Temple of Heaven Tours

Temple of Heaven showing a city, a temple or place of worship and religious elements
Temple of Heaven showing a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and a garden
Temple of Heaven showing religious elements, street scenes and a temple or place of worship
Temple of Heaven showing a garden
Temple of Heaven which includes a temple or place of worship and religious elements


Behind a high wall stands an ancient building once used in sacrifices. This huge historical place of worship is a quiet oasis in busy Beijing.

Temple of Heaven is bigger than the Forbidden City. It was originally constructed as a ceremonial space for emperors during the 15th century, but has been open to the public since 1918. Nowadays, the site is a gathering point for local musicians, dancers and other performers who practice their martial arts and hobbies here. Hidden behind high walls, the Temple of Heaven park offers a welcome respite from the hectic city streets of Beijing. The northern section is semi-circular, representing heaven. The square southern part symbolizes Earth. Explore the halls, pavilions and gardens filled with interesting architecture. You’ll get insight into the practices of ancient Chinese philosophy, history and religion. Be prepared for a lot of walking if you set out to follow the traditional ceremonial route. Start at the Zhaoheng Gate in the south and follow the main stone pathway. You’ll soon reach the tiered Circular Mound Altar, where emperors would offer sacrifices in the hope of getting a good harvest. Ancient philosophical symbols are incorporated in the design of the temple. Notice how the altar’s architecture is built around the number nine, a significant number in ancient Eastern culture. Count out how each terrace is constructed with stones grouped in multiples of nine.A short distance ahead, you’ll find the round Imperial Vault of Heaven Pavilion. Inside, glance upwards at its ornate ceiling with a colorful design centered on a large gilded dragon. If you have a travel companion, try out the Echo Wall surrounding the pavilion: The acoustics of this space means that your whisper will be heard all the way at the other end.Temple of Heaven is located in the Dongcheng District. To get there, take the subway to Tiantandongmen Station. Exit A leads to the East Gate entrance of the temple. There are additional fees to visit the various sections of the park. Electronic guides in English are available for rent.

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Gracie Art Hotel 798
East Sacred Hotel-near Beijing Tiananmen Square,the Forbidden City,Wangfujing Street-Newly renovated hotel
Peking Courtyard Qianmen

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Best Lodging Options Near Temple of Heaven

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

4 out of 5
No.88 Dengshikou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
New World Beijing Hotel

New World Beijing Hotel

5 out of 5
No. 8 Qinian Street, Chongwenmen, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
New World Beijing Hotel
Grand Hyatt Beijing

Grand Hyatt Beijing

5 out of 5
1 East Chang An Avenue, Beijing, Beijing
Grand Hyatt Beijing
Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing

Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing

5 out of 5
No. 1 Caochang Alley 10, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing
Hilton Beijing Wangfujing

Hilton Beijing Wangfujing

5 out of 5
8 Wangfujing East Street, Dongcheng, Beijing, Beijing
Hilton Beijing Wangfujing
Regent Beijing

Regent Beijing

5 out of 5
99 Jinbao St Dongcheng Dstrct, Beijing, Beijing
Regent Beijing
Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven by IHG

3.5 out of 5
No. 36 Nan Wei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing
Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven by IHG
Novotel Beijing Peace

Novotel Beijing Peace

4 out of 5
No 3 Jinyu Hutong, Beijing, Beijing
Novotel Beijing Peace
Beijing Pudi Hotel

Beijing Pudi Hotel

5 out of 5
7 Jianguomen South Avenue, Dongcheng Di, Beijing
Beijing Pudi Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Temple of Heaven

When visiting the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, don't miss out on nearby shopping, entertainment, and theater options. Consider joining Beijing tours or excursions to explore the city's rich history, or take a guided hutong tour to discover local culture. Look for attractive tour packages that include the Temple of Heaven and surrounding attractions for a comprehensive experience.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the Temple of Heaven, visit Hongqiao Market, just 0.4 miles away, known for its vibrant local atmosphere. The Beijing New World Shopping Mall, located 0.8 miles away, offers a variety of family-friendly entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, check out the Intime Lotte Department Store, 2 miles away.

Recreation

At the Beijing International Tennis Center, enjoy energizing matches or lessons in a vibrant atmosphere, just 0.5 miles from the Temple of Heaven. For a cultural experience, the Beijing Concert Hall, 2 miles away, offers captivating musical performances that enrich your wellness retreat.

Adventure

Experience thrills at Happy Magic Water Cube, a vibrant waterpark 8 miles from Temple of Heaven, perfect for family fun and adventure. Then, head to Goldenport Park Circuit, located 12 miles away, for exhilarating motor racing excitement. For winter sports, enjoy skiing at Baijing Bayi Ski Field, 14 miles away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Temple of Heaven at the Red Theatre, just 0.7 miles away, for captivating performances. Alternatively, enjoy the artistic ambiance at the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the Great Hall of the People, both 2 miles away, featuring engaging cultural shows.

Find the best attractions near Temple of Heaven

Visiting the Temple of Heaven in Beijing offers a rich blend of culture and history. Explore nearby attractions such as the Golden Temple and other historic sites, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Don't miss the chance to stroll through urban parks and experience the vibrant street life, making your trip both enjoyable and memorable.

  • Wangfujing Street: Experience the bustling atmosphere of Wangfujing Street, a vibrant shopping destination filled with local shops, international brands, and an array of street food stalls. It’s a perfect place to immerse yourself in the city's lively vibe and sample authentic Chinese snacks.
  • Tiananmen Square: Explore Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. This iconic site is steeped in history and culture, featuring the impressive Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People, making it a must-visit for any traveler.
  • Forbidden City: Step back in time at the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent palace complex boasts stunning architecture and rich history, offering a glimpse into the lives of Chinese emperors and their court.

Best time to go to Temple of Heaven

Visitor numbers around Temple of Heaven is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Temple of Heaven can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Temple of Heaven falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Temple of Heaven falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January26.1°F (-3.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February32.2°F (0.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.9°F (7.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
April59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
July81.7°F (27.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October57.7°F (14.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
November41.2°F (5.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December28.2°F (-2.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Temple of Heaven

To save money on your visit to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, consider traveling during the low season from December to February when hotel prices drop. Book your accommodations at least three months in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia. Saturdays typically offer the lowest rates, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and location, and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities. Joining the One Key membership can also yield exclusive discounts and cash rewards for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Temple of Heaven are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, August and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Temple of Heaven about 3+ months out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Temple of Heaven is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Temple of Heaven is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel category—selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Temple of Heaven with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.