The Temple of Heaven Park is a vast green space in the heart of Beijing with the not-so-green Temple of Heaven structure as its centerpiece. By no means is the Temple the only structure though and the buildings and surrounds are as vast as the park that they are set in.
The Temple of Heaven itself, originally built in 1420, was a place where the emperors of China worshiped. The vast compound measures a whopping 2.73 square kilometers and the outer wall is built as a semi-circle in the north while the southern wall is square and is itself surrounded by annular walls. We head off to explore the various ancient architectural complexes that make up the park.
Imperial Walkway Bridge
Behind the Imperial Vault is the Imperial Walkway Bridge (or Danbi Bridge) which links the southern mound and temple to the grand Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The bridge is a 360m long, 4m high broadway which does have a walkway under it and is therefore considered a bridge being the oldest overpass in the ancient capital of Beijing.
The 30m wide walkway is divided into parts – the middle stone slab being the Divine Road for the exclusive use of the Emperor of Heaven; the brick paved eastern side is the Imperial Road, used only by the Emperor; the west paved road was the King’s Road and at the disposal of aristocrats and high ranked officials who accompanied the Emperor to the ceremonies. The road has a slight gradient intended to make you feel like you’re walking up to heaven as you journey along from south to north. It seems stark today, even with so many people around the road makes it seem uncrowded. I try to imagine what it would have been like with the Emperor and all his aristocracy making their solemn way along here.
There are a lot of other things to see along and at either end of the bridge. The doors, carvings, minor buildings and details on tiles, windows and ceilings is incredible.
Good To Know
The Temple of Heaven Park is a large complex just to the south of central Beijing. You need time to explore all that the park has to offer. Wear comfortable shoes, carry some water with you and dress for the weather – it is extremely hot in summer and extremely cold in the winter months.
To explore other areas of the park, follow these links:
Would I Return?
Yes. There is much to explore here and the park and temples are too vast to be able to take it all in in one visit.
