For centuries, humankind has pondered over what still remains to be a complex question. This question encompassing the main issue of how the universe truly came into existence has puzzled many while others have suggested their independent theories, some aligning their arguments with science while others putting their faith in a ‘higher power’.
The history of the People’s Republic of China suggests that they too subscribed to the idea of a higher power as they worshipped the heavens above for good harvest and good luck. The Temple of Heaven, also known as Tiantan Park at present, is home to a number of religious buildings and is said to have been visited by the Emperors of various dynasties to pray for good harvest.
The Temple of Heaven, located in Beijing is considered to be Taoist temple and is said to have been built by an Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yongle, who is credited for the building of the famous Forbidden City in the capital of present day China. The architecture of the temple suggests a holy connection between heaven and earth for a circle symbolizes the former and a square symbolizes the latter in keeping with an ancient Chinese notion that heaven is round and the earth is square.
Also known as the Alter of Heaven, the complex houses a number of halls such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests which is constructed to represent the four seasons. Another hall named Seven Star Stone Group represents a place of heaven worship that is the Taishan Mountain. If this does not entice you to visit the Tiantan Park, surely the fact that it has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site will convince you to do so; it is described by UNESCO as being a masterpiece of design and architecture.
Whether you are travelling to China for a sightseeing tour or simply even spending some time in Beijing before catching another flight, the Temple of Heaven Park is a must visit attraction. If you have a stopover in the city, hotel rooms in Beijing are easier to come by than you think while another option is to stay at Langham Place Beijing Capital Airport. Located a mere minute from Terminal 3, this Beijing airport hotel provides easy access to the city, giving one the chance to visit such sites of interest as Tiantan Park, the Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square and many other majestic Beijing attractions.