About
Built in 1420 (the 18th year of the Ming-dynasty Yongle Emperor’s reign), the Temple of Heaven is located outside and to the east of the Zhengyang Gate, and its grounds cover 2.73 square kilometers. It is where the imperial families of the Ming and Qing dynasties held ceremonies to offer sacrifices to Heaven and pray for good harvests. It was originally called the Temple of Heaven and Earth, and with later expansion and renovation, it is now the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient imperial complex dedicated to the worship of Heaven.