斋宫 — Attraction in Beijing

The Palace of Abstinence is a neat and, compared to the other attractions in the Temple of Heaven park, quiet and peaceful. Surrounded by what used to be a moat (now the base has plants and garbage instead of water) with walls enclosing the many buildings inside, this is where the emperor used to spend the three days prior to ceremonies at the Temple of Heaven, during which he would be alone, without alcohol, and eating only vegetarian food. Tons of history here and lots of solitude compared to the rest of the park. Unfortunately when I visited, the Palace of Abstinence was closed off so I was unable to see anything inside. Not sure if this place is always closed off or I was just unlucky, but either way it isn't too far away from the Yuanjiu Altar Mound or the Vault of Heaven, so you should absolutely take a walk this way on your visit. The peace and quiet in this area of the park alone is...

The Hall of Abstinence is next to the west gate of the Park of the Temple of Heaven. It was a place for the emperor to abstain from food before the Worshipping Heaven Ceremony started. It has several distinctive buildings, such as the Beamless Hall, the Rest Palace, and the Belfry. The objects in the buildings such as the throne, the screens and even Qianlong’s ink brushes, are all original. Entrance to this Hall is free, however visitors need to show passport in order to get an...

A less known and therefore less visited part of the Temple of Heaven-complex, but still quiet interesting. Before the ceremonies started, the emperor first fasted for three days in the Zhai Gong (Palace of Abstinence). Worth a visit if you have...