Temple of Heaven

The first dominating structure to be seen is the Lingxing Gates, where the outer and inner walls are pierced with four separate groups of gates, each having three gates. The 24 gates in total are known as the Cloud Gates Forming a Jade Forest.

Behind the gates is the spectacular Circular mound altar . There are stairs with nine steps on each of its four sides. In the center of the top story is a round stone, which is surrounded by nine fan-shaped stones, with the number of stones in outer layers increasing by a multiple of nine. The numbers of the railing boards and balustrades are also multiples of nine, all being symbolic figures of the astronomical phenomena.

Decorative blue titles next to the gate.

Dragon emblems on blue tiles.

The Circular Mound Altar is an open-air circular platform composed of three tiers, constructed entirely from white marble. The circular shape symbolizes heaven, while the square-shaped base represents Earth. The altar is meticulously designed with precise astronomical and cosmological principles.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911), the emperors would offer sacrifice to Heaven on the day of the Winter Solstice every year. This ceremony was to thank heaven and hope everything would be good in the future. Founded in the 9th year of Emperor Jiajing (1530) of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), it is the very heart of the Temple of Heaven and thus it is also known as the Terrace of Worshipping Heaven.

Surrounding the Circular Mound Altar is a beautifully carved marble balustrade. The balustrade is intricately adorned with dragons and clouds, symbolizing the imperial authority and the divine nature of the ceremonies held here.

The Balustrade are intricately carved with Dragon-shaped water spouts.

View of the Lingzing Gates from the stairs of the Altar.

There are a total of 3 tiers. This is the first tier with stairs leading to the next tier.

Each tier is a separate marble terrace, and the entire structure is approximately 38 meters (125 feet) in diameter. The three tiers are known as the “Heavenly Center,” the “Middle Circle,” and the “Earthly Surrounding.”

The main altar is a circular platform. Each tier is a separate marble terrace, and the entire structure is approximately 125 feet in diameter. The three tiers are known as the “Heavenly Center,” the “Middle Circle,” and the “Earthly Surrounding.”

he center of the altar is a round slate called the Heart of Heaven 'Heaven-Heart Stone'), where the Emperor prayed for good weather.

To the north of the big Firewood Stove, there are eight small stoves, which were used to burn the offerings for the first eight emperors of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911).

East of the Firewood Stove lies a circular pool with a diameter of less than 1 meter and a depth about 30 cm, which was used to handle the fur, tail and blood of ritual sacrifices.

Firewood Stove is located in the southeast corner of the Circular Mound Altar. It is a huge, round and green glazed stove made from brick. There are nine stairs respectively on the east, west and south sides, reaching the top of the stove, while the north side has an opening used for adding firewood. Before the worshipping ceremony, a washed and shaved calf would be put on the stove and burned with pine twigs and reeds. After the ceremony, all the offerings, ceremonial placards and silk scrolls were respectfully put inside the stove to be burned. The ancients believed that the burning smoke could go up to heaven.

Divine Kitchen Courtyard is the general name for the Divine Kitchen, the Divine Storeroom and the Butcher Pavilion. The Divine Kitchen is a specialized kitchen that prepared more than 30 kinds of offering, such as cereals, wines, jade, silk objects and sacrificial cattle. The Divine Storeroom is where the offerings were stored. The Butcher Pavilion is a place for slaughtering ritual sacrifices.

WE are now done with our visit and we are leaving the area.

Exit gate from the Circular Mound Altar.

Straight ahead is the South gate.

The South Gate.

View of the Circular Mound Altar from distance.

The South Gate also known as the Zhaoheng Gate. The emperor and entourage would enter the temple complex through here. It's now one of the four main exit/entry points to the park.

Closer view of the South Gate.

Next...Hot Pot Dinner/Beijing at Night