INSPIRING JOURNEY: Temple of Heaven: Heavenly Destination in Beijing

Another interesting tourist destination in BEIJING, the capital of CHINA, is the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN which is considered the "THE LARGEST ARCHITECTURAL COMPLEX IN THE WORLD."

It was during my first week in Beijing when I did the comprehensive research about the best destinations to visit. My arrival in Beijing coincided with a long holiday, almost one week of no classes. Since the 10-month course just started so there was no assignment to accomplish or no presentation to prepare yet. The given opportunity to explore was even more fueled by the fact that it was my first time in CHINA. One of the tourist destinations that caught my attention is the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN.

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN is located Southeast of Central Beijing.

According to my online research, the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN was built in 1420 during the MING DYNASTY. It covers 273 hectares and considered as THE MOST HOLY OF BEIJING'S IMPERIAL TEMPLES. It is purposely built to WORSHIP HEAVEN and TO SOLEMNLY PRAY FOR GOOD HARVEST.

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN is a UNESCO WORLD CULTURAL RELICS. It is described as "MASTERPIECE OF ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN".

Some of the interesting attractions at the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN COMPLEX are the HALL OF PRAYER FOR GOOD HARVEST, CIRCULAR ALTAR, ECHO WALL, HALL OF CEREMONIAL MUSIC, and PALACE OF ABSTINENCE.

At the HALL OF PRAYER FOR GOOD HARVEST

Another center of attraction at the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN is the 500 year old tree.

the 500 YEAR OLD tree

THE CIRCULAR MOUND ALTAR

How to go to TEMPLE OF HEAVEN?

SUBWAY is the most convenient, efficient and fastest way to visit TEMPLE OF HEAVEN.

Take SUBWAY LINE 5, alight at TIANTANDONGMEN Station, Exit at Gate A, then turn right to enter EAST GATE.

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN is open from 8AM TO 6PM daily.

How much does it cost?

Pay 35 YUANS (RMB) to have access to all attractions.

THE DANDI BRIDGE

SOME TIPS TO ENJOY YOUR VISIT:

1. Have a good PHYSICAL CONDITION because it will require considerable amount of energy to walk and explore the very large complex.

2. Have a fully charged batteries for your CELLPHONE and CAMERA to capture all the magical moments and the beautiful scenic spots.

3. Go together with your family.

4. It is advisable to visit the place the whole day. Come in the morning and spend the rest of your day in the complex to maximize and savor the beautiful environment.

5. Bring some extra money (YUANS) to buy some souvenir items and for some snacks. There are numerous shops inside the complex where you can buy souvenir and food items.