- Location: Dongcheng District, Beijing

The Temple of Heaven (天坛) in southern Beijing is China's largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings. Occupying an area of 273 hectares, it is three times the area of the Forbidden City. It was built in 1420 as the place of worship for emperors. The principle buildings include the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Circular Mound Altar.

The Altar of Prayer for Good Harvest, 38 meters in height and 30 meters in diameter, stands on a round foundation built with three levels of marble stones. This towering triple-eave hall is under a three-story, cone-shaped glaze-tile roof in blue color crowned with a gilded knob. A circular wall of polished bricks known as the Echo Wall encloses the Imperial Vault of Heaven. The Circular Mount Altar, south to the Imperial Vault of Heaven, is where the emperor prayed to the heavens. At the center lies a round stone called the Center of Heaven Stone that echoes when a visitor speaks loudly when standing on the stone.

Travel Tips:

- Best time to visit: spring and autumn;

- Hours: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. (scenic spots opens at 8 a.m.)

- Admission: 30 yuan (Nov. 1 - March 31);

                      35 yuan (April 1 – Oct. 31);

- Tel: 86-10-67036062

- How to get there:

    - Subway: take subway Line 5 and get off at East Gate of the Temple  of Heaven;

    - Bus: line 6, 25, 34, 35, 36, 39, 41, 43, 60, 116, 525, 610, 614, 684, 685, 687, 707, 723 and get off at Fahua Temple; line 36, 53, 120, 122, 525, 610, 614, 958, Special 3, 11, 12 and get off at the South Gate; line 2, 20, 35, 69, 71, 504, 626, 707, 729, Special 11 and get off at the West Gate; line 6, 34, 35, 36, 106, 110, 687, 707 and get off at the north gate.

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