Beijing Ditan Park

Ditan Park, located on Andingmenwai Street in Dongcheng District, Beijing, served as the site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed sacrifices to the "God of Earth." It is the largest existing altar for earth worship in China. Below is a detailed introduction to Ditan Park: --- ### **Historical Background** - **Construction Date**: Originally built in 1530 (the ninth year of the Jiajing reign in the Ming Dynasty), it corresponds with the Temple of Heaven (for heaven worship), adhering to the "round heaven and square earth" concept with its square layout. - **Function**: Fourteen emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties consecutively performed earth worship ceremonies here for 381 years, representing ancient ritual culture. - **Modern Transformation**: Opened as a park in 1925, it is now a national key cultural relic protection site and is listed as an extension of the World Cultural Heritage site, the "Imperial Altars of Heaven—Temple of Heaven." --- ### **Main Attractions** 1. **Fangze Altar (Worship Platform)** - The core structure of Ditan Park, a two-tiered square platform made of white marble, with an altar facing north, following the ancient "square mound in a marsh" design. - The altar surface is paved with symbolic stones representing the "six and eight yin numbers," reflecting ancient philosophical thought. 2. **Imperial Earth God Shrine** - A hall enshrining the spirit tablets of the God of Earth, featuring a yellow glazed tile single-eave roof and preserving Qing Dynasty sacrificial furnishings. 3. **Divine Storehouse, Divine Kitchen, and Slaughtering Pavilion** - A complex of functional buildings used for preparing sacrificial offerings and ceremonies. 4. **Pailou (Archway) and Bell Tower** - The ancient pailou outside the west gate is a recent reconstruction, and the bell tower houses an ancient Ming Dynasty bell. 5. **Ginkgo Avenue** - A hundred-meter ginkgo-lined road on the north side of the park, ablaze with golden hues in autumn, is a famous spot for autumn viewing in Beijing. --- ### **Special Events** - **Ditan Temple Fair**: Started in 1985, held annually during the Lunar New Year, famous for traditional folk performances, snacks, and handicrafts, with an average daily visitor count exceeding 100,000. - **Cultural Exhibitions**: The Imperial Earth God Shrine houses a permanent exhibition on earth worship culture, displaying ritual objects such as bronzeware and musical instruments. - **Public Activities**: Regular public cultural activities such as tai chi, choir singing, and square dancing. --- ### **Practical Information** - **Tickets**: CNY 2 (peak season), CNY 1 (off-season); combined ticket for the Imperial Earth God Shrine and Fangze Altar: CNY 5. - **Opening Hours**: 6:00–21:30 (peak season, May–October), 6:00–20:30 (off-season). - **Transportation**: Subway Line 2/Line 5, Yonghegong Station, Exit A, or Bus No. 13/116/125, Ditan West Gate Station. - **Suggested Visiting Time**: 1–2 hrs. --- ### **Nearby Attractions** - **Yonghe Temple**: 500m straight-line distance, a Qing Dynasty imperial Tibetan Buddhist temple. - **Confucius Temple and Imperial College**: 15 min walk, the highest educational institution during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. - **Wudaoying Hutong**: A gathering place for art shops and cafes, ideal for relaxation. --- ### **Literary Mark** The writer Shi Tiesheng found spiritual solace in Ditan Park, exploring the meaning of life in his essay "Me and Ditan." Commemorative panels related to the essay are displayed in the park. --- Ditan Park integrates history, architecture, ecology, and local culture. It is not only a window into ancient sacrificial culture but also a tranquil place to experience the life of Beijing residents. If time permits, a half-day tour combining the Yonghe Temple area is recommended.