Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven is one of Beijing’s most famous landmarks, known for its beautiful ancient architecture and peaceful park areas. You can watch locals practising tai chi, enjoy a relaxing walk, and feel the city’s traditional charm. Plan your visit today and make it a highlight of your Beijing trip!

About Temple of Heaven

In the UNESCO-designated Temple of Heaven in southeast Beijing, emperors used to offer prayers for bountiful harvests. Constructed in 1420, the 2.7 million square metre complex features iconic structures like as the Circular Mound Altar and the Hall of Prayer. Spend two to three hours exploring the park and its key attractions.

Temple of Heaven Opening Hours

The Temple of Heaven is open every day. From April 1 to October 31, it opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM. The latest entry is 9:00 PM. From November 1 to March 31, it opens at 6:30 AM and closes at 10:00 PM. The latest entry is also 9:00 PM.

Some sub-attractions inside the park, such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, Echo Wall, Circular Mound Altar, Fasting Palace, North Divine Kitchen, and North Slaughter Pavilion, have different hours: they open later in the morning and close earlier. These sub-attractions are usually closed on Mondays except during public holidays and from July 15 to August 31.

Temple of Heaven Park Opening and Closing Schedule

• Park Hours: 06:00–22:00
• Main Sites (e.g., Hall of Prayer): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry: 4:30 PM)
• 😊 Tip: Go early for a quiet walk and to see locals doing morning exercise.

Temple of Heaven Beijing Ticket Prices and Types

Temple of Heaven in Beijing offers a variety of tickets for visitors. General admission is very affordable, with adult tickets costing around £6. There are discounted tickets for students, minors, and seniors. Combo tickets with guided tours or extra access to main attractions cost more, ranging from about £29 to £114 depending on the package.

Temple of Heaven Map & Itinerary

Southeast Beijing is home to the Temple of Heaven, a sizeable historic complex. It spans a large park and includes a number of significant locations. Understanding the plan and adhering to a precise itinerary will help you get the most out of your trip.

Crucial Places to See:

Tour Routes for the Temple of Heaven

Image from travelchinaguide

📍 Map of Temple of Heaven and Walking Paths: Take advantage of these two recommended walking paths to fully explore the Temple of Heaven. Select your starting gate and proceed in the correct order to the landmarks.

Route 1: Begin at Zhaoheng Gate, also known as South Gate.

Suggested for first-time travellers

Route: Danbi Bridge → East Annex Hall → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → West Annex Hall → Palace of Abstinence → Divine Music Administration → South Divine Kitchen → Echo Wall → Imperial Vault of Heaven → Three Echo Stones → Zhaoheng Gate

Time estimate: 2–3 hours

Route 2: Commence at the North Gate

Ideal for trips in the early morning

Route: North Gate → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → East Annex Hall → West Annex Hall → Danbi Bridge → Echo Wall → Imperial Vault of Heaven → Three Echo Stones → South Divine Kitchen → Circular Mound Altar → Lingxing Gates → Palace of Abstinence → Divine Music Administration

Time estimate: 2-2.5 hours

How to Get to Temple of Heaven

📍 Address: 1 Tiantan East Road, Beijing's Dongcheng District

Temple of Heaven – Underground Access Guide

• By subway: The East Gate of the Temple of Heaven is directly across the street from Tiantan Dongmen Station (Exit A), where you can get off Line 5.
• By bus: Numerous bus routes, including Routes 6, 34, 35, 36, 72, 106, 110, and others, make stops close to the park. Tiantan North Gate or Tiantan East Gate are the places to get off.
• By taxi: Present the driver, either Tiantan Nanmen or Tiantan Dongmen. It takes about fifteen minutes to drive there from Tiananmen.

Temple of Heaven History

The Temple of Heaven was first built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty. It was a royal place where emperors prayed for good harvests. The complex was rebuilt and expanded in the Qing Dynasty, including the famous Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. In the 20th century, it became a public park and later a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is one of Beijing’s most important cultural landmarks.

What to See and Do at Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a historic location with a number of noteworthy structures and places to visit. Cultural heritage, architecture, and tranquil park environs are all available to visitors. The primary events and attractions are as follows:

What to See and Do at Temple of Heaven

Best Hotels Near Temple of Heaven

Are you trying to find lodging close to the Temple of Heaven? Here are a few affordable and mid-range hotels that are conveniently located near the site to accommodate various travel requirements.

Temple of Heaven FAQs

1. Do you need tickets for the Temple of Heaven?
Yes, a ticket is required to enter.

2. How much are Temple of Heaven tickets?
Adult tickets start from about £6. There are discounts for students, children and seniors. Combo tickets with guided tours or extra access cost more, from around £29 to £114.

3. How do I book Temple of Heaven tickets?
You can book online through Trip.com for an easy and fast purchase.

4. How long should I spend at the Temple of Heaven?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the park and main sights.

5. How old is the Temple of Heaven?
It was built in 1420, so it is over 600 years old.

6. How do I get to the Temple of Heaven?
You can take the Beijing Subway, a bus or a taxi. The East Gate Station is the most convenient stop.

7. How do I travel from Beijing airports to the Temple of Heaven?
From Capital Airport: Subway takes about 1 hour and costs around ¥29. Taxi takes about 55 minutes.
From Daxing Airport: Subway takes about 59 minutes and costs around ¥39. Airport bus takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Taxi takes about 53 minutes.

8. Is the Temple of Heaven inside the Forbidden City?
No, they are two separate sites in different locations in Beijing.

9. What time does the Temple of Heaven close?
Open daily. April to October: 6:00 to 22:00, last entry 21:00. November to March: 6:30 to 22:00, last entry 21:00.

Read More Beijing Travel Guides