Temple of Heaven
travel wonder in China

Why the
Temple of Heaven
is special

The Temple of Heaven is an architecturally splendid set of religious buildings used for sacrificial ceremonies and prayers by the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Temple of Heaven
tips & insights

The most famous and beautiful of the Temple of Heaven buildings is the House of Prayer for Good Harvest (see photo). It is sometimes erroneously referred to as "The Temple of Heaven" but that term defines the entire temple and park complex.

The House of Prayer for Good Harvest is praised for its perfect proportions, its intricately painted ceiling, and its triple conical roofs adorned with glazed blue tiles symbolizing heaven. 

This masterpiece of Ming architecture is widely considered to be the finest of China's many outstanding temples.

Until recently, visitors were allowed to go inside the House of Prayer for Good Harvest. Now they may not. This means they cannot view the stunning ceiling from inside. 

Tiantan (Chinese name for the Temple of Heaven) was built in the early 15th century and was later renovated and enhanced several times. 

In the mid-20th century it was designated a public park and the buildings were declared national monuments.



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©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications