Temple of Earth

The Temple of the Earth (simplified Chinese: 地坛; traditional Chinese: 地壇; pinyin: Dìtán) in Beijing, China, is a very important and old place. It is found in the northern part of central Beijing, near the Andingmen area and just outside the city’s second ring road. It is also close to the Yonghe Temple.

With an area of 42.7 hectares (106 acres), it is the second largest of the five Temples of Beijing, only smaller than the famous Temple of Heaven.

The temple was built in 1530 during the time of the Ming dynasty. Important leaders called emperors, from both the Ming and Qing dynasties, would come here every year on the summer solstice to give special offerings to honor the heaven. Across the city, in the southern end near Chongwenmen, stands the Temple of Heaven, which is its matching temple.

History

The Temple of Earth, also called Ditan Park, was built in 1530 by the Jiajing Emperor during the Ming dynasty. It covers 40 hectares (99 acres) outside Beijing's second ring road, right in the middle of a busy area. The park has beautiful gardens and paths lined with trees.

The shape of the Temple of Earth is square, which in Chinese culture stands for Earth. It is placed in the north of Beijing, a direction linked to Earth. In contrast, the much larger Temple of Heaven is circular, symbolizing the sky, and is found in the south of Beijing. These temples, together with the Temple of the Moon and Temple of the Sun, have special spiritual meanings.

Today, Ditan Park is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Besides the small temple, the park has places for children to play, areas where people can write with water on cement, food stalls, and more. Many people come here to jog, run, or practice Tai Chi. Since the 1980s, temple fairs have been held every year during the Chinese lunar new year.

Religious Purpose

The Temple of Earth in Beijing is where people can honor the god of Earth.

Emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties visited the temple during the summer solstice to offer sacrifices. They hoped these sacrifices would bring good harvests, a strong nation, and good weather.

Each year during Chinese New Year, the temple hosts a popular festival with many red lanterns and visitors. The main altar, called Fangze Tan or "square water altar," is square-shaped, reflecting the ancient Chinese belief of a square Earth. The temple includes several important buildings arranged along a north-south axis.