Temple of the Moon

Introduction of Beijing Temple of the Moon

The Temple of the Moon, also called "Yue Tan" in Chinese. Its located outside of west second ring road in Beijing, just coordinate with each other from the Temple of the Sun in the east. Temple of the Moon was the place where emperors of Ming and Qing Dynasties offered sacrifice to the God of the Moon and the Gods of the Stars.

In 1955, the Temple of the Moon was renovated into Yuetan Park. Most ancient buildings of the Altar of the Moon remain today, and in 2006, the Temple of the Moon was listed as an important cultural relic site under state-level protection.

The north section of Temple of the Moon features ancient buildings housing the Altar of the Moon. The Altar of the Moon has a square platform measuring 1.5 meters high and 13 square meters. Differing from the red glazed surface of the Altar of the Sun, it is glazed in white symbolizing the moon, and it has six-stair steps on the four sides.

Shen Ku (Holy Storehouse), Shen Chu (Holy Kitchen), and Zaisheng Pavilion (the venue for slaughtering animals) are located in the southwest of the Altar of the Moon. The east-facing Holy Storehouse is where the tablets of the Moon God are cherished, while the Holy Kitchen facing south is the place where the oblations were made. A well was dug to get water for the sake of washing sacrificial offerings.

Another outer layer of walls also surrounds the Temple of the Moon. The 5 meter high and 580 meter long wall, rebuilt in 2004, was constructed with 150,000 pieces of brick made with traditional techniques. During the construction, relics of walls from the Ming Dynasty, now on public display, were found.

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