My Beijinger Journey: Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Confucius Temple
Going to China, one would expect to visit temples. In Beijing, i found these three temples to be the Top 3 temples to visit. Surely, i wouldn't recommend to visit all three temples in one day as to diversify your trip. Having said that, visit the Temple of Heaven separately from the Lama Temple and Confucius Temple because the two are close by and the Temple of Heaven required longer time, almost three hours.
Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan)
This temple was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual prayer ceremonies to the Heaven for good harvest. This temple complex was constructed as early as 1406. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and is described as 'a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design which simply and graphically illustrates a cosmogony of great importance for the evolution of one of the world's great civilizations'. Getting to the Temple of Heaven was relatively easy. Use the Subway to Tian Tan Dongmen Station and exit following the directions to the Temple. We bought the through ticket which covers several attraction sites in the Temple.
The Temple is relatively smaller compared to the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, but still required lots of walking. The map was better and directions could be found easily. We were there in the morning and walking along the Long Corridor, we could see locals playing cards, dominos, knitting to sell, Chinese chess and even groups rehearsing like in a choir. A healthy social morning lifestyle by the locals.
We found our way quickly to the main attraction which is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. This iconic three-tier circular building is also symbolic to the Chinese imperial time such as the use of colours where blue represents the Heaven and yellow represents the emperors. This completely wooden building with no nails was built on a three-level marble stone base, and has been rebuilt after being caught in fires due to lightning. The Seven-Star Stone Group symbolizes the seven peaks of the Taishan Mountain, where in ancient China, it is the place of Heaven worship.
Then, we visited the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Echo Wall, which is said to be able to transmit sounds over a far distance. We tried to stand at one end but couldn't hear each other. May be we weren't doing it right. There was a bridge which is said to be tilted slightly so that ascending towards the Hall of Prayer from the Vault is like ascending towards Heaven. Everything has a meaning.
The Circular Mound Altar is a three level marble stone that includes the sacred number nine or its nonuples (9 plates at the top,18 in the middle and 81 at the bottom). At the top at the center is a round slate called the Heart of Heaven where the emperor prayed for favourable weather. Also, it is where a person communicates to Heaven. Slightly outskirt from these is the Fasting Palace. Since extra fee is imposed, we decided to skip this.
Lama Temple
Also known as the Yonghe Temple, this is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. Entrance fee was 25 RMB. It is easy to get to this temple, using Subway Lines 2 or 5 and stop at the Yonghegong Station. We were there on Wesak Day and it was crowded. This temple is relatively smaller so at most 2 hours can be allocated to explore. Fortunately, we were able to see the monks and other practitioners performing their prayer by making rounds around the temple. This temple features amazing artworks, including one that is Guinness World Record. They are the three bronze statues of the Buddhas of the Three Ages, 26 m tall White Sandalwood statue of the Maitreya Buddha- a fascinating sight, and the five-hundred Arhat hill.
Beijing Confucius Temple
Done with the Lama Temple, we proceeded to the nearby and no less popular Confucius Temple. We were there early, i suppose, because it was not crowded and it was quiet as compared to the Lama Temple. It was 15 RMB. Inside, we saw stone tablets recording names of scholars who successfully passed the Imperial Examination, several halls and classrooms and stone steles bearing the 13 Confucian Classics. There was also an interesting Cypress tree labelled the Wicked-Courtier-Distinguishing Cypress. It got its name from the story that once a wicked minister in the Ming dynasty came to offer sacrifices to Confucius on behalf of the emperor and when he passed this tree, a strong wind blew and a branch knocked off his black gauze hat. This tree was then said to possess the ability to distinguish wicked courtiers from loyal ones.
Temples, temples.
My Beijinger Journey: Beijing Big
My Beijinger Journey: I Climbed the Great Wall of China
My Beijinger Journey: A City Forbidden
My Beijinger Journey: An Ugly Stain
My Beijinger Journey: Summer Palace's Vacation
My Beijinger Journey: Olympic Park Booms and Night Walk
My Beijinger Journey: Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Confucius Temple
My Beijinger Journey: Shopping and (Exotic) Food Walk
My Beijinger Journey: Panda Overload and the Next Stop
Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan)
This temple was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual prayer ceremonies to the Heaven for good harvest. This temple complex was constructed as early as 1406. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and is described as 'a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design which simply and graphically illustrates a cosmogony of great importance for the evolution of one of the world's great civilizations'. Getting to the Temple of Heaven was relatively easy. Use the Subway to Tian Tan Dongmen Station and exit following the directions to the Temple. We bought the through ticket which covers several attraction sites in the Temple.
