The Temple of Heaven in Winter

Basic Information - Address: No. 1 Tian Tan Nei Dong Li, Dongcheng District, Beijing. - Opening Hours: Peak season (Apr 1–Oct 31): 6:00–22:00 (last entry 21:00); Off-season (Nov 1–Mar 31): 6:30–22:00 (last entry 21:00). Attractions within the park are open from 8:00–18:00, closed on Mondays (except for public holidays). - Ticket Prices: Peak season: Single ticket: CNY 15, Combined ticket: CNY 34; Off-season: Single ticket: CNY 10, Combined ticket: CNY 28. - Transportation: Take Subway Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station, or Subway Line 8 to Tianqiao Station. The Temple of Heaven is within walking distance from either station. Must-See Attractions - Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: The iconic structure of the Temple of Heaven, used for worshipping Heaven and Earth. The 28 pillars inside symbolize the four seasons, twelve months, twelve two-hour periods, and constellations. - Imperial Vault of Heaven: The hall where the tablets for the Heaven Worship Ceremony are enshrined, known as the "Heavenly Treasury." - Echo Wall: The circular wall surrounding the Imperial Vault of Heaven, known for its smooth surface and precise curvature that facilitates the transmission of sound. - Circular Mound Altar: The site where the Heaven Worship Ceremony is held. The number of steps, stones on each level, and stone railings are all multiples of nine, corresponding to the "Nine Layers of Heaven." - Danbi Bridge: The main pathway connecting the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar. The center is the Sacred Way, the east is the Imperial Way, and the west is the Royal Way. Suggested Routes - Highlights Tour (1–2 hrs): East Gate/North Gate > Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests > Imperial Vault of Heaven > Echo Wall > Circular Mound Altar > South Gate. - Half-Day Tour (3–4 hrs): East Gate/North Gate > Seven Star Stones > North Kitchen > Long Corridor > Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests > Imperial Vault of Heaven > Echo Wall > Circular Mound Altar > Zhai Palace > Rose Garden > Hundred Flower Garden > Double-Ring Longevity Pavilion > West Gate. Other Information - Photography Tips: The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests makes a great backdrop. The best time to take photos is in the morning or evening when the light is soft and there are fewer people. Light-colored, simple clothing is recommended. - Special Activities: The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is illuminated on Friday evenings, Saturday evenings, and major holidays, making it ideal for night photography. You can also feed squirrels in the woods inside the West Gate.