Ultimate Guide: Temple of Heaven Tickets, Routes & Dining

Hello everyone! I’m Michael Zhang, a seasoned travel expert from China with extensive international experience. I have a passion for exploring cultural and historical sites across the globe. In this guide, I’m excited to take you through the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll explore its history, culture, and magnificent architecture together. Let’s dive in and discover the fascinating details of this ancient site, where emperors once prayed for good harvests.

Overview of the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is located in the southern part of Beijing, slightly east of the city’s central axis. Covering an impressive 273 hectares, it’s four times the size of the Forbidden City. Built during the Ming Dynasty in 1420, it served as the ceremonial site where emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for good harvests and favorable weather. In 1998, the Temple of Heaven was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural significance and architectural beauty. You can find more information about its UNESCO status here.

Main Attractions

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

This magnificent structure is the most famous part of the Temple of Heaven complex. Built without a single nail, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is where emperors would hold ceremonies to pray for a bountiful harvest. Its intricate design features pillars representing the four seasons, the 12 months of the year, and the 12 traditional Chinese hours of the day.

The Circular Mound Altar

Located in the southern section of the park, this three-tiered circular platform is where the emperors performed their sacrifices to heaven. At the center lies the “Heavenly Center Stone,” which amplifies sound when you stand on it, a fascinating acoustic feature that has captivated visitors for centuries.

The Imperial Vault of Heaven

This small but significant building houses the plaques used in the emperor’s worship ceremonies. The vault’s surrounding wall is known as the Echo Wall, famous for its ability to transmit sound over long distances due to its unique acoustic properties.

The Echo Wall

Surrounding the Imperial Vault of Heaven, the Echo Wall allows sound to travel along its smooth surface, making it possible to hear whispers from one end to the other—a marvel of ancient Chinese architecture.

The Three Echo Stones

Located just outside the Imperial Vault, these stones create unique sound effects. Depending on where you stand, you’ll hear different numbers of echoes—one, two, or three.

The Temple of Heaven Through the Seasons

Spring

In spring, the Temple of Heaven comes to life with blooming flowers and lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful walk or photoshoot.

Summer

Summer offers sunny weather, and the towering trees provide much-needed shade, making it a great time to explore the park’s wide-open spaces.

Autumn

Autumn brings a blanket of golden leaves, making the Temple of Heaven even more picturesque. It’s a favorite season for photographers who want to capture the beauty of both nature and architecture.

Winter

Winter transforms the Temple of Heaven into a serene and snowy wonderland, perfect for those who enjoy quieter, more reflective visits to historical sites.

Practical Information for Visiting the Temple of Heaven

Tickets, Purchasing, and Reservation Information

There are three types of tickets available for visiting the Temple of Heaven:

1. Entry ticket: 15 RMB
2. Combo ticket (includes entry + access to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, and Circular Mound Altar): 34 RMB. We highly recommend purchasing the combo ticket to fully experience the key sights of the temple!
   • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals, KKday Offers
3. Scenic ticket (includes Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, and Circular Mound Altar, but not park entry): 20 RMB.

Note: Seniors over 60 and children under 18 are eligible for free entry.

Dress in traditional Hanfu for an unforgettable experience as you explore the Temple of Heaven!

Guided Tours

Audio Guide

• Location: Available at all entrances.
• Languages: Mandarin, English, French, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, German, Portuguese, Italian, and more.
• Price: 30 RMB for Mandarin, 40 RMB for other languages.

Tour Guide

• Available at the South Gate.
• Languages: Chinese and English.
• Price: From 200 RMB per hour for Chinese, from 300 RMB per hour for English.

Opening Hours

• Park entry: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm (April 1 – October 31), 6:30 am – 9:00 pm (November 1 – March 31)
• Scenic spots: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm (April 1 – October 31), 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (November 1 – March 31)

Getting to the Temple of Heaven

• East Gate: Subway Line 5, Temple of Heaven East Gate Station, Exit A2
• South Gate: Bus Line 202, get off at Temple of Heaven South Gate or Jingtai Station
• West Gate: Subway Line 8, Tianqiao Station, Exit C
• North Gate: Subway Line 7, Qiaowan Station, Exit C

Suggested Routes for Touring the Temple of Heaven

• 3-hour route: East Gate → Slaughter Pavilion → 72 Long Corridor → North Divine Kitchen → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Danbi Bridge → Chengzhen Gate → Echo Wall → Imperial Vault of Heaven → Circular Mound Altar → Zhaigong → Double Ring Pavilion → West Gate
• 2-hour route: South Gate → Circular Mound Altar → Echo Wall → Imperial Vault of Heaven → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Double Ring Pavilion → Zhaigong → West Gate
• 1-hour route: East Gate → Long Corridor → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Danbi Bridge → Echo Wall → Circular Mound Altar → South Gate

Note: Make sure to buy the combo ticket, as it’s required for entry into the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Circular Mound Altar, and Echo Wall.

Book a full-day guided tour to experience all the best parts of the Temple of Heaven!

Dining Recommendations Near the Temple of Heaven

Lao Ciqikou Douzhi (Temple of Heaven)

• Located 700 meters from the North Gate, this old Beijing snack shop is famous for its traditional dishes.
• Chinese Address: 北京市东城区天坛路（天坛北门对面）
• Average price: 18 RMB
• Recommended dishes: Fermented mung bean juice, crispy fried dough rings, donkey roll, pea cakes, and fried milk cakes.

Yinsan Douzhi (Temple of Heaven)

• 150 meters north of the North Gate, a highly recommended local snack shop.
• Chinese Address: 北京市东城区东晓市街176号
• Average price: 16 RMB
• Recommended dishes: Fermented mung bean juice, crispy fried dough rings, fried liver, marinated meatballs, and fried sausage.

Da Hai Wan (Tianqiao)

• About 1 kilometer from the West Gate, this authentic Beijing restaurant is known for its classic noodle dishes.
• Chinese Address: 北京市西城区天桥商场地下一层（天桥地铁站D西南口步行90米）
• Average price: 66 RMB
• Recommended dishes: Fried noodles with soybean paste, sautéed pork with garlic sauce, and Beijing-style pork belly.

Nanmen Shuanrou (Temple of Heaven)

• A famous old Beijing hot pot restaurant, 900 meters from the South Gate.
• Chinese Address: 北京市东城区永定门东街东里13-1-2
• Average price: 101 RMB
• Recommended dishes: Hand-cut lamb, fresh lamb shoulder, sesame paste dipping sauce, and fried sesame cakes.