VIBE

First constructed in 1420, this Ming Dynasty Taoist altar is the place where the emperor (as the Son of Heaven) came to make offerings to the gods in order to ensure plentiful harvests for the entire country. Besides the altar complex, other highlights of this massive park include the Long Corridor, where amateur musicians come to practice, and the quiet forested glades where solemn practitioners expertly perform tai chi routines.

GO HERE WITH

A date; friends; family; kids

WHY WE LIKE IT

First and foremost, the stunning structures of the altar complex (especially the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest) are unmissable, as are the enthusiastic musicians in the Long Corridor. But we also like exploring the shady nooks in quieter areas of the park where we can spy graceful groups of ballroom dancers, matchmakers boldly peddling their services with glossy photos of prime catches, and children flying traditional Chinese kites.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

At peak times, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest and the Echo Wall are way too crowded. It’s never fun to be subjected to the echoes of hundreds of conversations when you want to be quietly reflecting on the grandeur of the temples.

GOOD TO KNOW

Incredibly, not a single nail was used in the construction of the towering Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. Intended as the meeting place of heaven and earth, the Temple of Heaven grounds are square in the south (the ancient symbol for “earth”) and round in the north (signifying “heaven”). Also, the temple structures are circular and blue rather than the usual rectangular and red, another way of representing the connection with heaven. The Chinese name of the park is Tiantan.

CLOSEST COMPS

Beihai Park (Beijing); Summer Palace (Beijing); Ritan Park (Beijing)

Read more about Temple of Heaven in The Diary