Temple of the Sun

Introduction of Beijing Temple of the Sun

As one of the five famous altars in Beijing, the Temple of the Sun, also called "Ri Tan" in Chinese. It was built in 1530, was the venue where the emperor offered sacrifice to the sun during Ming and Qing dynasties nearly 600 years.

In ancient time, the west-facing altar in Beijing Temple of the Sun was a raised rectangular white stone dais. Its surface was red glazed, symbolizing the sun. In the Qing Dynasty, the altar was rebuilt in brick, with nine-stair steps in the east, west, north, and south, each about 16.7 meters long, 16.7 meters wide and 2 meters high.

Ancient buildings in Temple of the Sun were devastated before 1949. In 1951, the Beijing government began the reconstruction of the relics in the park; and in 1956, Temple of the Sun was open to public with an extended area of 206,200 sq meters.

The altar we see today in Temple of the Sun was reconstructed in 1985 in accordance with its form in Qing Dynasty. Low walls covered with green glazed tiles surround the altar, measuring about 255 meters around and forming a square of about 4,667 sq meters. The wall has six white stone gates on all four sides. Three gates sit in the west; outside these gates, there are big iron stoves which were used to burn the oblations. In the other three sides respectively have one gate.

In recent years, new scenic areas are accessible to the visitors. An amusement park has been built for children; anglers can have a great time in the fishing zone; music festivals, the flower shows in the spring, the adoption and caring for the ancient trees and other various activities attract lots of people.

Beijing-Travels.com offers online information on Beijing Temple of the Sun, Keep browsing our site for More Attractions information in Beijing China.