Imperial Ancestral Temple
太庙 · Donghuamen Subdistrict
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Imperial Ancestral Temple (Taimiao)
Step out of the bustling crowds of Tiananmen Square and into the serene, shaded embrace of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, or Taimiao. Located just to the east of the Forbidden City's central axis, this was the most sacred site in…
Listen in the app2The Crown Prince Woods — A Forest of 600 Years
As you enter the main grounds, you are greeted by an extraordinary forest of ancient cypresses. This area is known as the 'Crown Prince Woods.' Legend has it that these trees were planted by the young princes of the Ming Dynasty,…
Listen in the app3The Halberd Gate — Threshold of the Sacred
We now approach the Halberd Gate, the formal entrance to the inner sacrificial area. Notice the brilliant red walls and the yellow glazed tiles—the signature colors of imperial authority. …
Listen in the app4The Sacrificial Hall — The Pinnacle of Wood Architecture
Before you stands the Main Sacrificial Hall, one of the most magnificent wooden buildings on earth. It is a common misconception that the Forbidden City's Hall of Supreme Harmony is the tallest or most grand building in the…
Listen in the app5The Golden Bricks and the Sacred Floor
Step inside the hall and look down at the floor. You are walking on what are known as 'Golden Bricks.' Despite their name, they are not made of gold, but of a specially prepared clay from Suzhou. …
Listen in the app6The Spirit Tablets and the Ritual of Memory
In the center of the hall, you can see the areas where the spirit tablets were once arranged. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, more than 30 emperors and empresses were worshiped here. …
Listen in the app7The Peace Bell and the Music of the Spheres
At the northern end of the complex, you will find the China Peace Bell. This massive bronze instrument is a modern addition, but it is deeply rooted in ancient traditions. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our journey through the Imperial Ancestral Temple, take one last look at the grand silhouette of the Sacrificial Hall against the Beijing sky. We have walked through the ancient cypress forest, crossed the marble…
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What is Imperial Ancestral Temple?
Imperial Ancestral Temple is a place in Donghuamen Subdistrict with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Donghuamen Subdistrict |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 39.9100, 116.3936 |
| Last updated |
