Temple of the Sun (Ritan Park)
The Temple of the Sun is on North Ritan Road in Chaoyang District, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the center of Beijing. It is one of the five famous altars of the city built in 1530, which was the venue where the emperors offered sacrifice to the Sun during Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911). Ancient buildings there were devastated once. In 1951, the local government began the reconstruction of the relics of the Temple of the Sun; and in 1956, it was open to public with an extended area of 250,000 square yards (209,032 square meters). In recent years, new scenic areas are accessible to visitors. An amusement park has been built for children; anglers can have a great time in the fishing zone; music festivals, the flower shows in the spring, the adoption and caring for the ancient trees and other various activities attract lots of people.
Reappearance of the original
At first, the west-facing Altar of the Sun here was a raised rectangular white stone dais. Its surface was red glazed, symbolizing the sun. In the Qing Dynasty, the Altar of the Sun was rebuilt in brick, with nine-stair steps in the east, west, north, and south, each about 18.3 yards (16.7 meters) in length and width, and 7 feet (2 meters) in height. The altar we see today was reconstructed in 1985 in accordance with its form in the Qing Dynasty. Low walls covered with green glazed tiles surround the altar, measuring about 280 yards (255 meters) around and forming a square of about 5,582 square yards (4,667 square meters). The wall has altogether six white stone gates on all four sides. Three gates sit in the west; outside these gates, there are big iron stoves which were used to burn the oblations. In the other three sides respectively have one gate.
By the northwest of the square a palace called Jufu was built, which originally stands in the south and in 1742 in the Qing Dynasty, the Emperor Qianlong changed its place. The Jufu Palace was a rectangular courtyard. Three main halls face the south and in the east and west sides of the palace separately stand three other halls. There, the emperor could relax and change his clothes.
Shen Ku (Holy Storehouse) and Shen Chu (Holy Kitchen) are located outside the north white stone gate. The west-facing Shen Ku is the place where the enshrined god worship tablets were stored, while the south-facing Shen Chu is where the oblations were made and deposited. Zaisheng Pavilion by the north of Shen Ku and Shen Chu is where animal sacrifices were slaughtered.
There are 44 ancient trees in the Temple of the Sun, one of which is a 1,100-year-old cypress tree. Its twisting, encircling and upward-pointing branches are just like nine black dragons, so it is named "Nine Dragon Cypress (Jiulong Cypress)".
A Sketch of New Scenery
Yuxin Garden takes an area of 3,600 square yards (3,000 sq meters). The scenery is enchanting: walking along the winding path in the garden you can see a sycamore of one yard in girth. The thick-branched and wide-spreading tree is like a beach umbrella, providing welcome shade for summer visitors.
Southwest Scenic Section
The forest-clad mountain and the beautiful lake complete the scene. The lake covers an area of about 5,600 square yards (4,700 sq meters), and it sparkles in the sunlight. Ancient-style pavilions, painted stone and boats wait by the side of the lake.
Qinghui Pavilion is located in the southeast side. You can enjoy the beautiful sunrise here.
1. Take Subway Line 6 to Dongdaqiao Station. Then walk for 1,400 yards (1.3km) to the north gate of Ritan Park.
2. Take Subway Line 1 or Subway Line 2 to Jianguomen Station. Get out from Exit B. Then walk for about 2,000 yards (1.8km) to the south gate.
1. Take bus 639 to Ritan Gongyuan (Ritan Park) Station.
2. Take bus 28, 43, 120, 126, or 403 and get off at Fangcaodi Station. Then walk 700 yards (640m) to the west and arrive at the north gate of Ritan Park. Or visitors can get off at Fangcaodi Nan Station to enter from the south gate.
3. Take bus 44, 58, or 650 and get off at Yabaolu Station. Then walk to the east for 700 yards (640m) and arrive at the west gate.
Beijing Bus / Subway Search
06:00 - 21:00 (Winter); 06:00 - 22:00 (Summer)
Best time to visit:
Recommended Nearby Attractions:
Sanlitun Bar Street
Blue Zoo (Gongti Richina Underwater World)
Ming Dynasty City Wall Relics Park
China Post and Postage Museum