The Circular Mound Altar is located in the southern half of the Temple of Heaven. It was first built in the ninth year of Jiajing (1530). It is also known as the Sacrificial Altar to Heaven, Worshiping Altar to Heaven, and Sacrificial Platform. The Circular Mound Altar faces south and is surrounded by red palace walls decorated with green glazed tiles, commonly known as the ‘sub-wall’. The Circular Mound Altar is the place where the emperor holds the grand ceremony of sacrificing to heaven on the winter solstice.
The main buildings include the Circular Mound Altar, the Hall of Heavenly Retreat and its side halls, the Divine Kitchen, the Three Storehouses, and the Sacrificial Animal Pavilion. The affiliated buildings include the Costume Platform, Lantern-Watching Tower, etc. The main building, the Circular Mound Altar platform, is circular, symbolizing the ‘heavenly garden’. It is a three-story building with a height of 5. 17 meters. There are nine steps on each side of each floor. There are exquisitely carved white marble railings around each floor. Opening hours: Open from 08:00 to 18:00 all year round; Open from 08:00 to 17:00 all year round; Closed all day on Mondays all year round. Closed on Mondays (normally open during legal holidays and from July 15 to August 31). The specific business status is subject to the opening situation on that day.The Circular Mound Altar
The Circular Mound Altar is located in the southern half of the Temple of Heaven. It was first built in […]
