The Temple of Heaven is a vast imperial complex in Beijing where Ming and Qing emperors performed ceremonies to honour Heaven and pray for good harvests. Built in the early 15th century, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose buildings and layout reflect traditional Chinese ideas about the relationship between heaven and earth.
The landmark is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a circular wooden building crowned by three tiers of deep-blue glazed tiles. Farther south, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and its Echo Wall lead toward the Circular Mound Altar, an open-air marble platform used for imperial rites. The architecture is extraordinary, but so is the surrounding park: in the morning, Beijing residents gather beneath old cypress trees to practise tai chi, play music and socialise.
For a quieter look at local park life, arrive early; the historic buildings may open later than the park itself. Choose a combined ticket if you want to enter the main monuments, as basic park admission does not cover them. Tiantan Dongmen station on metro Line 5 is convenient for the east gate; check current opening hours before setting out.