Temple of the Moon (China) Park

Address: Temple of the Moon, Chongwenmen Outer Street area, Beijing, China (part of historic ritual complexes)

Hours: Temple of Heaven complex: Daily 6:00am-8:00pm (museum buildings usually 8:00/8:30am-5:00pm)

Admission: Entrance to the Temple of the Moon is part of entry to the Temple of Heaven complex (ticketed, ~40 CNY for foreigners as of recent pricing)

The Temple of the Moon (Yuetan) is an imperial sacrificial complex in western central Beijing originally built for rites dedicated to the Moon. The site dates from the Ming dynasty and was used by the imperial court for seasonal worship ceremonies.

The complex centers on a raised circular altar and associated ritual spaces and has been preserved as a historic ensemble within a modern urban park. In later periods the grounds became a public park and recreational area, while the main altar and surrounding masonry remain as the principal historic features.

Yuetan sits in the Xicheng district of Beijing, west of the old city centre and within the built-up area of the capital. The park and historic temple area are reachable from central Beijing by road and public transport.

• Public park: Now part of a public green space known as Yuetan Park, with walkways and seasonal plantings surrounding the historic altar area.

Reach the area by Beijing Metro: Tiantandongmen or Tiantan East Gate station (Line 5) for the Temple of Heaven complex; local buses and taxis serve the surrounding Chongwenmen area. The Moon Temple is part of the broader ritual precinct-check local signage.

• Combine a visit with the Temple of Heaven to see both major Ming and Qing ritual sites in a single trip.
• Visit around dawn to watch tai chi practitioners in the surrounding park, then enter the temple complex before the tourist buses arrive.
• Respect the site's ritual geography-avoid loud behavior in the inner courtyards and follow photo restrictions if posted.