Buddhism is one of the major religions in China and it is not surprising to observe the abundance of temples in Beijing. Another famous teaching or philosophy is Confucianism in which its legacy (and practice) still persists today.
Temple of Heaven is the place where the emperors - sons of Heaven came to pray to Heaven for great harvest, and hence the name. The temple is believed to be Confucian in function and that may explain hardly seeing anyone offer their prayers here (other than emperors in ancient days).
Walking along this pathway to get to our destination...
Hall of Prayers for Good Harvests
This hall is the most famous landmark in the temple - covered with purple tiles and brightly coloured pillars on the outside which signify 12 months in a year with 4 major pillars within the hall represents four seasons. The hall is built on a three-level marble terrace.
Going beyond the hall will lead you the echo wall.
The entrance to echo wall
It is believed that you can have conversation with another person facing the other side of the wall. Look at the crowd, the experiment already fails before it even begins.
View of Hall of Good Prayers for Good Harvests and Echo Wall from Round Altar
These buildings are surrounded by well-maintained and lush green park. Just like any other parks in China (which is to be covered in next chapter), you will see a lot of locals spending time here leisurely. I'm not sure if they are granted with free access since the entrance fee is RMB35.
Couples playing I-have-no-idea-what-sport-is-that.
Twin pavilions at one of the sections of the park.
Temple of Heaven can be reached via Subway Line 5, Tiantandongmen Station. As the temple is quite huge, I spend my time there first thing in the morning at the park till noon.
Bidding farewell to heaven and proceeding to next temple: Lama Temple, using the same line to stop at Yonghegong Station.
Also known as Yonghe Gong, Lama Temple is a Tibetan temple and is one of its kind to be outside Tibet. Little I know about Buddhism or temples but I'm still amazed with its bright colour-themed architecture. The last hall in this temple houses a 18-m tall (about 7-storey high) Buddha statue which makes me wonder which come first: the hall or the statue? Entrance fee: RMB25.
Locals can be seen offering their prayers at this temple
A little walk from Lama Temple will get you to Confucius Temple.
White marble Confucius shall greet you upon entering the temple
The temple is relatively smaller than the other two temples but feature distinguishable landmarks in which it is worth a visit if you have spare time. The temple is less crowded and more peaceful. The temple is accessible at the cost of RMB30.
These might appear like gravestones but apparently, many scholars of ancient China would be thrilled to have their names engraved on them
There is a museum within the compound which exhibits history of Chinese culture.
Do these figures look familiar? If you have paid attention to the roofs of ancient building in China, you will always see these guardians.
Adjacent to the temple is the Imperial College (Guo Zi Jian). It was the supreme academy during Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasty.
The hall where emperor seated explaining Confucian classics to thousands of scholars and professors kneeling outside.
Another statue of Confucius and surrounded by paintings of him.
Beijing Trip Journey:
4. A Great Scam at the Wall
5. Mao's Legacy
6. Temples Hopping
7. Walks in the Parks
8. Gastronomical Hunt
5. Mao's Legacy
6. Temples Hopping
7. Walks in the Parks
8. Gastronomical Hunt
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