Temple of the Sun
日坛
building in Chaoyang District, China
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Temple of the Sun
Welcome to Ri-tan, the Temple of the Sun. Located in the Chao-yang District of Beijing, this site is one of the four great sacrificial altars built during the Ming Dynasty to facilitate the emperor’s communication with the…
Listen in the app2The Solar Altar: The Square of Sacrifice
We stand before the heart of the complex: the Solar Altar. This square platform is where the emperor would offer sacrifices to the Great Deity of the Sun. …
Listen in the app3The Divine Warehouse and Sacred Kitchen
To the north of the altar, we find the Shen-ku and Shen-chu, the Divine Warehouse and the Sacred Kitchen. These buildings were essential for the preparation of the offerings used during the sun sacrifices. …
Listen in the app4The Slaughter Pavilion and Water Well
A short walk from the kitchen brings us to the Slaughter Pavilion, or Zai-sheng-ting. This was where the livestock—usually oxen, sheep, and pigs—were prepared for sacrifice. …
Listen in the app5The Ancient Cypress Groves
As we walk through the park, we are shaded by groves of ancient cypress trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. In Chinese temple architecture, the cypress is a symbol of longevity, resilience, and moral integrity. …
Listen in the app6The Changing Rooms and Fasting Hall
The Zhai-gong, or the Fasting Hall, is where the emperor would retire to prepare himself mentally and spiritually before the sacrifice. According to the rites, the emperor was required to fast and abstain from worldly pleasures…
Listen in the app7The South Gate and Outer Walls
We conclude our circuit at the Ling-xing Gate, the primary entrance for the imperial procession. This gate is a 'Pai-lou' style structure, with three openings that symbolize the passage from the profane world into the sacred. …
Listen in the app8Closing
Our exploration of Ri-tan, the Temple of the Sun, comes to an end. We have walked the white marble steps of the Solar Altar, wandered through the ancient cypress groves, and seen where emperors once fasted in preparation for…
Listen in the app
What is Temple of the Sun?
Temple of the Sun is a place with 8 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 | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 39.9144, 116.4381 |
| Last updated |
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