Getting to the Temple of Heaven at a glance
The Temple of Heaven (Tiantan) sits at 7 Tiantan Neidongli in Dongcheng, Beijing, east of the old Zhengyangmen gate. The park covers about 273 hectares, so the gate you choose decides how far you walk. The easiest way in is the metro: Line 5 stops at the East Gate and Line 8 at the West Gate.
Before you leave, book your admission. Foreign visitors book with a passport, and the same document is what you show at the gate. Our Temple of Heaven tickets guide explains the prices and the booking steps, and the opening hours page shows when the park and the halls open.
The four gates compared
The park has an East, West, South and North Gate. Guide handouts are available at all four.
| Gate | Metro | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| East Gate | Line 5, Tiantandongmen, exit A | A footbridge leads from here to the Hongqiao market |
| West Gate | Line 8, Tianqiao, exit C | The opposite side of the park from the East Gate |
| South Gate | – | Meeting point for the park's guide service |
| North Gate | – | Baby care room, a temporary replacement since April 2026 |
For most first visits, the East Gate on Line 5 is the simplest start: the station is named after the gate and you only need one line. Choose the West Gate if your hotel or walk begins around Tianqiao.
Our pick: a private day with hotel pickup
With hotel pickup you do not need to plan the metro or the gates.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Temple of Heaven tours and Beijing day trips
Guided visits to the Temple of Heaven and city tours that include it, with live prices and availability.
By metro: fares and payment
Beijing charges by distance. The tariff for a single trip is below. Airport lines are not part of this scale, so check the fare on the machine for those.
| Distance | Fare per trip |
|---|---|
| Up to 6 km | CNY 3 |
| 6–12 km | CNY 4 |
| 12–22 km | CNY 5 |
| 22–32 km | CNY 6 |
| Beyond 32 km | CNY 1 more for each further 20 km |
This is the network scale, not the price from your hotel. Your map app shows the line, the stops and the exit.
Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards can be used directly at suitable metro gates, but acceptance varies, so keep a second way to pay. Alipay and WeChat accept registration with a foreign number and linked foreign cards. Verification, limits and fees depend on the provider.
Choosing your route
The main sights line up from south to north: the Circular Mound Altar, the Imperial Vault and the Hall of Prayer, joined by the 360 m Danbi Bridge.
Early morning
The park opens at 06:00 from 1 April to 31 October and at 06:30 from 1 November to 31 March. Locals practise tai chi and other pastimes on the grounds in the morning. A park ticket does not open the halls earlier: they open at 08:00. See Tiantan Park in the morning.
After the Temple of Heaven
From the East Gate a footbridge leads to the Hongqiao market, known for pearls and accessories. Qianmen Street has its own station on Line 2.
Mondays
Since 1 September 2026 the Hall of Prayer, the Echo Wall, the Circular Mound Altar and the Zhaigong close again on Mondays, except on public holidays. The park is listed separately, so a Monday walk through the grounds works. Plan the halls for another day.
Services at the gates
The Danbi visitor centre has been closed for renovation since 10 April 2026. Other visitor services are at the South or North Gate. Guided visits start at the South Gate and need to be registered 2 days ahead, see Temple of Heaven tours.
Entry to China in brief
German passport holders with a regular passport can currently enter China without a visa for tourism for up to 30 days. The rule runs until 31 December 2026. Other nationalities have different rules, and the 240-hour transit scheme is a separate case. Details on who can enter without a visa are in our guide to China visa-free entry. Once you land, where to stay helps you pick an area and a gate.
Drones are a special case: Beijing has been controlled airspace since 1 May 2026, and bringing a drone to the city is generally not allowed. Leave it at home.
Getting to the Temple of Heaven: frequently asked questions
Which metro station is closest to the Temple of Heaven?
Tiantandongmen on Line 5 (exit A) for the East Gate and Tianqiao on Line 8 (exit C) for the West Gate.
Which gate should I use?
Use the gate on the side of your hotel or your previous stop. For most first visits the East Gate on Line 5 is the simplest, because you only need one line.
How much is the metro to the Temple of Heaven?
Fares start at CNY 3 for trips up to 6 km and rise to CNY 4, CNY 5 and CNY 6 with distance (2025 tariff). The machine shows the exact fare for your trip.
Can I pay for the metro with a foreign card?
Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards can be used directly at suitable gates. Keep a second option, such as cash or a registered mobile wallet, in case a gate does not accept your card.
Is the Temple of Heaven open on Monday?
The park is listed separately and the grounds can be visited. The Hall of Prayer, the Echo Wall and the Circular Mound Altar close on Mondays, except on public holidays.