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Temples & religious sites

Temple of Earth

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Temple of Earth

The Temple of Earth

Located in northern Beijing, this site is the second-largest of the city's five great altars. It was historically used for sacrificial rituals to the earth. Travelers visit this complex to see traditional imperial architecture and experience a quieter environment compared to the larger Temple of Heaven.

Getting There

The site is accessible from the city center via the Beijing subway system or by taxi. Depending on your starting point in central Beijing, the journey typically takes between 30 and 50 minutes.

Duration of Visit

Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to walk through the grounds and view the main structures.

When to Visit

Visiting during weekday mornings generally avoids the largest crowds. Spring and autumn are the most temperate seasons for walking the outdoor grounds. Avoid national holidays if you prefer a less crowded experience.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its location, this site can be combined with other cultural landmarks in the northern district:

  • Yonghe Temple: 0.5km
  • Beijing Temple of Confucius: 0.7km
  • Shichahai: 2.4km
  • Houhai: 2.9km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Temple of Earth

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Good to visit alongside

Yonghe Temple

Castles & palaces

Yonghe Temple

The Lama Temple (Yonghegong) is a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing, ranked among the most significant Lamaist temples in the world. Its unique architecture blends Chinese and Tibetan styles.

0.5 km away

Beijing Temple of Confucius

Temples & religious sites

Beijing Temple of Confucius

This temple in Beijing honors Confucius and is China's second-largest Confucian temple after the one in Qufu. It's a quiet place to wander and take in traces of Confucian culture.

0.7 km away

Shichahai

Parks & gardens

Shichahai

An old lakeside district in Beijing facing Beihai Park, said to be where the merchant Shen Wansan once mined silver, according to legend. Strolling along the lakeshore, you can soak up the historic atmosphere.

2.4 km away

Houhai

Nature

Houhai

A lake in central Beijing surrounded by traditional hutong alleys, and the largest of the lakes that make up Shichahai. Restaurants, bars, and cafés line the shore, offering a lively nightlife scene.

2.9 km away

Prince Gong's Mansion

Castles & palaces

Prince Gong's Mansion

A former princely mansion north of Beijing's Shichahai Lake, made up of sprawling siheyuan courtyards and gardens. It was once home to Prince Gong in the late Qing dynasty, and strolling through its ornate architecture and gardens offers a glimpse into the life of Qing nobility.

3.0 km away

National Art Museum of China

Museums & galleries

National Art Museum of China

Opened in 1963, this national art museum in Beijing is one of China's leading major galleries. It offers a broad look at a wide range of Chinese art.

3.1 km away