Returning to Temple of Heaven after 25 Years

We decided to join a local day tour to visit Beijing’s two most iconic historical attractions on 23 May 2026 - the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. These two attractions offers a deep understanding of China’s imperial history, architecture, and cultural traditions. Although both were central to the lives of Chinese emperors, they served very different purposes and provide distinct visitor experiences.

We started with the visit to the Temple of Heaven or Tiantan Park located at the Dongcheng District in Beijing. We entered through the East Gate. Immediately, we saw the first landmark, the Seven Star Stones (七星石), a historic stone arrangement inspired by the Big Dipper (北斗七星). 

The first landmark we saw as we approached the Temple of Heaven was the Seven Star Stones (七星石), a historic stone arrangement inspired by the Big Dipper (北斗七星). In traditional Chinese astronomy and Daoist cosmology, the Big Dipper symbolized cosmic order, protection, longevity, and imperial authority, making it an important motif in garden and landscape design.

Originally, the formation consisted of seven stones, carefully arranged to represent the seven stars of the constellation. More than decorative features, the stones served as symbolic links between the earthly landscape and celestial patterns. Their placement reflected principles of feng shui, intended to create harmony and balance between heaven, earth, and human life.

During the Qing dynasty, an eighth stone was added to symbolize that the Qing dynasty had become an integral part of a unified China. Today, the stones remain a powerful symbol of the enduring connection between astronomy, philosophy, and imperial Chinese culture.

Just outside the first building to the Forbidden City or the Palace Museum.

Some of the items on display at the first building.

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Moving into the Inner Court along a long covered corridor, we were soon confronted by one of the Temple of Heaven’s most iconic and breathtaking structures - the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿). Majestic and elegant, this circular, triple-eaved wooden building rises to approximately 38m in height, with a diameter of about 32.7m. Its deep blue tiled roof, symbolizing the heavens, stood out strikingly against the clear Beijing sky, immediately drawing our attention.

What makes this architectural masterpiece even more remarkable is its construction. Built entirely without nails, the hall relies on an ingenious system of interlocking wooden joints, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient Chinese builders. Despite its complexity and scale, the structure has stood for centuries as a testament to traditional Chinese engineering and architectural sophistication.

Inside, the hall is supported by 28 massive wooden pillars, each carefully arranged with profound symbolic meaning rooted in Chinese cosmology and the agricultural calendar. The four central pillars represent the four seasons; the twelve inner pillars symbolize the twelve months of the year; and the twelve outer pillars correspond to the traditional twelve divisions of the Chinese day, known as the shichen (时辰), with each division spanning two hours. Together, these pillars reflect the ancient Chinese understanding of time, nature, and the harmonious relationship between heaven and earth.

The hall was not merely an architectural marvel - it was also a sacred ceremonial space. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, emperors came here to perform solemn annual rituals, praying to Heaven for good harvests and prosperity for the empire. As the “Son of Heaven,” the emperor served as the intermediary between the celestial realm and the earthly world, making this hall one of the most spiritually significant sites in imperial China.

Old photo of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests taken on 3 December 2000.

This was my second visit to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The first time I stood here was in December 2000, a full quarter of a century ago. Returning after 25 years brought a deep sense of nostalgia, and I could not help but compare the two visits.

Back then, the site was far quieter and far less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful appreciation of its grandeur and spiritual atmosphere. This visit, however, was a completely different experience. Compounded by relentless, non-stop rain and overwhelming crowds, it turned out to be the most torturous part of our entire journey since our European tour began on 5 May 2026.

With almost everyone carrying umbrellas, pathways became congested and movement slowed to a crawl. To make matters worse, our shoes were soaked through, making every step increasingly uncomfortable. The persistent rain blurred the scenery and diminished what would otherwise have been a thoroughly enjoyable visit. The beauty and serenity of the surroundings were, unfortunately, greatly compromised by the weather and the sheer number of visitors.

Still, we pressed on and endured. Despite the discomfort, standing once again before this magnificent hall after 25 years remained a meaningful experience - one that reminded me that some journeys are memorable not only for their beauty, but also for the challenges overcome along the way.

From the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, we continued along the central axis to the Imperial Vault of Heaven (皇穹宇). Unfortunately, we did not manage to take a photo of it this time. Fortunately, I was able to find an old photo I had taken in December 2000.

Continuing further, we reached the huge Circular Mound Altar. The Circular Mound Altar is an open-air ceremonial altar within the Temple of Heaven, built for imperial rituals honoring Heaven. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the emperor - regarded as the “Son of Heaven” -performed major ceremonies here, especially during the winter solstice, to offer sacrifices and pray for harmony between Heaven, Earth, and the empire. Unlike enclosed temple buildings, the altar has no roof because worship of Heaven was meant to occur directly beneath the sky, symbolizing an unbroken connection with the heavens. Its design reflects traditional Chinese cosmology: the circular shape represents Heaven, while the three marble tiers symbolize ascending spiritual levels. The altar also features repeated use of the number nine, an imperial and heavenly number associated with supreme power. More than a religious structure, the Circular Mound Altar embodied imperial legitimacy, cosmic order, and the emperor’s sacred duty to maintain balance in the realm. 

With courtesy:  Photo was downloaded from website.

Old photo at the Circular Mound Altar taken in December 2000.

The giant Lantern Viewing Pole at right within the Circular Mound Altar was used to hoist giant lantern that illuminated the altar during the pre-dawn ceremonies of Winter Solstice, when emperors offered sacrifices to heaven.

Old photo of the giant pole taken in December 2000.