In the bustling metropolis of Beijing, there are places you'll find some greenery, peace and tranquility. Ditan Park, sitting in the northern part of central Beijing, is considered one of them.

Ditan, also known as the Temple of Earth, is the second largest imperial altar in the city that used to serve as a site to worship the God of Earth during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1638-1911).

The overall configuration of the altar mirrors the ancient Chinese architectural practices of "Tian Yuan Di Fang" – meaning the round heaven and square earth. That explains why Ditan was constructed in a square shape, whereas Tiantan, the Temple of Heaven located in the southern part of the city, features a circular layout.

During the Summer Solstice, a grand ceremony would be held where the emperor made sacrificial offerings to Earth, praying for his longevity and prosperity for the people. However, the rituals weren't easy. 

It's said that the emperor would kneel down more than 70 times and kowtow (the act of kneeling and bowing to have one's head touch the ground to show respect) over 200 times throughout the whole ceremony that usually lasted for two hours. 

Such a large amount of activity casted a great burden on the emperors, and they would normally send someone else on his behalf to do the rituals when they get old or sick. The Kangxi Emperor – the longest-reigning emperor in Chinese history, for instance, offered sacrifices to Earth 26 times during the first 40 years of his 61-year reign, and his sons and qinwang (prince of the first rank) carried out the rituals for the rest of his reign.

The park has gone through a green transformation over the years creating spacious tree-lined paths and lush gardens, extending the idea of harmony between human beings and nature. It also provides recreational areas for the locals, especially for elderly people. 

The fall foliage creates one of the most beautiful sights during a year, typically from mid-October to mid-November when some of the city's oldest gingko trees in the park turn gold. 

During the Spring Festival holiday, it boasts one of the most popular temple fairs in the city.

Travel tips:

Opening hours: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. from May to October, closing an hour earlier during the rest of the year.

Ticket price: Two yuan ($0.3) for entrance, and five yuan for the Fangze Altar and Huangqi Hall.

(Cover image designed by Yin Yating)