In the Footsteps of the Emperor: A Walk and Discussion at the Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven features some of the most iconic architecture in Beijing. It is also one of the city's largest public parks and a gathering place for Beijingers of all ages. Nowhere else does the city’s past and present exist so prominently side by side.
We will explore the Temple of Heaven complex and discuss its ritual and historical significance. What kinds of rituals were performed here, why, and by whom? How did past emperors justify their rule? What is the intersection between cosmology and politics in Chinese history? We will examine the connections between past and present and how ancient forms of political legitimacy linger into the 21st century.
Along the way, we will have a chance to witness the vibrant culture of one of Beijing’s largest parks. We might see dancers, musicians, martial artists, even sometimes parents matchmaking their (often unsuspecting) grown children!
Duration: About two hours
Upcoming Public Walks at the Temple of Heaven
300 RMB per person (260 RMB for members of The Hutong)
Price includes all guide fees and tickets
Consider a Private Tour!
Looking for a walk that fits your schedule? Interested in a personal experience for you or your group?
Private walks of the Temple of Heaven are available for individuals, families, schools, and company groups.
Private walks are 1900 RMB total for up to five people and 200 RMB for each additional person including all admission costs, guide fees, and tips. The maximum group size is limited to 12 to minimize the impact on the sites we visit and to be in compliance with current policies at the Temple of Heaven.
What others have said...
“My brother is visiting and I arranged the tour for him. He was fascinated by Jeremiah, how much he knows and his good sense of humor that made this a great tour where he learned but also had fun.”
Your Walk Leader
Jeremiah Jenne is a writer and historian based in Beijing since 2002. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, and taught Late Imperial and Modern Chinese History for over 15 years. His essays and articles on China have appeared in The Economist, South China Morning Post, The Journal of Asian Studies, Los Angeles Review of Books, and The World of Chinese. His writings can also be found in China in 2008: A Year of Great Significance, The Insider's Guide to Beijing, and the 2015 collection While We're Here: China Stories from a Writer's Colony. Jeremiah is frequently asked to speak and lead workshops on history, culture, and cultural adaptation for students, embassies, companies, and community groups. Along with David Moser, Jeremiah also hosts the podcast Barbarians at the Gate. You can follow him on Twitter @jeremiahjenne or online at jeremiahjenne.com.