The Imperial Vault of Heaven is located within the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven Park. It is a grand hall in the style of a wu-dian structure, serving as the place where the main and auxiliary deities of the Qi Gu Altar are enshrined during regular worship. Constructed in the 18th year of the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1420), it is connected to the altar through three colored glaze gates, featuring a blue glazed wu-dian roof and a base with white marble railings.
The plaque hanging under the eaves, inscribed with ‘Imperial Vault of Heaven,’ was personally written by Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty. The deities are all enshrined in niches shaped like houses. On the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month, officials from the sacrificial management office are dispatched to clean and offer incense at regular times. The day before the sacrifice, the Emperor, the Minister of Rites, and the Grand Master of Ceremonies, among others, perform rituals and offer incense before respectfully transferring the divine tablets to the Dragon Pavilion, from where they are carried by the Imperial Guard to their respective positions within the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests to be worshipped. Opening Hours: Please consult the scenic area for specific opening times.Related posts:
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