Founded during the first half of the fifteenth century, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing was built as a sacrificial altar for both heaven and earth. Originally named the Altar of Heaven and Earth upon its completion in 1420, the complex was renamed the Temple of Heaven in 1534 during the reign of Emperor Jianjing following a decision to offer a separate altar for sacrifices to heaven.
Located in Tiantan Park, the Temple of Heaven was completed at the same time as The Forbidden City during the reign of Ming Emperor Yongle. The architectural and natural beauty of the temple complex and surrounding gardens and pine trees symbolizes the relationship between the human world and God’s world.
Beijing, China – Tourists walking to visit the Temple of Heaven, an imperial sacrificial altar located in Central Beijing. Credit: Edwin Remsberg/VW Pics/UIG 
Outside the gates of the Temple of Heaven. Credit: Edwin Remsberg/VW Pics/UIG 
Beijing, China – Tourists walking to visit the Temple of Heaven, an imperial sacrificial altar located in Central Beijing. Credit: Edwin Remsberg/VW Pics/UIG 
Beijing, China – Various religious items inside the Temple of Heaven, an imperial sacrificial altar located in Central Beijing. Credit: Edwin Remsberg/VW Pics/UIG 
Beijing, China – A close up of the Temple of Heaven, an imperial sacrificial altar located in Central Beijing. Credit: Edwin Remsberg/VW Pics/UIG 
Beijing, China – Ornately decorated interior of the Temple of Heaven, an imperial sacrificial altar located in Central Beijing. Credit: Edwin Remsberg/VW Pics/UIG 
The interior of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing, China. Credit: Jon G. Fuller/ VWPics/Universal Images Group 
Inside the dome of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing, China. Credit: Jon G. Fuller/ VWPics/Universal Images Group 
Tian Tan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing at dawn . Credit: Planet One Images/Universal Images Group 
Tian Tan Temple of Beijing, at dawn. Credit: Planet One Images/Universal Images Group 
The Temple of Heaven, Beijing, at sunrise. Credit: Planet One Images/Universal Images Group 
Temple of Heaven complex at the city of Beijing, China 1998. Credit: Joachim Brozio/United Archives/Universal Images Group 
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven area in Beijing, China 1998. Credit: Joachim Brozio/United Archives/Universal Images Group 
Park of the Temple of Heaven or the Temple of Prayer for a Good Harvest. China, Beijing. Credit: Paolo Picciotto/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group 
Park of the Temple of Heaven or the Temple of Prayer for a Good Harvest. China, Beijing. Credit: Paolo Picciotto/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group
The complex houses large buildings where animals were housed awaiting sacrifice. For nearly five centuries, China’s emperors would visit the Temple of Heaven to offer ritual sacrifices but also to pray for abundant harvests, personal atonements and other divine guidance. While there were many other sacrificial altars built in China by various dynasties, the Temple of Heaven is established as a masterpiece of ancient Chinese culture.
UNESCO inscribed the Temple of Heaven on its list of World Heritage Sites in 1998. For a complete list of UNESCO World Heritage sites please visit https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/
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