Temple of Earth
地坛
building in Dongcheng District, China
Contents
9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Temple of Earth
Welcome to the Temple of Earth, or Ditan. Established in 1530 during the Ming Dynasty, this is the second largest of the four great sacrificial altars in Beijing, located directly north of the Temple of Heaven. …
Listen in the app2The Fangze Altar — The Ritual Heart
The Fangze Altar is the most sacred part of the complex. This square, tiered platform is where the Emperor would perform the intricate sacrificial rites to the Earth. …
Listen in the app3The Ancient Ginkgo and Cypress Groves
The Temple of Earth is famous for its ancient trees, particularly the ginkgo grove that turns a brilliant, golden yellow every autumn. These trees are some of the oldest living organisms in the city. …
Listen in the app4The Ditan Library and Coffee Shop
In a corner of the park, you will find a small library and coffee shop, a modern addition that pays tribute to the literary legacy of the site. This shop focuses on the works of Shi Tiesheng, particularly his masterpiece 'I and…
Listen in the app5Imperial Residences and Classrooms
Along the sides of the park are the historic buildings that once housed the imperial officials and monks responsible for maintaining the altar. These buildings, with their simple yet elegant designs, provide a glimpse into the…
Listen in the app6The Three-Eyed Well and Water Systems
While Ditan is an altar of the Earth, water plays a vital role in its spiritual and ecological landscape. One of the unique features you might find in the surrounding district is the 'three-eyed well' system. …
Listen in the app7Philosophical Walk: The Path of Resilience
As we walk the perimeter of the park, I invite you to consider this a 'Path of Resilience.' This is the route Shi Tiesheng took day after day, year after year, as he struggled to find a reason to live. He described the park as…
Listen in the app8Final Reflections
Our visit to the Temple of Earth draws to a close. We have explored a site that was once the exclusive domain of emperors, a place of grand ritual and divine petition. …
Listen in the app9Closing
Our visit to the Temple of Earth draws to a close. We have explored a site that was once the exclusive domain of emperors, a place of grand ritual and divine petition. …
Listen in the app
What is Temple of Earth?
Temple of Earth is a place with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Type | Heritage |
|---|---|
| Story sections | 9 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 39.9514, 116.4097 |
| Last updated |
