Beijing Temple of Earth: 500 Years of Stories
1. From Imperial Altar to Literary Landmark
When you think of Beijing, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall may come first. But hidden in the city center is the Temple of Earth, a peaceful park with 500 years of history.
Built in the Ming and Qing dynasties, this ancient altar was used by emperors to honor the God of Earth. It is the second-largest altar in Beijing and the biggest surviving altar for earth worship in China.
The main altar, Fangze Altar, shows the ancient belief in the round sky and square earth. Every summer solstice, emperors once held ceremonies here, praying for harvests and good weather.
Today, you can even see re-enactments of Qing dynasty rituals during Spring Festival. The park is also known as a literary landmark thanks to Chinese writer Shi Tiesheng, who often wrote here. His essay “I and the Temple of Earth” gives the site deep cultural meaning.
2. Ancient Trees, Seasonal Beauty, and Iconic Walls
The park is home to 168 old trees, with more than 80 over 300 years old. Their shadows create a timeless atmosphere.
One famous spot is the so-called “Sea of the Temple of Earth”. When sunlight hits the eastern wall in the afternoon, the gray bricks shine like waves. Many visitors come here for photos, especially around 3 p.m. when the light is perfect.
The park is beautiful year-round:
- Spring brings blossoms and new leaves.
- Summer offers cool shade under ancient cypress.
- Autumn paints the ginkgo avenue golden.
- Winter covers red walls and green tiles with snow, making the park look solemn and grand.
3. Festivals, Book Fairs, and Cultural Life
The Temple of Earth Fair is Beijing’s oldest Spring Festival fair. It features lion dances, stilt walkers, drum shows, traditional snacks, and folk crafts.
Another highlight is the Temple of Earth Book Fair, held three times a year. In 2025, it welcomed over 350 publishers and nearly 500,000 book titles. You can meet authors, join cultural salons, and explore creative markets.
These events turn the park into a cultural hub where locals and travelers connect through tradition and literature.
Practical Travel Tips
- Tickets: 2 RMB for entry, 5 RMB for the Imperial House, 10 RMB during festivals.
- Opening Hours: 6:00–21:30 (May–Oct), 6:00–20:30 (Nov–Apr).
- Transport: Near Yonghe Temple Station (Line 2/5) and Andingmen Station. Easy to combine with a visit to Yonghe Lama Temple.
Final Note
The Temple of Earth is more than an ancient heritage site. It’s a place where you can experience Beijing’s local life, seasonal beauty, and cultural traditions. Sit under the old trees, watch the sunlight on the gray bricks, and you’ll feel the city’s quiet heartbeat.
