The Temple of Earth, known today as Ditan Park, is one of the four main imperial temples in Beijing. It is located in the northern part of the city, near Andingmen Gate, beyond the Second Ring Road. In terms of significance and size, this temple complex is second only to the famous Temple of Heaven, but it possesses its own unique history and architecture.
Unlike the Temple of Heaven, which symbolizes the celestial sphere, the Temple of Earth was built according to strict square-shaped canons, embodying the earthly principle. Today, it is not only a monument of imperial architecture but also one of the most popular recreational parks in the northern part of Beijing, where history organically intertwines with the everyday life of the city`s residents.
History of Construction and Functions
The Temple of Earth was built in 1530, during the reign of Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty. Initially, the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed sacrifices to Heaven and Earth at a single temple complex — the Temple of Heaven and Earth. However, in 1530, following a proposal from one of the high officials, it was decided to separate these rituals. Thus, separate temples for Earth, Moon, and Sun were built, while the main temple became simply known as the Temple of Heaven.
The Temple of Earth was used for very specific purposes. The emperors of the Ming and later Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to the God of Earth on the day of the summer solstice. These ceremonies were conducted to appease the deities and implore them for a good harvest, stability in the country, and favourable weather.
A special solemnity was added to the ritual by the imperial procession. On the day of the ceremony, the emperor, accompanied by a numerous retinue, military commanders, and courtiers, departed from the Forbidden City and made his way to the Temple of Earth through the specially designated Andingmen Gate.
The route was strictly regulated: the imperial procession moved along a specific path, and ordinary residents were forbidden to go out into the streets or even look out of their windows. Upon arriving at the temple, the emperor donned ritual robes and performed the prescribed rites on the square altar. Today, while strolling through the park, one can mentally imagine how Chinese emperors traversed this solemn path nearly five centuries ago.
Architectural Character and the Square Altar
Unlike the circular Temple of Heaven, symbolising Heaven, the Temple of Earth has a square form. This corresponds to the ancient Chinese concept of the world: "Heaven is round, Earth is square."
The main structure of the temple complex is the Fangze Altar, also known as the "square water altar." This is a square two-tiered platform made of white marble, surrounded by pools symbolising the four seas and nine provinces of China. On this altar, the emperor performed the main ritual of sacrifice to the Earth. The Fangze Altar is an ideal embodiment of the concept of the "square earth" and is the largest surviving altar for worshipping the Earth in China.
Imperial Hall and Other Structures
To the north of the Fangze Altar stands the main hall of the Temple of Earth — Huangzhishi (the Imperial Hall). This building housed the tablets with the names of the deities of the Earth and mountains to whom the emperor paid homage. Inside the hall, original Ming Dynasty murals depicting double phoenixes and seals have been preserved.
The complex also includes Zhai Gong (the Hall of Abstinence), Shenku, and other buildings, arranged along a north-south axis.
The Temple to the South
To the south of the main altar is a small temple that served as an auxiliary premises for preparing the rituals. In this part of the park, there are gates through which a new entrance to the Beijing Museum of Ancient Architecture was opened, connecting the inner and outer sections of the complex.
Ditan Park Today
Since 1925, the Temple of Earth has been open to ordinary people. Today, the park is a favourite recreational spot for Beijingers and tourists alike. Here you can see centuries-old cypresses and ginkgo trees. The park is famous for its ancient trees — cypresses that are up to 400 years old, and over 200 ancient ginkgo trees. In autumn, the ginkgo trees form a famous "golden avenue," while in summer they create a dense shade, offering relief from the heat.
Ditan Park gained fame thanks to Shi Tiesheng`s essay "I and the Temple of Earth." Benches have been placed under the centuries-old cypresses, where visitors can sit in silence, just as the writer once did. One of the trees was adopted by Shi Tiesheng`s friend — the writer Yu Hua.
In the park, you can meet marathon runners, tai chi enthusiasts, and masters of water calligraphy. There is a children`s playground, as well as food stalls for all visitors.
Since the 1980s, during the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), traditional temple fairs have been held in Ditan Park, attracting thousands of people. During this time, the trees are decorated with thousands of red lanterns, and at the fair, you can taste old Beijing dishes and enjoy performances.
Tourist Information
• Address: Dongcheng District, Andingmenwai Street.
• How to get there: Metro — Yonghegong Station (Lines 2 and 5), Exit G, 300 metres to the south gate. You can also take buses to the "Andingmen" or "Ditan Park East" stops.
• Opening hours: From 6:00 to 21:30 (May 1 to October 31) and from 6:00 to 20:30 (November 1 to April 30).
• Ticket prices: Park entrance — 2 yuan. Visiting the Fangze Altar and the Imperial Hall is paid separately — 5 yuan for a combined ticket. During the New Year fair, tickets may cost 30 yuan. Closed on Mondays (except holidays).
Ditan Park is a place where the atmosphere of imperial rituals blends with the cosy everyday life of old Beijing. Here you can take a break from the noise of the city centre, connect with history, and enjoy nature.
