Exhibition | The Imperial Ancestral Temple · China Harmony Bell Exhibition

The Imperial Ancestral Temple (Beijing Working People's Cultural Palace) was built in 1420, the same year as the Forbidden City. On May 1, 1950, it was renamed the "Beijing Working People's Cultural Palace." It is the largest and most complete existing imperial ancestral temple in China. The Hall of Enjoyment within the temple is the world's largest golden nanmu wood palace, rivaling the Hall of Supreme Harmony in scale. Together with the Altar of Earth and Grain (Zhongshan Park), they form the "Left Ancestor, Right Society" layout. The plaque on the Hall of Enjoyment, bearing the characters "Imperial Ancestral Temple," was written by Emperor Shunzhi. Inside the hall, there are 68 golden nanmu pillars, each 13 meters high and up to 1.2 meters in diameter. These pillars have remained unrotted for thousands of years, a truly magnificent sight. Upon entering the hall, you'll be greeted by the scent of sandalwood and a profound sense of history. The ceiling is adorned with gold-leafed color paintings, and the floor is paved with golden bricks. The grand space and structure, the exquisite chandeliers and murals, and the sunlight streaming in transform the entire space into a golden spectacle. This unique experience is something even the Forbidden City can't offer. Perhaps I was too engrossed in the hall's architecture, as I didn't even have time to focus on the main exhibit, the China Harmony Bell, displayed in the center of the hall, haha. 🎫Tickets Park: 2 yuan Hall of Enjoyment: 15 yuan during peak season, 10 yuan during off-season 🕙Opening Hours Park: 6:30–19:00 during peak season, 7:00–17:00 during off-season, closed on Mondays Hall of Enjoyment: 9:00–16:30, closed on Mondays