The western gate of Ditan Park stands marked by a deep vermilion paint and heavy, traditional eaves that contrast against the surrounding city street. This site served as the Altar of the Earth, where Ming and Qing dynasty emperors knelt…
Ditan Park Morning Culture
This morning stroll through the historic Temple of Earth park immerses you in the lively, heartwarming routines of Beijing's active retirees. You will watch local elders practice water calligraphy, perform gravity-defying gymnastics, spin diabolos, and dance under ancient cypress trees.
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1. Ditan Park （West Gate）
2. Bell Tower
A tall, weathered structure with a dark, tiled roof rises near the north end of the grounds. While the grounds are quiet, this spot serves as a natural anchor for the morning routines nearby. Locals often gather in the shadow of this tower…
3. Ditan Park-Fitness Area
The fitness area in Ditan Park is defined by rows of metal exercise machines bolted into the concrete, surrounded by groups of older residents practicing Tai Chi or playing cards. This park originally served as the Altar of the Earth,…
4. Ditan TCM Health Culture Park
Ditan TCM Health Culture Park sits tucked inside the northwest corner of the ancient Ditan Park. It is marked by a series of quiet, enclosed courtyards filled with medicinal herb gardens and statues depicting traditional Chinese medical…
5. Ditan Park Peony Garden
The Ditan Park Peony Garden features a dense cluster of nearly a hundred varieties of peonies, some imported from as far away as Heze in Shandong Province. In the nineteen eighties, the park staff decided to transform this patch of land to…
6. Fangzetan
The Fangzetan, or Altar of the Earth, features a square yellow-tiled terrace surrounded by a low wall and a square moat. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, emperors traveled here during the summer solstice to offer sacrifices to the…