow, the earth is represented by green. This explains the different colour of the roof in Temple of heaven, the Forbidden City & normal people houses.
Do recommend to get a guide for the tour to Temple of Heaven & Forbidden City. There are really a lot of information, a good local guide can provide (unless you understand mandarin & got access to Little Red Book (China version of TikTok)).
Written September 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alessio0575
Monza, Italy188 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
This is one of the major spot to be visited in Beijing. It is place at the centre of a magnificent and green park, probably an attraction itself which gives more scenery to the Temple. The main building is a circular structure at the centre of a terrace like square made of white marble. As usual very long queues to get in and it is strongly suggested to get a ticket in advance - -for foreigners, there are agencies purchasing ticket on your behalf and the passport eventually become the ticket. At the end of the visit to the temple and the surrounding buildings, i suggest to take a walk in the part, perfectly maintained...
Written September 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ailton007
Seattle, WA1,217 contributions
May 2021
Beautiful and expansive grounds with the actual Temple as the highlight. As a foreigner, make sure you buy tickets on WeChat (follow their official account) in advance and carry your passport with you. Easy to then just have your QR code scanned and get in. Don't just go and hope you get tickets. While crowded, grounds are vast and you can check our gardens, other temples, courtyards, altars etc. We were lucky and caught sunshine which made for great pictures. Definitely do when in Beijing.
Written May 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malgorzata
12,085 contributions
Oct 2020
The Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. An example of wooden Chinese architecture. The 40-meter-long circular Pavilion of Prayer for the Annual Harvest, which does not use nails, is an example of Confucian architecture that dates back to the Ming era. In its overall layout and that of its individual buildings, it symbolizes the relationship between earth and heaven, the human world and God's world. A beautiful place, extremely charming, peaceful and unique. Worth seeing.
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monika K.
Ozarow Mazowiecki, Poland94 contributions
May 2019
This temple complex is one of the symbols of the Chinese capital. It consists mainly of three groups of buildings: Pavilion of Prayer for Birth, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Round Altar. The complex is located in a huge 273 ha park. The building was built during the Ming dynasty. The main architectural premise is to cast shapes symbolizing the sky (wheel) and earth (square). The entire complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998.
I recommend taking a walk around the beautiful and well-kept park, where we will meet Chinese practicing Tai-Chi or playing Mahjong.
I recommend taking a walk around the beautiful and well-kept park, where we will meet Chinese practicing Tai-Chi or playing Mahjong.
Written April 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob T
LaSalle, IL392 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
I went during a gentle rain and during golden week and the 70th anniversary. Got there at its opening and had limited crowds and beautiful picture. The buses and tours started rolling in and the masses effected the joy. I was able to spend about two hours totally enjoying this huge complex.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wandering Chris
Columbus, GA111 contributions
Aug 2019
When I visited entry fee was 35RMB or $4.94 USD. What caught me of guard while visiting was the HUGE Calisthenics area in the park, full of people working out. 60 year old men crushing Muscle Ups, dips, everything. I was able to jump in and do a few swing between bars as well. Great time highly recommend it.
Written June 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Surapong T
Milan, Italy
Hello, Are there any baggages storage service in or nearby Temple o Heaven?
Written March 22, 2024
Hi everyone.
Do I need to book tickets in advance also if we are over-60?
Written March 4, 2024
Hi has anyone used the ticket booking service on tripadvisor for this attraction or would you suggest getting them somewhere else / on the day?
Written February 6, 2024
I regret not getting it from trip adviser. They do not have credit card or cash payement, you need to pay with some app on site which I did not have. Ended up asking the driver who took me to pay and paid him cash.
Written February 8, 2024
We will be staying at the Novetel Peace hotel. About how far is the Temple of Heaven from the hotel? Walkable or not?
Thank you
Written October 28, 2018
I think you got a lot of answers here. Prepare to walk a lot. Think we walked about 7 - 8 miles a day. Prepare! Get good shoes
Written October 29, 2018
Hi,
I read that early morning exercises start at 6am at the Temple of Heaven. Do all the people leave after one hour, or can you see people exercising for somewhat longer?
Written October 25, 2018
Hi there....we visited the later in the day too, so we just saw the seniors all playing cards in the park.....but yes, we saw the dancing in groups in a small park just outside our hotel in Beijing the first night we were there....
Written October 26, 2018
Hello!
I am planning to go Beijing and the Temple of Heaven soon, it will be my first trip in China.
Can I buy a ticket online to avoid queuing for a long time? or maybe the queue is not very long?
Any advice will be widely appreciated!
Thank you!
Written October 3, 2018
I traveled to the temple of heaven on my own not knowing any Chinese and was easily able to buy a ticket at the gate. There are several levels of tickets to the temple of heaven but I would recommend just getting the one that lets you have entry into all parts. You’re really not talking much money to begin with. We didn’t take any commercial tours as we had a Chinese friend with us for the rest of our tour throughout Beijing. Should you desire to walk through chairman Mao’ tomb to view his body, keep in mind that it’s free however you cannot take any backpacks or packages in with you. Audio guides are available in many tourist sites and I would recommend doing them as the English explanations in many states are very poor and leave you wondering what they’re trying to inform you off. The Temple of Heaven had the best English signage. Keep your passport with you as many places want to see that document. An additional vantages it proves your age and if by any chance you happen to be 65 or older you get in free many places. Don’t worry about trying to see everything as you simply can’t. Just enjoy what you see with what time you have and don’t stress out. Have a fun trip.
Written October 26, 2018
Hi there, would the Temple of Heaven be open on 25 Dec 2018 Christmas Day?
Written September 24, 2018
Opening time
Gate:6:00-22:00
The scenic spots inside the Temple of Heaven:
From March 1 to June 30: 8:00------17:30
From July 1 to October 31: 8:00——18:00
From November 1 to February 28: 8:00——17:00
Written November 15, 2018
Hola!
He leĂdo que para entrar al recinto o dentro son diferentes horarios. No estoy de vacaciones allĂ, solo hago una escala. Se puede ver algo si solo entrar al recinto? Que es lo que se ve cuando comprar la entrada?
Gracias
Written July 27, 2018
Hallo! Auch wenn Sie nur einen Zwischenstopp machen, lohnt es sich ein Ticket zu kaufen. Das Gelände ist weitläufig und man kann dort so viel Zeit verbringen, wie man hat. Von außen ist fast nichts einsehbar. Es lohnt sich!
Written July 31, 2018
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