Imperial Vault of Heaven, Temple of Heaven

The Imperial Vault of Heaven is an important building within the Temple of Heaven, located directly north of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, inside the ticketed courtyard. With its five-bay facade, blue glazed tiles, and white marble balustrade base, the Imperial Vault of Heaven exudes solemnity and elegance. In ancient times, it played a crucial role in sacrificial ceremonies, housing the spirit tablets of the Emperor of Heaven and the imperial ancestors. On the day before the Great Prayer for Grain, the emperor would personally offer incense at the Imperial Vault of Heaven, after which officials would carry the tablets to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests for placement. Originally built in 1420, the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming dynasty, the Imperial Vault of Heaven was initially called the Heavenly Treasury. It was renovated during the Qianlong reign of the Qing dynasty. While visitors cannot enter the Imperial Vault of Heaven, they can admire its exterior, featuring vermilion doors and windows with gold-plated corners. Peeking inside reveals beams, brackets, and arches adorned with paintings of flowers, plants, trees, dragons, phoenixes, and other auspicious symbols, creating a magnificent and solemn atmosphere. In the southwest corner of the Imperial Vault of Heaven's courtyard, there is an inconspicuous small wooden door called the "Ancient Rarity Gate." When Emperor Qianlong turned seventy, officials suggested opening this small gate to shorten the emperor's walking distance. Qianlong readily agreed and stipulated that only his descendants who reached the age of seventy could pass through this gate. This gate is currently closed, but many elderly tourists take photos in front of it. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests faces south and attracts many visitors, but its north side is equally stunning, offering excellent photo opportunities of the Danbi Bridge stone carvings and the Hall itself from the main gate of the Imperial Vault of Heaven. Although still within the first lunar month, the number of visitors to the Temple of Heaven has decreased significantly, making for a more comfortable experience. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests opens at 8am, and there are very few people at that time.