Temple of Heaven
China
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Temple of Heaven2:15
Welcome to the Tiantan Park, better known as the Temple of Heaven. As we stand here at the southern gateway, we are entering a space that was once the most sacred ground in all of China. …
Listen in the app2The Zhaoheng Gate — Entering the Sacred Perimeter2:02
We begin our journey at the Zhaoheng Gate, the principal southern entrance to the inner temple complex. In the traditional Chinese science of geomancy, the south is the most auspicious direction, associated with warmth and the…
Listen in the app3The Circular Mound Altar — Where Earth Meets Sky2:01
Standing before the Circular Mound Altar, or Yuanqiutan, you are looking at what was considered the center of the universe for the Chinese Empire. This is a three-tiered marble platform, entirely open to the sky. …
Listen in the app4The Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Echo Wall2:01
Continuing north, we reach a smaller but exquisitely beautiful structure: the Imperial Vault of Heaven, or Huangqiongyu. This circular building with a single-tiered blue-tiled roof served as the storage house for the sacred stone…
Listen in the app5The Danbi Bridge — The Pathway to the Stars1:54
To reach the northern part of the temple, we must cross the Danbi Bridge, also known as the Red Stairway Bridge. Calling it a bridge is slightly misleading; it is actually a raised stone causeway, 360 meters long and 4 meters…
Listen in the app6The Fasting Palace — A Place of Imperial Purification1:52
Located to the west of the main axis is the Zhaigong, or the Fasting Palace. This area served as the residence for the emperor in the days leading up to the great ceremonies. …
Listen in the app7The Double Ring Longevity Pavilion and Seven-Star Rocks1:58
As we head toward the eastern sections of the park, we encounter some of the more intimate and decorative structures of the Temple of Heaven. The Double Ring Longevity Pavilion is a unique architectural gem. …
Listen in the app8Closing1:21
Our journey through the Temple of Heaven concludes here at the northern gate. We have walked the path of emperors, from the symbolic earth of the south to the celestial heights of the north. …
Listen in the app
What is Temple of Heaven?
Temple of Heaven is a place in China with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | China |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Total length | 15 min 24 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 39.8880, 116.4058 |
| Last updated |
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