The Temple is relatively smaller compared to the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, but still required lots of walking. The map was better and directions could be found easily. We were there in the morning and walking along the Long Corridor, we could see locals playing cards, dominos, knitting to sell, Chinese chess and even groups rehearsing like in a choir. A healthy social morning lifestyle by the locals.
Planning their next moves in this Chinese chess.
A lady knitting a bag. I bought one handmade bag for 30 RMB.
Listen to them rehearse in the park. Quite good, actually.
We found our way quickly to the main attraction which is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. This iconic three-tier circular building is also symbolic to the Chinese imperial time such as the use of colours where blue represents the Heaven and yellow represents the emperors. This completely wooden building with no nails was built on a three-level marble stone base, and has been rebuilt after being caught in fires due to lightning. The Seven-Star Stone Group symbolizes the seven peaks of the Taishan Mountain, where in ancient China, it is the place of Heaven worship.
With the historic, iconic, symbolic building of the Temple.
The interior of the Hall.
This door is known as the Seventy Year Old Door. Why? Because the Emperor Qianlong built it for easier access due to his old age and stated 'From now on, only he among my offspring, could enter and exit by this door who has reached the age of 70 years old'. So the name.
Then, we visited the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Echo Wall, which is said to be able to transmit sounds over a far distance. We tried to stand at one end but couldn't hear each other. May be we weren't doing it right. There was a bridge which is said to be tilted slightly so that ascending towards the Hall of Prayer from the Vault is like ascending towards Heaven. Everything has a meaning.
Look at the artwork of the ceiling.
The Circular Mound Altar is a three level marble stone that includes the sacred number nine or its nonuples (9 plates at the top,18 in the middle and 81 at the bottom). At the top at the center is a round slate called the Heart of Heaven where the emperor prayed for favourable weather. Also, it is where a person communicates to Heaven. Slightly outskirt from these is the Fasting Palace. Since extra fee is imposed, we decided to skip this.
Standing on the slate, talking to Heaven.
This temple also serves as a park, with lush surrounding greenery and odd looking trees.
Also, rose filled gardens.
Lama Temple
Also known as the Yonghe Temple, this is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. Entrance fee was 25 RMB. It is easy to get to this temple, using Subway Lines 2 or 5 and stop at the Yonghegong Station. We were there on Wesak Day and it was crowded. This temple is relatively smaller so at most 2 hours can be allocated to explore. Fortunately, we were able to see the monks and other practitioners performing their prayer by making rounds around the temple. This temple features amazing artworks, including one that is Guinness World Record. They are the three bronze statues of the Buddhas of the Three Ages, 26 m tall White Sandalwood statue of the Maitreya Buddha- a fascinating sight, and the five-hundred Arhat hill.
Queuing up to buy the entrance ticket.
A map and brief description of the Temple.
Behind me is the building that houses the magnificent 26 m statue.
Beijing Confucius Temple
Done with the Lama Temple, we proceeded to the nearby and no less popular Confucius Temple. We were there early, i suppose, because it was not crowded and it was quiet as compared to the Lama Temple. It was 15 RMB. Inside, we saw stone tablets recording names of scholars who successfully passed the Imperial Examination, several halls and classrooms and stone steles bearing the 13 Confucian Classics. There was also an interesting Cypress tree labelled the Wicked-Courtier-Distinguishing Cypress. It got its name from the story that once a wicked minister in the Ming dynasty came to offer sacrifices to Confucius on behalf of the emperor and when he passed this tree, a strong wind blew and a branch knocked off his black gauze hat. This tree was then said to possess the ability to distinguish wicked courtiers from loyal ones.
Some other statues on display.
A group of students touring the Temple while we were there. It was actually a very peaceful and tranquil setting, conducive for education.
Temples, temples.
My Beijinger Journey: Beijing Big
My Beijinger Journey: I Climbed the Great Wall of China
My Beijinger Journey: A City Forbidden
My Beijinger Journey: An Ugly Stain
My Beijinger Journey: Summer Palace's Vacation
My Beijinger Journey: Olympic Park Booms and Night Walk
My Beijinger Journey: Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Confucius Temple
My Beijinger Journey: Shopping and (Exotic) Food Walk
My Beijinger Journey: Panda Overload and the Next Stop
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