Located in spacious Tiantan Park, south of the central city, the Temple of Heaven is less a religious site than a historical one. Dating from the 15th century, it was where the emperor made an annual pilgrimage, complete with a huge entourage, to pray for good harvests (commoners were prohibited from viewing the ceremonies). It is made up of several circular, blue-tiled buildings. The color blue represents the heavens. The crown jewel is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, which stands on a square marble terrace (representing the earth). Amazingly, the three-story building was fitted together without a single nail, peg or bit of cement. It was reconstructed in the 19th century after a fire destroyed the original. The whole park easily lends itself to a self-guided walking tour. Take a taxi there, pay at the entrance, find a map (usually near the entrance) and then wander to your heart's content. Daily 8 am-6 pm. 15 yuan (park only), 35 yuan (all access). Yongdingmen Dajie (south gate), Chongwen District, Beijing. Phone 6702-8866.
