Sunset Glow over Temple of Heaven

In Ming and Qing dynasties, at Winter Solstice emperors will come here to pray for the harvest. Now people flock here to touch the history and appreciate the beauty of Chinese traditional architecture.

Now follow me to enter the south gate to Temple of Heaven and stroll along the axis for a photography tour during your Beijing tour.

If you visit Temple of Heaven from south to north along the axis starting from the south gate, the first part you will see is the Circular Mound Altar where the emperors held ceremonies to pray to the god of heaven for harvest. Actually “Temple of Heaven” in Chinese literally means “Sky Altar”which refers to the Circular Mound Altar.

The distant view of the Circular Mound Altar under the sunset glow. It is a three-layer of terraces with marble handrails.

On the top of the three-layer altar. The heart of the altar is said to be linked to the heaven, a place to pray to the god of heaven. Many visitors would stand in the heart of the altar for a life-time picture.

The sunset over the terraces of the Circular Altar

Standing on the Circular Mound Altar and looking at the Imperial Vault of Heaven in the south which is turning golden and brilliant.

A close look at the Imperial Vault of Heaven under the sunset glow.

Passing by the Imperial Vault of Heaven, I walk along the axis towards the Hall of Prayer for Harvest.

Unfortunately, the door to the Hall of Pray for Harvest is closed and I have to take the pictures around the Hall of Prayer for Harvest. The solemn red-colored building with upturned eaves and mysterious animals on the top against the sunset glow.

The wall circling the Hall of Prayer for Harvest under the sunset glow.

A good angle looking at the Hall of Prayer for Harvest above the Wall under the sunset glow.

The yellow leaves of ginkgo trees blanket the road leading to the North Gate to Temple of Heaven.

Tip: Hassle-free Beijing Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for Beijing guided tours:

Further Readings