This square, open-air altar (tán) was where the emperor would come to pray and give offerings to the gods of land and grain in return for favourable weather conditions. The surrounding gardens were turned into Zhongshan Park in 1916.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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1. Zhongshan Park

0.11 MILES

Named after China's first president Sun Yatsen (alo called Sun Zhongshan), whose body was placed here briefly after his death, this lovely park, filled…

2. Duan Gate

0.15 MILES

Sandwiched between the Gate of Heavenly Peace and Meridian Gate, Duan Gate (Gate of Uprightness) was stripped of its treasures by foreign forces quelling…

3. Gate of Heavenly Peace

0.22 MILES

Instantly recognisable by its giant framed portrait of Mao, and guarded by two pairs of Ming dynasty stone lions, the double-eaved Gate of Heavenly Peace …

4. Meridian Gate

0.22 MILES

This mighty edifice is the Forbidden City's front door, where all visitors to the Palace Museum pass through. During imperial times, the central channel,…

5. Gate of Glorious Harmony

0.24 MILES

A portal leading to the Hall of Martial Valour in the western regions of the Forbidden City's outer court.

7. Sacrificial Hall

0.27 MILES

The main attraction within the Workers' Cultural Palace is the monumental Sacrificial Hall, as exquisite as any temple you'll find in Beijing. Built in…

8. Middle Hall

0.27 MILES

Known locally as the Resting Hall, this imperial building has a yellow-glazed eave-hipped roof. Closed for visitors.