Temple of the Sun - one of the most popular Chinese temples. It is located about ten kilometers from the center of Beijing, the east side of the Forbidden City and a member of the four most famous shrines such as the Temple of the Earth, the Temple of Heaven, Temple of the Moon. Today this temple - respected and popular place, is under the protection of the laws on the protection of cultural and historical monuments.

The temple is located in the Chaoyang district, also called the "Ritan Park." It was built during the reign of the imperial Ming Dynasty in 1530 for worshiping the sun. During the war the church was destroyed, but in 1951 the Beijing authorities held a reenactment of work and rebuild the temple for 5 years, after which he became open to tourists. The total area of ​​the temple area - about 20 hectares.

Altar of the Sun is not very common in the broadest sense of the word "temple", as the territory of the temple itself is missing. On the spot where the ancient sacrifices, altar erected a height of about 2 meters, square shape. The altar is made of white stone and with all parties to it are the steps. Around the altar built low walls, lined with green glazed tiles. The stone walls are 6 gates, 3 of them are located on the western part, and 1 - in the north, south and east. Behind you can see the main gate of the iron furnace large, which used to burn the sacrifices brought by the Sun God.

Also in the park, "Ritan" is "God's Pavilion", several round pools, lake with arched bridge, which is always cool water. Nearby is the beautiful garden with peonies, beds and lounges, located on the western side of the park.