Temple of Earth (Ditan Park)

Visitor info

Opening hours: 06:00-21:00
Ticket: CNY 2

Price is indicative — final quote on inquiry.

Built in the 9th year of the Ming Jiajing reign (1530), Fangzetan (the Square Water Altar) was where emperors of the Ming and Qing sacrificed to the 'God of Earth,' echoing the Temple of Heaven to the south: the altar is ringed by a square water channel symbolizing 'round heaven and square earth'; ancient cypresses shroud the grounds, and it opened as a public park in 1925. Writer Shi Tiesheng wrote of his dialogue with fate here in Me and Ditan (My Altar), making it a landmark of contemporary literature that draws a steady stream of visitors; the Spring Festival Ditan Temple Fair is one of the best-known temple fairs in northern China, with earth-worship performances and cultural markets drawing huge crowds.

Getting there: Metro Line 2/5, Yonghegong Station

Photos

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