How to Book Tickets for Temple of Heaven in Beijing: A Detailed Guide

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Beijing's Temple of Heaven is a must-see for foreign tourists traveling to the Chinese capital. However, for those who are not familiar with China's online booking system, purchasing tickets can be tricky. Don't worry! This guide will explain step-by-step how to book your tickets easily, with English screenshots, international card payment methods and tips for tourists with foreign passports.

Why is the Temple of Heaven a must-see?

The only architectural complex of “dialogue between heaven and man”

Built in 1420, the Temple of Heaven was the sacred site where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Its design reflects China's ancient worldview: the circular layout in the north and square layout in the south symbolize "round heaven and square earth." Even the number of bricks on the floor hides secrets of the lunar calendar.

Three wonders that you cannot miss

1. The Echo Wall:In the Temple of the Heavenly Vault, if you speak softly at one end of the circular wall, the sound will travel clearly to the other end (try saying “Hello Beijing!” in your language!).
2. The Blue Secret of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: Its blue tiled roofs symbolize the sky, and the hall has no beams, supported only by 28 nanmu wooden columns.
3. The numerical mystery of the Circular Altar:The central stone at the top is surrounded by 9 rings of slabs, each with a number of stones that is a multiple of 9, representing the most yang number.

Hidden experiences that only locals know about

• Sunrise at Danbi Bridge: In summer, the park opens at 6:00, perfect for silhouette photos on the bridge.
• Look for the thousand-year-old cypressOn the west side of the park, the “nine dragon cypress” has a trunk with patterns that look like dragons.
• Beijing Opera at dawn: On weekends, near the Abstinence Palace, locals sing Beijing opera. You can join in or just watch!

Complete Guide to Buying Tickets for the Temple of Heaven

Option 1: Book tickets on Changyou Gongyuan website (you need a Chinese phone number)

For whom it is: Travelers who already have a Chinese phone number

Step 1:: Visit the Changyou Gongyuan website (not the official Temple of Heaven site, but it includes all Beijing attractions), and click “English” in the top right corner to switch to English.

Step 2:: Log in to the website with a Chinese phone number.

Step 3:: Select “Temple of Heaven” to make your reservation. You can also book admission to other Beijing attractions here.

Step 4:: Select the date, type of tickets and period to visit the Temple of Heaven.

Ticket Type:

• Full price combo ticket: A full-price combination ticket, including the admission ticket and tickets to designated scenic spots in the park, namely the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Echo Wall, and the Circular Mound Altar.
• Full price entrance ticket: One adult admission ticket, not including tickets to other scenic spots in the park (parks within the park).
• Combined ticket with discount: A discounted combination ticket, which includes the admission ticket and tickets to designated scenic spots in the park, namely the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Echo Wall, and the Circular Mound Altar.
• Discounted entrance ticket: A discounted admission ticket, not including tickets to other scenic spots in the park (parks within the park).

Step 5:: Fill in the information to make the purchase

• Name: Must match passport (in capital letters, for example, JOHN SMITH).
• Telephone: +86 followed by a Chinese number, or buy a local SIM card.
• Passport number: Add the country code before the number (for example, USA123456789).
• Date of birth

Payment methods:

• International cards (Visa/Mastercard) with a 3% commission.
• We recommend using Alipay Tour Pass (temporary account that accepts foreign cards).

Ticket collection:

• Print the ticket from the vending machines at the south gate with your passport and reservation number.
• Or show the QR code on the e-ticket to scan directly.

Option 2: Purchase tickets via WeChat (you need a WeChat account)

For whom it is: Travelers who already use WeChat and plan an extended stay in China.

Step 1:: Search for the official account “Tiantan” on WeChat.

Step 2:: Fill in your passport number and then select the type of tickets.

Ticket Type:

• Admission ticket: Admission ticket only.
• By ticket: Includes admission ticket, Harvest Prayer Hall, Echo Wall, and Circular Mound Altar.
• Tickets for specific scenic spots: Includes the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Echo Wall, and the Circular Mound Altar.

Step 3:: Make the payment:

• Link an international card to your WeChat Wallet (accepts Visa/Mastercard).
• Limit of 5000 RMB per transaction, we recommend recharging in several times.

Step 4:: The electronic ticket is saved in the “Card Package” section of WeChat, without the need to exchange it for a physical one.

Option 3: Buy from platforms directly without any hassle

Advantages: Multilingual interface, no commissions and with a guide included.

Frequently Asked Questions about Beijing Cideo Temple

Temple of Heaven opening hours

park gate

• Opening hours: 6:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m. (April 1 to October 31), 6:30 a.m. to 21:00 p.m. (November 1 to March 31)
• Closing time: 22:00

Direct entrance to 3 scenic spots: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Echo Wall and the Circular Mound Altar

• Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. to 17:30 p.m. (April 1 to October 31), 8:00 a.m. to 16:30 p.m. (November 1 to March 31) (Tuesday to Sunday)
• Closing time: 18:00 (from April 1st to October 31st), 17:00 (from November 1st to March 31st)

Can I buy tickets without a Chinese phone number?

Yes! Use the hotel number (e.g. +86 10 1234 5678). They don't check the number when you enter.

How is child entry defined?

Children under 18 enter free with a passport (children under 1.2 meters do not need a reservation), but must register online.

Can I buy tickets on the day or do I need to book in advance?

In low season you can buy tickets on the same day, but in high season (May/October) book at least 3 days in advance. The website releases 15% of daily tickets.

Are there audio guides in English or another language?

Three options:

• Rent an audio guide (Cost: RMB￥40, Deposit: RMB￥50, Language: Chinese, English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Italian, etc.)
• Scan QR codes to hear free explanations (search “Tiantan Audio Tour” on WeChat).
• Hire a bilingual guide at the South Gate (Cost: depending on the number of people, Language: Chinese and English).

Are there lockers near the Temple of Heaven?

The South Gate Visitor Center offers luggage storage (￥10 per piece until 17:00). For large luggage, use the lockers at Beijing Station (subway line 2).

How long does it take to visit? What route do you recommend?

• Classic route (2 hours): Circular Altar → Echo Wall → Temple of the Heavenly Vault → Danbi Bridge → Hall of Prayer → Seven Star Stones.
• Full route (4 hours): Palace of Abstinence + Divine Music Office + walk through the cypress forest.

How to avoid crowds?

Recommended hours

• 6:00-8:00: Local exercise time, ideal for photos.
• 15:00 onwards: The tourist groups begin to leave.
• Rainy or snowy days: The contrast between the red walls and the blue roofs with the snow is spectacular.

Secrets for photos

• Best angle of the Hall of Prayer: West stairs of the Palace of Heaven, use a wide angle.
• Wear solid colored clothing (red/white) to contrast with the architecture.
• The light is softer after 16pm, the roofs glow gold.

Alternative exits to avoid crowds

Exit through the west gate and walk 10 minutes towards the Temple of Agriculture (China Ancient Agriculture Museum) It is less crowded and has symmetrical elements to the Temple of Heaven.

Save this guide and review it before your trip to become a Temple of Heaven expert! If you have any further questions, please leave them in the comments! Having lived in Beijing for 8 years, I'd be happy to help.